The next pattern from the Spring 2014 collection we’re going to take a closer look at is the Classic Convertible.

[via cargurus.com]

No, not that classic convertible. (Although anyone who knows Ali knows that she would sell her soul for a Shelby Cobra.) We’re talking about this Classic Convertible:

Originally, this bag was called “The Slouch”, but we decided to change it pretty early on, because as you can tell, this bag ain’t no slouch. It’s definitely the sleekest and most sophisticated bag from our debut collection, especially when sewn up in gorgeous, shiny, laminated cotton.

As you can see, the convertible aspect of the bag comes from the fact that it can go from a cute shoulder bag by day to a perfect oversized clutch by night by easily unclipping the removable shoulder strap.

It’s also pretty darn awesome in a sweet quilting cotton.

When you fold the top up, the bag features what we call the Front Divider Pocket.

The Front Divider Pocket has two cool aspects. The first is the bottom pocket with optional keychain clip, which is easily accessible, even when the bag is used as a clutch.

The other fun thing is the hidden zipper pocket with optional card holder.

Here’s the same hidden zipper pocket without the card holder.

Inside, the lining features multiple inner pockets that you can customize for your needs.

The bag also features a zipper closure, so nothing will fall out when you fold the top down.

The finished size is about 10” folded (15” unfolded) x 15 ½” x 3 ½”.

So up until now, the W.O.W. sewing circle has been pretty small – basically Ali and Courtney sewing together in our kitchens. But we tried to make some new sewing connections in Richmond so we could find some awesome people to test our bags. This time around, we managed to find two great women to help us out, and when given the choice of patterns to test, they both picked the Classic Convertible! And we couldn’t be happier with their results.

Our first tester was Theresa. She is the amazing artist behind More Than Muzzles. She is truly a sewer to admire. She hand bastes every seam before machine sewing, and her beautiful Classic Convertible speaks for itself.

You can see that Theresa had a lot of fun using pops of color in her pockets.

We also loved that Theresa wanted us to share the following comment about her experience with our pattern: “Follow along step-by-step even if you are not sure where the process is taking you. You may learn some new techniques you can apply to future projects.”

Our next tester is Regina. She is a machine when it comes to sewing and probably makes about 30 projects each year, everything from quilts to handbags. Her Classic Convertible was intended as a Fall/Halloween bag, but we think it is so classic that it can be used any time of year!

Regina chose to include the optional card holder in the hidden zipper pocket and we love the play on prints she chose.

The PDF pattern has 16 pages and over 100 color photos!! You can buy it via instant download in our Etsy shop or our Craftsy shop for only $9.

And while we generally always encourage you to sew our bags for yourself or your loved ones, we think you should definitely sew this one for yourself before you sew it for anyone else. <smile>

As always, if you have any questions or comments about our patterns, we would be happy to hear from you. And please send us any pictures of your finished Classic Convertibles (the bags, not the cars) because we would love to see and share them!