If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen that I have a new tote. Last Friday, I spent a delightful day at the home of Nancy (Grace & Peace Quilting), sewing together as we each made a tote.
Nancy is a pro at making this tote; this is her fourth! It is my first tote using this pattern. I’m pretty sure there will be more. At the end of the sewing day, both of our totes were almost done. I planned to add leather handles to mine.
The tote pattern is The Essential Tote by Around the Bobbin. The tote measures approximately 13″ x 20″ x 4″. The pattern has options for adding either a magnetic snap or zipper closure. I opted to leave my tote open. Nancy added a zipper to hers.
Using fabrics from my stash, the outer yellow fabric is Cotton & Steel, the lower base fabric is a charcoal denim. The lining fabric is a piece left over from the back of a baby quilt. I cannot recall the designer.
Here’s a photo of the base fabric. It has a rough weave, but was easy to stitch through.
The lining has pockets on both sides.
For stabilizer, I used Annie’s Soft & Stable. The outer fabrics and lining are also stabilized with SP101.
The straps are two one-inch wide leather handles measuring 28″ long. I notched the corners by the rivets using a regular scissors. To add the rivets, I used this tool set and these rivets. (I found the tool set and the rivets at my local Hobby Lobby.) Following the instructions on the back of the tool set package made the process very simple and easy to do.
I did my usual straight line quilting using Aurifil thread in yellow (#2135). The quilting was done before the bag was sewn together.
One more photo of my bag in the afternoon light, showing off the vibrancy of the Cotton & Steel fabric.
Doesn’t a new tote call for a road trip? I’m ready to go with this toting all my books and quilt projects. Wonder where I should go . . .
Have you made several totes from one pattern? What’s your favorite?
Linking up with Pretty Piney for What I Made Monday and Love Laugh Quilt for Monday Making.
Happy Monday, all!
Wendy
Lovely tote! I have made handbags from the same fabric.
You’re a pro, too! Love the leather handle, the sunny yellow fabric and the charcoal denim!
I was wondering if one could quilt it so I am glad you mentioned that. You did a fabulous job! You’ll be able to pack lots to go to retreat next year;)
cute tote bag! I really like the leather handles, I will have to consider using leather for my next purse!
When I returned to sewing after decades away, I started by making totes. They were fun and colorful. Then I learned to quilt, and I never made another one.
Oo, leather handles! So fancy! Your tote turned out great. Time to go fabric shopping and fill that puppy to the brim. Don’t worry, the handles can handle the weight 🙂
Hi Wendy! Yes, I definitely think a new tote calls for a road trip of some sort. What a sharp looking tote each of you made – I like the addition of the leather straps. It will make it nice and sturdy. ~smile~ Roseanne
That’s a great tote, Wendy! I’ve never tried using leather handles, but I love how they look. Thanks for linking to all the different pieces and parts. Your sewing day with Nancy sounds like a lot of fun!
Gorgeous tote. The workmanship is fabulous. very neat. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
What a lovely tote! And it’s great that you have plans for it. It will make for a very nice road trip – whereever you go! Enjoy using it!
Happy Quilting! 🙂
Bags are my weakness. Love yours.
I love your new tote Wendy! You can never have enough of them I always say! It truly is calling for a road trip 🙂
Love your tote! I have made a few of the 1 yard Lecre Tote and plan to use it to make Bridesmaid totes for my daughter’s wedding.
That turned out fabulous! I love that yellow. Years ago there was a great tote in Quilts n More and I made LOTS. I like the leather handles on this one, very professional finish!
This is fabulous! I wonder what road trip it will go on? Hope you have a great thanksgiving. I am cooking and quilting today and tomorrow. Did you get snow? I live in a news void so I know there was weather coming your way, not sure what you got…
This is beautiful! Love that yellow! So nice that you and Nancy could sew together!
What a beautiful tote! It looks so professional.