I’m back with a review of a pattern in the latest issue of One: Thimble magazine. For this review I sewed up the Desoto belt bag pattern that was contributed by Phat Quarters. 
Yep! Belt bags, bum bags, fanny packs… whatever you call them, they are back!
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This issue of One: Thimble* includes 5 new patterns and three pattern hacks along with many interesting sewing articles. At a price of just $12 AUD it is very affordable! I always enjoy reading the articles in the magazines and have purchased nearly every past issue. 
Fabric recommended and used:
The pattern recommends using canvas, denim, corduroy, or quilting cottons. For my bag I dug into my stash and used a corduroy print that I purchased at my local Fabricville a few years back. My oldest has been wanting a fanny pack since I showed her the one I purchased for myself a few months ago (to use on the rare occasions I go jogging, ha!) She loves pink, so I’m sure she’ll love this belt bag! The corduroy is very soft and gives a nice texture to the bag.
Design changes/Pattern alterations made:
No design changes were made. The patterns has many options that can be used. I sewed the size small, one zipper, rectangle version without any inner pockets. The Desoto belt bag pattern comes in two sizes and has options to add a lining, a second zipper outer pocket as well as inside pockets.
For a first time making it, I decided to go with the simplest version of it.
The pattern does recommend using 1/2″ wide webbing for the straps when sewing the small version but I went with 1″ as that is what I had in my stash. The width of the webbing didn’t change the construction of the bag.
Comments on the pattern/instructions:
The belt bag sews up fairly quickly although I did have some difficulties with it. I found sewing the top corners to be very tricky and hard to line up. Basically I sewed the front piece to the back piece in four parts, doing the sides first then sewing along the top edge before closing it at the bottom.
I omitted the zipper tabs because for the life of me I could not find in the instructions where it said what size to cut out for them anyway. It could be I just missed it, my eyesight is starting to go bad as I age haha. It’s possible that the construction of this bag would be easier having fabric tabs rather than zippers to deal with in the top corners. I’ll have to try them next time to see.
The pattern doesn’t call for any lining or interfacing making it a super quick project to both cut and sew. Which is great for a last minute gift! For my next one, I will line it however, since I prefer not having the seams showing on the inside. Personal preference though, this one is definitely usable as is.
Last note, I also did not understand the instructions for cutting the correct sizing for the straps. Step 19 tells you to subtract a measurement “below” from your waist measurement. But there are no measurements below that listed other than a calculation example. For the straps that I cut out I decided to cut two pieces that together would measure larger than my daughter’s waist and then adjusted with the belt loops at the end.
Final thoughts:
Normally, I love *Phat Quarters‘ patterns as I’ve sewn up many in the past and love everything I’ve made and have never had any issues before; however, this one I had a hard time with the instructions. I do LOVE the end result though, and I know my daughter will love this belt bag, but this is definitely a pattern for someone with lots of experience sewing up these types of bags. Beginners may get a little frustrated. I think with a little editing of the instructions it will be a great pattern. Overall, though I am looking forward to reading this issue of One: Thimble magazine and sewing up the rest of the patterns. I’ve loved the results the other bloggers on this tour had with their patterns (the full list of tour stops is at the end of this post!). 
For your chance to win a copy of the new One Thimble Issue 22 – Summer 2019 please enter the rafflecopter prize draw here.Open until 12am Wednesday November 20th AEST
We have some amazing bloggers joining in to share their makes this week. Be sure to check each one out on the tour and show them some love.
November 13
November 14
Make it Sew with the Bear and Pea Atelier
November 15
November 16
November 17
November 18
November 19
