Little beribboned pouch

I saw a lovely clutch, somewhere, can't for the life of me remember where, which had some ribbon detailing on it which just took my fancy. I figured I could probably make something similar, so here is my version.

Naturally, I didn't bother looking online for patterns and tips and just ploughed ahead, making it up as I went. I was not being too precise with this one as it really was just a trial run, and the fabric is stuff I picked up for $1 from my local op-shop so I didn't feel to compelled to make it perfect. In general I am pretty happy with it, although next time I make it I would be a tad more mathematical with the ribbon placement...

Oh and did I mention this is my first time putting a zip in a bag? Turns out it is much easier then in a dress! Although I did run into a little problem with the lining, attaching it to the zip before sewing it up, resulting in my seams being on the inside of the bag, instead of between the layers. I improvised with a bit of fabric, made like bias tape, but not actually bias tape as I did not cut it on the bias, sewn over the seams. I probably need to do a little research to see how the linings should actually be put in.

I think next time I will make pattern pieces out of tracing paper, so that all bits of fabric are the correct size. Even though I was measuring everything I found when it came to sewing it all together, none of the pieces actually fit...

So, to sum up, in hindsight I might have found it easier to make a more simple bag before jumping straight into this one, but it mostly worked and only took about an hour to make so I would be happy to whip up some more because after all, practise makes perfect, right??