Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this Craftsy kit in exchange for an honest review. Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I was bursting with excitement when I received an email from Craftsy that they wanted to send me a kit to review. I chose this Amy Butler Reversible Sunday Sling in Violette. The choice was for a few reasons: Number 1 being this gorgeous fabric. I actually used some other Violette prints in my Sew Sturdy Hanging Travel Organizer, but the 2 prints in this kit are quite different than the others I've used. Another reason I chose this kit is because I've never used an Amy Butler bag pattern and was curious to try it. When I interviewed Alicia of Swoon for One Thimble, she told me she started sewing bags with Amy Butler patterns, and since I consider Alicia's patterns to be top notch, I had to see her inspiration for myself.
What's in the kit?
The kit includes 1 7/8 yard of Meadow Blooms in Midnight and 1 3/8 yard of Field Poppy in Sky, both 100% cotton, quilting weight from Amy Butler's Violette collection for Free Spirit Fabrics. The kit also comes with the paper pattern to make the Reversible Sunday Sling, which comes in 2 sizes.
I made the small sling bag, which is still very large, and I had plenty of fabric left over. You'll also need matching thread, fusible woven interfacing (like Pellon Shapeflex 101), fusible fleece, and a small amount of Peltex to complete the bag.
I made the small sling bag, which is still very large, and I had plenty of fabric left over. You'll also need matching thread, fusible woven interfacing (like Pellon Shapeflex 101), fusible fleece, and a small amount of Peltex to complete the bag.
Impression
The fabric is so beautiful and bright. I'm a fan of Free Spirit Fabrics. Not only do they have some really great designers (Joel Dewberry, Tula Pink, Anna Maria Horner), but the quality of the fabric is wonderful too. I don't love all of Amy Butler's collections (don't hate me!) but Violette is my style for sure. That being said, my personal style tends to be more of combining a busy print with a solid or a low volume, so mixing these 2 busy florals isn't typically what I'd do. I think it really works for this style of bag though, and overall has a fun effect.
The pattern was pretty easy to follow, but I did have some hairy moments. Some of the pattern pieces are used multiple times, but you have to fold at dashed and/or solid lines for the right piece, so I found myself triple and quadruple checking before cutting. I appreciated that the pattern included a complete glossary of terms, so if you're self-taught like me it's nice to have. Also included is a complete cutting layout. This is a bonus for me, because I find cutting the longest step of every bag, and most of that time is spent thinking out the best, most efficient way to cut the fabric. I should also mention that every piece has a pattern, so you don't have to measure anything out. The pattern consists of mainly text with sparse diagrams. I think more diagrams would make it a bit more beginner friendly, but the instructions are clear enough that a beginner should be able to make this bag, not as a first project though.
The pattern was pretty easy to follow, but I did have some hairy moments. Some of the pattern pieces are used multiple times, but you have to fold at dashed and/or solid lines for the right piece, so I found myself triple and quadruple checking before cutting. I appreciated that the pattern included a complete glossary of terms, so if you're self-taught like me it's nice to have. Also included is a complete cutting layout. This is a bonus for me, because I find cutting the longest step of every bag, and most of that time is spent thinking out the best, most efficient way to cut the fabric. I should also mention that every piece has a pattern, so you don't have to measure anything out. The pattern consists of mainly text with sparse diagrams. I think more diagrams would make it a bit more beginner friendly, but the instructions are clear enough that a beginner should be able to make this bag, not as a first project though.
The bag has 2 small side pockets on the main exterior and 2 large divided pockets on the lining. It's completely reversible, so you can decide which print you want to show off. The handles are tied in a knot for a feminine, casual style. I think this bag makes the perfect beach bag, or take it along to the farmer's market.
Recommendation
I think the sale price for this kit is fantastic, and is about the cost of the fabric alone, so for me it's worth it - almost like getting the pattern for free. I think if you like the fabric, and you like the style/pattern of the bag, it's definitely for you. Even if you don't use these fabrics in this bag, the value is still there.
Have you checked out some of the other bag kits available? There is a wide array. Here are some that have caught my eye:
 Noodlehead Poolside Tote in Michael Miller Fabrics |  Cotton + Steel Projects To-Go Tote Kit |
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