PPC34: Dancin’ in the Moonlight

So I really LOVED working with this cool fabric, which was actually one of those  panel prints, with a border on each side of the 45" width. And the cool thing about working with such a fabric is that it can be used for the exterior AND the contrast, all with perfect color matching! (I'll give you more details about this fabric at the end of this post.)

But for now, here's a quick tour of this sample!

Colorful embroidered shoulder bag with floral patterns on black fabric.

Here's a good look at the Bag Front. I find that even though I love our polkadot zippers, I seldom make use of them. But for this fabric, the polkadots seemed to compliment the whimsy of this fabric. And I must say that I really like this overall look!

Colorful embroidered bag with floral patterns and beads.
Colorful embroidered handbag with floral patterns.

I really liked working with this multi-paneled print.  And the best part is ... I was able to create the entire exterior of this sample with just this one fabric! There was no need to find a contrasting fabric (particularly for the expandable area of this design), because there was enough variation in this fabric to just fussy-cut my way to success!

Colorful floral embroidered shoulder bag with black strap and studded edges.

Here's a good look at the expandable area of this design.

And what a benefit it is to be able to add INSTANT storage space to your bag in the middle of your excursion or in the midst of your shopping spree, right?

Intricately embroidered black bag with colorful floral patterns.
Colorful embroidered crossbody bag with floral patterns and a black strap.

And here's the deal... I really think I could make up this bag  in this fabric a number of ways and it would look a little bit different each and every time... and isn't that fun to think about?

Colorful floral embroidery on a black fabric bag.
Open handbag showing pink interior lining and zippered pocket.

And finally, here's a good look at the back side of this bag, where you'll find a VERY roomy slip pocket secured with a mag-snapped closure (at left), & the interior, (at right) where you'll find a zippered pocket, which is great for securing small items in an easy-to-find location, to keep from having to dig around the bottom of your bag in order to find them!

And now.... a quick word about this fantastic fabric!

It's called "Moonlight" and its part of Sally Kelly's Twilight collection for Windham Fabrics. We have a limited amount of it available on the "Fabric Page" of our website by clicking HERE.

Additionally, I'd love to know what you think of this design thus far, and if you have comments you'd like to share, suggestions you'd like to make, or questions you'd like to ask about this design in general or this sample in specific, please feel free to leave either or both in the space provided below.

Check out the best sewing pins with me on Pinterest, join in on discussions or show off your work in our FaceBook Group, or get your daily sewing fix on our Facebook Business Page or the behind the scenes scoops on Instagram! And don't forget to check out our video tips & tricks on our You Tube Channel and be the 1st to know about new patterns, discount codes and sample sales by signing up for "Bag Making is Fun", our bi-monthly newsletter.

Dark background with scattered colorful small floral motifs.

12 Comments

  1. MaryB on November 12, 2025 at 7:54 pm

    GORGEOUS!!



    • Kat on November 12, 2025 at 9:39 pm

      Thank you! the fabric was a dream to work with! 🙂



      • Lynn on November 14, 2025 at 8:46 am

        When will this pattern be available please.



        • Kat on November 14, 2025 at 8:57 am

          Normally, I would say that this pattern would be ready for release next month, however, December is the worst possible time to release a new pattern (There’s a lot of distracting stuff going on afterall). For that reason, It should be in January! So glad you like what you see so far though!
          🙂



  2. Marcia Greene on November 14, 2025 at 8:21 am

    Beautiful fabric! I may NEED some of it!

    Going back to look at all the pictures to see if the basic design would work as an every day, all day bag or as the essentials to coordinate with a briefcase/ backpack for the big stuff ! Regardless, I love the bag design.



    • Kat on November 14, 2025 at 8:52 am

      Thank you so much Marcia! I can’t wait to release this pattern (getting close)



  3. Marcia Greene on November 14, 2025 at 8:38 am

    Looking for a pattern, hardware kit for Dancing in the Moonlight bag!!
    I put the fabric in my cart, looking for the rest so U can order ASAP!



    • Kat on November 14, 2025 at 8:54 am

      This pattern is still in the development phase. We’re getting close to finished, but December is the worst possible month to release a new pattern, so it will probably be sometime in January! 🙂



  4. Alma L Annab on November 14, 2025 at 8:42 am

    I love the concept of being able to expand the bag at the bottom! An idea! Is there a possibility to include a snap hook on a tab for car keys, so I don’t have to dig around? Like I se the back exterior pocket?
    You creative use of that adorable fabric is amazing! So often a panel lends itself to the design, abd this was perfect. I love the bright interior! Nothing cand hide! The polka dot zippers are cute.



    • Kat on November 14, 2025 at 8:56 am

      SURE! I think it would be easy to add a tab for a key ring & I’m glad you like this fabric. It was a pleasure to work with! 🙂



  5. Opal Rosenfeld on November 14, 2025 at 6:58 pm

    I LOVE the fabric – must order some – from what I can see, it wold be stunning in a dress.



    • Kat on November 14, 2025 at 7:34 pm

      It IS amazing fabric! 🙂