The Clara Handbag |A LeJanaro Pattern

Hi Guys!  I feel like it’s been forever.  Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?!  Any who, I’ve been so busy lately with orders, pattern testing and some sewing for me.  I recently signed up to do a pattern test on the Clara Handbag by LeJanaro. The Clara Handbag is the first handbag I’ve ever sewn and I’m super excited I signed up to do this pattern test.  I love the way my purse turned out so let’s jump right in.

The Clara Handbag PDF Pattern Test

I love learning and sewing new things, so when I saw LeJanaro post a tester call on Instagram for the Clara Handbag, I jumped at the opportunity.   The Clara Handbag is a spacious bag that includes outside pockets, inside zipper and slip pockets and features a recessed zipper.  I’ve never made a handbag before and I totally enjoyed this entire process.   The pattern comes with very detailed written instructions as well as a step by step video tutorial.  I skimmed the written instructions but jumped right in using the video as my guide.   The pattern’s target audience is beginner and intermediate sewers.  I feel very confident that any beginner would be able to make the Clara Handbag successfully with the step by step instructions included with the pattern.

Pattern Choice and Construction

The Clara Handbag can me made in an array of different fabrics from vinyl to regular cotton fabric.  I chose to use this camo heavy weight cotton fabric that I’ve had in my stash forever.  I thought it had the perfect weight for a bag.  I took a few photos while constructing my purse, but then I got carried away sewing and forgot to take more photos.  My bad. lol  This is my inside slip pocket.  It’s a tad crooked, but never you mind that! It’s beautiful in my eyes.

This is the most beautiful zipper pocket I’ve ever seen. It’s also my very first zipper pocket.  I LOVE IT.

What you are looking at here is the top part of the bag which has a recessed zipper to close the purse.  I’ve never used a separating zipper before and I like it because it allows you to be able to open the bag completely and put as much as you possibly fit inside your purse.  Let’s face it, we need all of the space inside our purses.

Here are a few photos of the inside of my Clara Handbag.  This is what the slip pocket looks like once constructed.

This is my beautiful inside zipper pocket.

This is what the top of the purse looks like with the recessed zipper, looking all profesh and stuff.

Now, I decided to play around with how many different ways I could wear my purse.   Here is the crossbody Clara Handbag.

You can shorten the strap to wear the purse closer to your body and were it more as a tote bag.

Since the Clara purse has a clasp, you are able remove one end of the strap.  I shortened the strap and made it into a fanny pack!  I think this is perfect for the holiday shopping season because you can keep your purse in front of you or to the side.

The Clara Handbag is currently on sale and can be purchased here.  If you’re looking into making a bag, this is the pattern I would suggest. (although this is my first handbag)  The instructions and video tutorial are excellent resources in ensuring your Clara Handbag comes out perfect.  Make sure you head over to https://www.lejanaro.com and make sure you check out LeJanaro’s other purse patterns, free tutorials and even a freebie bag pattern!  Then, when you’re done there, head on over to her Instagram page @LeJanaroB Patterns and show her some love and tell her I sent you.

Til next time,

Johanna