The Miss Molly Bag!

Handles pulled together for handbag size.

I loved this bag from the moment I saw it in a store – Z Fabric in Portland ME. Immediately, I ordered two of the kits to make the bag, and I am so glad I have another. This is more of a summer bag, but I may still use it until I get the other bag made. In case you were wondering, there is only one modification I might make to the pattern: to use contrasting fabrics for the handle tabs and outside pockets.

This fabric I purchased at QuiltCon 2019 – seems such a long time ago! I loved the mid-century modern look and teal is a color I wear quite a bit, so I thought it would be perfect. The fabric has a nice hand and was easy to work with and is a Hoffman Spectrum Print called “A Little Retro Vibe.” It is a canvas, but not as stiff as some of them are.

I love the inner pockets! One side is divided into thirds, the other side in half. And the kit that includes the handle gives a nice solid insert to help the bag stand up.

And the outer pockets are perfect. There is an open pocket to slide things in on one side and the other side has a flap. I am still looking for the right button to use, but I adore that you have both.

It can also be quickly made into a shoulder bag, by the proper pull of the handles. I am trying to decide if I want to make an alternate set of handles that are a bit longer to make it a cross-body bag or whether that will wait for another version. I made this on my retreat with my bee mates and it was a pretty quick finish. One thing that helped is that I pre-cut all the pieces and labeled them. I love it and can’t wait to use it. It reminds me of our visit to Palm Springs, so I am naming it my Palm Springs bag.

As a shoulder bag

If you are interested in the pattern and handles, I emailed the designer and she still has them. You can only buy the pattern and kit directly from Johanna at mollygirl@myottmail.com.

Palm Springs Bag
The Miss Molly Bag and Kit by Johanna: mollygirl@myottmail.com.
Fabrics:
Hoffman “A Little Retro Vibe” S#Q4501
Moda Grunge Jade

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15 Comments

  1. October 12, 2021 / 1:38 PM

    Oh, I can see why you like that bag! The pattern seems well thought out, yet has room to tweak it, given what you are pondering for the next. I love the fabric you used! Great project for a retreat!

  2. October 12, 2021 / 8:17 PM

    Love the bag, Kathleen! 🙂

  3. Laurel
    October 13, 2021 / 5:32 AM

    Very cute!

  4. October 13, 2021 / 7:09 AM

    Hi Kathleen! Your enthusiasm for the bag comes through in your words! It makes me want to make a bag myself and I rarely use them. The fabric you chose is so cute and just perfect for this application. I think I like the handbag length handles but I can certainly see the usefulness of shoulder or cross-body length, too. Great job! ~smile~ Roseanne

  5. Brenda @ Songbird Designs
    October 13, 2021 / 8:43 AM

    That is such a cute bag!! Roomy, but not too large. Seems to be a perfect size. For me, I would make it a cross-body bag – just because I like them! Great job.

  6. October 13, 2021 / 10:19 AM

    Enjoy your new retro-style bag, Kathleen. It’s SEW fun!!

  7. October 13, 2021 / 11:02 AM

    Although I have PLENTY of handmade quilted bags, yours makes me really really want to make another—this one! Wonderful job.

  8. lapaylor
    October 13, 2021 / 11:30 AM

    very nice Kathleen. I like the fabric choices

  9. thedarlingdogwood
    October 13, 2021 / 10:10 PM

    It looks great! The fabric is fun, and those pops of teal will look great with teal outfits!

  10. October 14, 2021 / 7:40 AM

    Oh it’s adorable! Love the wooden elements and the retro vibe. And the inside is beautiful. Nice work!

  11. Nancy Bekedam
    October 14, 2021 / 6:07 PM

    Super cute, Kathleen! Love the fabric, too!!!

  12. October 15, 2021 / 10:06 PM

    Perfect fabric for that bag. And being a heavier weight it will look nice longer. Did you interface any of it?

  13. October 16, 2021 / 6:44 PM

    That is a great bag! I love all the pockets and the wood is such a different detail. Your fabric choice is so fun, too 🙂

  14. October 17, 2021 / 6:52 PM

    Beautiful bag Kathleen. I’m in love with your fabric! The teal is perfect!

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