Ali Cat & Co.: Swoon Ramona Review

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My favorite bag designer, Swoon, has released yet ANOTHER FREE bag pattern.

RAMONA!

Ramona is a tiny tike: 10" tall, 9" wide and about 2.5" deep. She has an adjustable shoulder strap, a recessed zipper, and optional front stripes.

She doesn't request much:

1/2 yard quilting cotton for Exterior
1/2 yard quilting cotton for Interior
2 yards woven fusible interfacing, Pellon Shapeflex 101
11" zipper, I recommend bag zipper
Two 1/2 O or D rings
Two 3/4" swivel clips
One 3/4" strap slide

Like I mentioned, the stripes are overlays, so you could leave them off. Ramona is a perfect embroidery blank slate as well.

Time: 2-3 hours. Ramona is a fast sew. Nap or evening or two movies.

Skill level: bag beginner. Can't get more of a basic bag than this. However, basic doesn't mean lack of style or function. Add an interior zipper pocket, or slip pockets to her. Here is a tutorial on added a side zipper. The tutorial is actually for India, but it's basically the same idea, just do a 6" zipper for Ramona and cut a pocket piece 7" wide by 18" long.

For a small thing, she does hold a lot. I've been carrying around my large wallet, sunglasses case, check book, iPhone, all kinds of pens and lip gloss. All my basic necessities.

Ramona would be an excellent diaper clutch. She could hold a package of wipes and 2 or 3 diapers. Genius!

Final thoughts: For a small bag, Ramona is the best. Perfect for errand running, concert, outdoor activity, play park, stroller walking, play date, well, anything where you just need to carry a few things and you don't have to worry about holding a clutch. With the recessed zipper, your crap won't fall out. She feels perfect as a cross body bag. Sits very well on the back, hip, or front.

As always, Swoon instructions are great. Swoon includes illustrations for each main step of the construction process. There are no photos. I find illustrations easier for bag making because illustrations can show the multiple layers of the bag where photos cannot.

New to bag making? Ramona is FREE and great for you to start with. Want to try more than Ramona? Swoon has other FREE patterns:

Laney Hobo

Ethel

Dakota

Girls Cardigan and Women's Cardigan

Drawstring Gift Bag

Mabel

Totally in love with Swoon?

Check out the Vintage Collection: You will receive at least 12 vintage style bag patterns starting March 2015 through February 2016. Each month a new pattern will release. The bag patterns are a surprise until release but I can guarantee each is fabulous. You won't be disappointed.

Swoon Favorites Collection:This collection includes the 12 most popular Swoon patterns at a steep discount.