Happy New Year, bagineers! Before anything else, I'd like to send out a big warm welcome to all our lovely new Club members, a huge welcome back to all our wonderful returning Club members, and massive thanks to each and every one of you for supporting our Club! 

If you've been sewing along with the Club for a while, you'll already know that I love to start each brand new year on a happy, positive, and upbeat note, looking forward to all the good that is (hopefully!) to come our way.

This year's no different and, so, I'm delighted to introduce to you...

The Happy Handbag!

Dedicated to my mother, Dorothy Jane Cooper

Earlier this year, my mother attended a routine mammogram where they found a cancerous lump. Following surgery, she completed her course of radiation two weeks ago. Because they found the cancer early, she is expected to make a full recovery... please, attend your mammograms if you're invited for one! I'd like to dedicate this month's pattern to my mother, Dorothy Jane Cooper, who has faced this battle with surprising optimism!

About The Happy Handbag

I couldn't help but feel happy while sewing this beautiful barrel-shaped bag - it's super simple, quick to sew, and has minimal hardware. Plus, when you step back to admire your beautiful finished bag, it looks like it's smiling right back at you from some angles!

Let's take a closer look at The Happy Handbag's happy features:

Handles / straps

The Happy Handbag has two short handles, perfect for popping on your shoulder - with the bag nestling under your arm - or resting in the crook of your elbow.

The Happy Handbag from Sewing Patterns by Mrs H, made by Michelle Graham from M Graham Sews

The handles attach to your Happy Handbag via o-rings or rectangular rings, which are secured to the bag with strap overlays.

Happy Handbags made by Purple KATZ Quilting, Bean's Bags Kamloops, UhOh Creations, and Just An E 

And, the pattern guides you through how to create two-tone strap handles.

Minimal hardware

As well as the rings, there's:

▪ two magnetic snaps securing your Happy Handbag at the top,

▪ and a bag base with four purse feet protecting the bottom of your bag (the purse feet are optional)

Happy Handbags made by M Graham Sews, Bean's Bags Kamloops, UhOh Creations, and Just An E 

Pockets:

There's one zipper pocket and a divided slip pocket inside the large central space of your Happy Handbag.

Happy Handbags made by M Graham Sews, Nova's Knits / That's Sew Nova, UhOh Creations, and Just An E 

And, finally...

Easy turn-through-ability

Is turn-through-ability a word yet? It should be!

To finish off your Happy Handbag, you turn it through the bottom of your lining, then stitch up your turning gap through a gap left in the bottom of the zipper pocket.

Don't sew alone, sew along!

I hope that you find as much delight in sewing your Happy Handbags as I've had while sewing mine.

Happy Happy Handbag Sewing!