I decided to sew a little something for me this past week/weekend. I pulled out my Echino Cherry birds in Green to finally make my Super Tote! Another awesome pattern by Anna over at Noodlehead. This fabric has been sitting patiently waiting to be sewn.
I paired it with some Robert Kaufman Dyed Linen in Flax for the handles and gusset. Tarika in Moss from Dena Designs Taza line for the lining. A Dandelion Habitat print by Benartex for the inside pockets.
I added a layer of scrap batting in the handles to add some padding if it gets heavy. (I didn’t have fusible fleece.)
I decided to be brave and try sewing in a recessed zipper on the back panel. I used the instructions from a different tote pattern as a reference. It went together a lot smoother than I had expected. I think that this pocket will be super handy for my cell phone.
Another suggestion given to me by Stephanie was to put something on the bag to keep your keys from being buried. I decided to put a little d-ring on a loop. (I will just have to add a little clip to my key fob.)
Lastly you can see that I fully lined my outside pocket. I like the amount of structure it adds! Since I was fully lining it I decided to use Krista’s cheater piping method. Basically you cut your lining piece a 1/2 inch longer than the outside. You then cut your interfacing a 1/4 inch longer than the outside piece. Next you sew your lining and outside together at the top then fuse the interfacing on the outside piece matching at the bottom then fold over your lining matching the bottoms together and ta da! Make sense?!
Anyways I am in LOVE with this tote and am happy that I finally have a handmade bag! Next somehow my sister has convinced me to make one for her, lol. She just starting going to school for 3D animation and needs a big bag to tote about.
Linking to Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story and Sew Cute Tuesday at Better off Thread
