Some of you may recall that I have been working on making a copy of this bag (be sure to hit the back button to come back here). I fell madly in love with it after Kathleen wrote about it on Fashion Incubator. Kathleen was generous enough to actually loan me the bag and allow me to take it apart. I started work on my version but haven’t had the time to finish it because I’ve been so busy with other things. So far I have constructed the main pieces but still need to construct the lining before joining the sections. I know I took photos but darned if I can find them right now.
This is the front pocket with a red Ultrasuede lining. The original bag was completely unlined and I wanted to improve upon this.
I intend to finish the raw edges of the leather with a product called Edge Kote.
Well, recently, while trolling Ebay for vintage patterns (I have way too much time to do that while my embroidery machines are running, sigh) I came across this pattern:
While I was unable to see the line drawings or the shapes of the pattern pieces, it looked suspiciously like the DE bag I borrowed from Kathleen. Being overly curious, I bought the pattern and was thrilled when it arrived yesterday. Interestingly, both the pattern pieces and the processes for these two bags are nearly identical right down to the inside pocket into which it is nearly impossible to put one’s hand (and I have small hands!). The only difference there is that the pattern’s pocket is free-hanging while the DE pocket was topstitched into place.
Based on the price, I’m guessing the pattern dates from the late 1970s. It was designed by Bobby Breslau who, according to Vogue, “designs the softest leather in the world. His BigPouch and family of Little Pouches sensualized the bag world, becoming classics in their own time!” So, which came first - Bobby Breslau or Beth Mitchell?
1940s Vogue Pattern
Sewing Workshop Obi Bag Pattern 
