The Perfect Day-Out Bag with the Perennial Collection -

I’m thrilled to share my latest sewing project: the Bee’s Knees Pocket Bag! Pattern designed by Candace Davis, this bag is both functional and stylish, making it a perfect companion for a relaxed day out. I used Riley Blake Designs’ newest fabric collection, Perennial by Jill Finley, and it turned out absolutely adorable!

Why Perennial?

When I saw the Perennial collection, I was instantly drawn to its vibrant, fresh patterns, but the Black Bees fabric was an immediate favorite. Its cheerful bee design brings a lively charm, and I knew it would add that touch of whimsy I wanted for a casual, day-out bag. Not only is the fabric beautiful, but it’s also high-quality cotton, durable enough to handle all the essentials for a day on the go without being too big and boxy.

Cutting out the fabric pieces was a breeze. — Fabric Layout using Black Bees.

Now, the Bees Knees Pocket Bag, designed by Candace Davis, has a perfectly structured yet casual look. Smaller in size, but with a spacious interior and an easy-access pocket on the outside, it’s ideal for carrying everything you for a stroll – sunglasses, a good book (my kindle fits nicely), your phone, and maybe a even a snack for the road. Plus, the pocket detail makes it so easy to keep things such as your phone readily accessible. Gotta snap those pics; )-

Fabric pieces laid out and ready to sew.

Working with the Black Bees fabric from the collection was a joy. The fabric is soft but sturdy, and it was satisfying to see how the black fabric with the white bee pattern gave the bag personality. Jill Finley’s design truly buzzes in this piece; the bees add a sense of playfulness that balanced by the chic black and white color palette. The construction process was straightforward, thanks to the well-thought out design. The instructions were clear, and each step came together nicely.

The front side pocket keeps things readily accessible.

The finished bag is cute as a bee’s knew, and I couldn’t be happier with it! It’s the perfect size, and the bee pattern from the Perennial collection makes it feel special. I can already picture myself using it for casual outings in all seasons. It has already quickly become a go-to, whether I’m headed to a park, a cafe’, or just leisurely exploring the town.

Why I loved this project so much? If you’re looking for a functional, adorable project that’s beginner-friendly yet satisfying to complete – I completed this in an afternoon from start to finish. I highly recommend trying the Bees Knees Pocket Bag with RBDs’ Perennial fabric. Not only will you have a beautiful bag, but you’ll have a piece of wearable art that’s unique as it is practical.