Sorry for the extended leave! I have been busy with custom orders and some other obligations I can’t publicly write about (yet). 
It’s May now and with a new month comes the latest Bag of the Month Club Pattern. This is a club where you buy a subscription for 6 months of bag patterns (each released on the 1st of the month from Jan – June). The bag patterns are secret until release but they are all from reputable designers who have large followings and sell many patterns. I test patterns for 4 of those pattern companies….so lucky me! I get to see and sew 4 of them before release. (I am burdened with keeping them a secret as well though!).
This is a look at the May bag by Swoon patterns. It’s called Louise Barrel Bag.
My tester is made up from Bull Dog linen blend by Maker Maker combined with faux leather in black. I used Antique Brass hardware throughout. I love this little bag because it’s a hybrid between 2 of my favourite Swoon patterns. Imagine: a combination of Nora and Blanche and you will get the Louise! Of course, it’s not JUST a mash-up…the construction is VERY different and it’s an easier sew than either of the other 2 bags. I was always being asked to modify Nora for customers to include a zippered top, so this pattern fits the bill perfectly! It also eliminates the final SIDE panel top stitch on Nora (that step is not for the faint of heart and has drawn guttural curse words from deep within me, while sewing that part). Well, NO MORE!!! You will be pleased to know that no curse words were uttered during the sewing of Louise! 
The zipper extends past the edges of the top and folds down to be snapped onto the side panels. Inside, there’s a zippered pocket included in the pattern but it would be easy to add a divided slip if you wanted more organization inside. Also, included is an optional shoulder strap and connectors for it.
This pattern has a unique feature: a zipper flap thingy that hides the zipper underneath. I am not sure if there’s a technical word for that bag anatomy other then Zipper panel or Zipper flap. A picture is worth a 1000 words though so see below.
Approx Size: 12″ wide by 8″ tall and 5″ thick on the bottom
I often photograph my bags among other well known, commonly sewn bags bags to give an idea of scale. Louise was no exception. Here she is with some other Swoons. 
I also added purse feet on the bottom. Not in the pattern, but super easy to add!
Overall, this is a moderately easy and fast sew, that will leave you with a very useful and modern looking handbag! I recommend buying the subscription if you would like the pattern NOW! or if you wait 6 months, then the pattern designer is allowed to release it separately as an individual pattern purchase if she decides she wants to do that.
In my opinion, so far…the club subscription has been worth every single cent. I have liked or loved EVERY bag released and with membership you also get the pleasure of the FB group for support as well as general bag maker chatter. Oh, and of course inspirational pics of bags by other makers…my favourite part!
So far we have had:
Clover by Blue Calla Patterns
Captivating Clutch by Mrs. H
Sublime by Sew Sweetness
Moxie by Betz White
Louise by Swoon
There’s one more to go for June and that will be Chris W Designs and it will be a complete surprise for me since I don’t test for Chris W.
Barabooboo 
Happy 150 birthday Canada, I’m very proud that we have some amazing bag designers all around us. I’m just starting to make bags and find it really fun.
Isn’t it?? And addictive too.
I saw a similar bag that was on sale for $90…. I thought I could make one just need a pattern…. My search is over!
Oh really? Well, I’m glad you found the pattern!!
Love your bag comparison. It helps to see them side by side.
I love doing photos like that. It really puts them in perspective.
Love this pattern, will check it out.
That’s a super good-looking bag! You really have an eye for fabric selection/placement.
That’s a super nice-looking bag! And thanks for the comparison!
Thank you! And you’re welcome.
What a gorgeous bag! I love the shape of it, your fabric placement is perfect!
Thanks so much Melissa!
Another gorgeous bag to add to my ‘to do list’. Oh well who needs sleep lols 😉
I love getting inspiration from the fabric choices of bags made by others.
Happy to help!!
Lovely bag!
Beauty.
Thanks for sharing all the great closeup photos of your bag. bag making is fun and each is so, sew! useful.
Beautiful bag, nice choice of fabrics.
Such amazing, interesting bags!
Love the Louise barrel bag. Also looks fab in white leather accents.
Oh wow! I have always loved the look of Blanche and I printed the Nora but never got around to it. I didn’t sign up for this BOTM club but I think I will now! I like all the designers and I like all the bags so far, but I really want to make this Louise! Thanks for the review. 🙂 And for your review of the sewing machine paper piecing by Quiet Play… I chose fabrics and printed the pattern but have felt too intimidated to start.. I feel a bit better about it now. 🙂
Oh!! I am happy to have inspired you!! Thanks for the comment 🙂
what a great bag
Loved the comparison, I like seeing those when planning what I am going to sew