Clear Cypress Cellphone Crossbody - Pattern Testing For The Styled Magnolia

It seems like clear bags are getting more popular, thanks to stadiums and events requiring them, and while this bag won't meet EVERY venue requirements, it is super cute! I have a stockpile of the clear vinyl that I've been collecting, waiting for just the right (easy) patterns, and this one might not be super easy, but it did turn out super cute! The Cypress Cellphone Crossbody with the new Add On pattern from the Styled Magnolia makes for a great little bag!

Taking pics of shiny, reflective vinyl is a challenge, but the colors are great!

In natural light you can see the 'clear' part a little more, kind of...

I haven't made the original Cypress, but the clear version is a little simpler, and still has a lot of features! I went for the flap version, and to make the hexi's on my clear vinyl flap line up, I cut the first piece and placed it right side up on the back of the vinyl to cut the second flap piece. I think it slid just a smidge during the sewing because they were perfectly aligned when I cut! The Marbled Hexagon clear vinyl is also from The Styled Magnolia, and you can preorder this gorgeous print!

The flap gives it a little more style and protection, but you can also skip it!

Pictures don't do justice to how pretty this vinyl is in person, and how fun the clear parts make it! 

I was trying to find something to hold it open. Rice Krispy Treat was almost the perfect size

There is a front pocket under the flap, which closes with a rivet magnet (I got mine from Kamsnaps.com), and the entire thing closes with a double zipper! I found some gorgeous zipper tape from Wizardry, Stitchery, and Crafts in my stash that perfectly matched, and the 3/4" lilac seatbelt webbing. Having a zipper match the strap is pretty amazing, in my opinion!

Under the flap view

Up close of the gorgeous zipper. It's metallic sparkly AND has iridescent teeth!

I also used some rainbow rivets, and rainbow hardware, just because I could!

No pockets on the back, just some cool design features!

My only issue with sewing this pattern was the interior pockets, and that's just because I was too lazy to pull out the backup sewing machine that has a zig-zag stitch! Elastic really needs a stretchy stitch to make it work right, but I tried to fudge it with a long stitch length and stretching the elastic. I do not recommend that. Even though it ended up very wavy and not as pretty, the pocket still works!

I assume if I used the correct type of stitch, this pocket would lay much flatter!

Be sure to grab the Cypress and Cypress add on patterns while they are on sale this week!

Stitch tried to help hold it open, he matched the colors perfectly!