| | |  | Amy Butler - Art of the Midwest | Home » » » Amy Butler Birdie Sling Tote Bag Midwest Modern Sewing Pattern | | | | | | | Description: | | This Amy Butler bag design is easy to make and perfect for a beginner project. The Birdie Sling will be one of your favorite carry-all bags.
The finished bag dimensions are 28" tall with handles x 18" wide. The pattern includes instructions, pattern pieces and a metric conversion chart. | | | Features: | |
• Great beginner sewing project
• Finished size 28" tall w/handles x 18" wide
• Great carry-all tote bag pattern
• Metric Conversion Chart inside
• Includes instructions and pattern pieces
| | | Product Details: | | | Product Weight:
| 0.19 pounds | | Package Length:
| 9.0 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.5 inches | | Package Height:
| 0.3 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.1 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 14 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 14 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 found the following review helpful:
 Fabric Quantities are WAY Overstated!Nov 23, 2009
By Mittenz
I am in the process of making this bag today, and I am positively flabbergasted at how inflated the fabric quantities needed for this pattern are! There is no way on God's green Earth you need 1 1/8 yards of both the exterior fabric and handle fabric! I have way more than 1/2 yard left of both of these, and about 1/3 yard left of the lining fabric as well.
Plus, the layout instructions for cutting out the pieces is terrible! It's like they want you to waste as much of the fabric as humanly possible. I guess maybe Amy Butler is hoping you'll use all of her own fabrics to make some extra $$$'s off the inflated quantities this pattern states to buy! I recommend buying 1 yard each of the fabrics at the very MOST, and using common sense to layout the fabrics better before cutting it so that at least you can utilize all the leftover yardage for another project.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
 Love this tote, just the way it is!May 12, 2010
By P. Myers
First, remember this is not a purse; it's a wonderful large, comfortable tote bag! I've been sewing for 37 years, and found the instructions easy to follow. I wouldn't consider it a good "first" project however. The thing that confused me (I researched it on the internet . . . so many negative comments!) was the top band. By looking at some of the photos on the internet, I believe some people are attaching the band incorrectly. If correctly attached, it should lay flat. What is labeled the "top" on the band pattern piece is actually the top of the band; actually the top of the purse. Attach the other side (not labeled) to the top of the bag (This would make it the bottom of the band pattern piece). Sew a basting stitch 1/2" from the edge and clip. Pin the edges and the center of the band to the top of the bag, and the rest should fall into place; band should contour itself to the bag with even edges; no extra fabric. So much talk about too much fabric on one surface or the other. If you clip and attach the correct sides, all fit right in! When finished sewing, then clip again through the clipped band to get the bag clipped as well. I added a thin strap made of matching fabric in one of the side seams with a toggle clip for car keys. Instead of the small pocket, I made a larger zipped pocket for money, jewelry, watches, etc. Then added a smaller pocket to the face of the larger pocket and divided it into three sections: (1) for small digital camera (2) 1-1/2" section for pen and (3) smaller section for cell phone. I figure the larger pocket divided can be used for suntan lotion and a water bottle. But don't think this is a cheap bag to sew! By some of the internet comments people think they can purchase them for $25.00. The fabrics cost at least that if you buy the cheaper quilting cotton and get all on sale! I want to use the Loralie Nurse fabric for my niece, and I'm figuring the cost will be at least $44.00. So-o-o-o if you see the birdie sling for sale, it won't be cheap. It also takes about 9 hours to cut out and sew. I did find the Thermalan fleece very hard to fuse!
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Great bagJun 17, 2009
By IamSusie
I am pretty new to bag sewing and I found the pattern fairly easy. I saw someone carrying this bag at a quilt show and I had to buy the pattern to see if I could do it myself. I've made three successful bags, although it took me awhile to do the first one. It is a large tote and it is true that there is no closure for the top. I don't see this as a problem, because the top is held shut by your arm when you carry it and the strap is wide on the sides, blocking the opening. It would not be difficult to add a sew in snap to the top opening. This bag is a great way to showcase a large scale print from your fabric collection.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Big sturdy bag, difficult to make.Mar 16, 2009
By mauibeach
"ann"
I found the instructions a bit difficult. I am a basic sewer, mostly do quilting and cross stitch. I gave the pattern away after one bag. I love Amy Butler patterns and fabrics and scrapbook items. I love the pleats on the sides. It is a BIG bag!
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Awesome bagMar 29, 2010
By Brechie
I've made three of these so far and the requests keep coming in for more. I'm an experienced sewer and they were a snap to put together - but could be a little challenge for the newbie - - but doable. Daughter loves this purse for her high school book bag and literally wore one of them out. The shoulder support is one of the most comfortable I've found and I easliy modified the inside for extra pockets. The previous reviewer is correct on the comment of excessive fabric purchased for it - but I had plenty of fabric for the extra pockets and a coordinating accessory or two. Each time I added a magnetic closure. The bag is a hit with the younger crowd. Several neieces and sisters are standing in line for them now. I would suggest Amy Butler twill be used if it will get a lot of wear - her fabrics are fabulously adorable, but pricey.
See all 14 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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