How to make an easy tote that also has a little style to it? That was my goal this week, and I hope you like it! This bag has a couple basic interior pockets, handles sewn into the upper seams, a snap closure and boxed bottom seams–all great skills to learn on a first bag.
If you want to make your first tote or know someone who has been reluctant to give it a try, this bag is for you. I get asked from time to time what would be a good beginner bag, and I think this one fits the description! One of the main things is the interfacing. The softer interfacing is much easier to sew together and is a great option for a first tote. Yet, this bag is not flimsy–it definitely has some body even though it isn’t stiff.
I had been saving one of my favorite fabrics from Anna Maria Horner, and this bag was just the right one to use it on. So, I . . . actually . . . cut . . . it . . . up. . . It was hard but I had to actually use it so it is no longer available in my meager stash ( I am not a fabric hoarder, although my husband might disagree, and I do actually think I need more fabric and can justify that . . . okay back on topic. . . . ) Anyway, I LOVE this Pretty Potent print and love how it looks on a bag.
The inside is nice and roomy:
So, what’s next? I am going to tweak this pattern a bit (of course) and add 1 inch to the top and subtract 1 inch from the bottom and subtract 1 inch from the handle. I’ll share it next week with stiffer interfacing, and we can look at these bags side by side and see if those changes make much difference.
Then, I will finalize the pattern for you!
I just want to thank all of you who have signed up for my newsletter the last couple of weeks. I’m excited to be digging into this adventure, and hope you enjoy the freebies and coupons on there.
Everyone on the newsletter list can get this pattern FREE the first week it comes out, so if you are not signed up yet, whatcha waiting for!? 😉 Sign up on my facebook page or on the upper right side of my website.
Until next time,
