One of the things I learned at Glamp Stitchalot is that I need more fabulous handmade bags. So when I saw the newest bag pattern from Noodlehead, it didn’t take long before I had purchased and downloaded the Makers Tote pattern. A short delay to order Soft and Stable (not really a delay, since I was cutting out the rest of the pieces), and away I went. And Ta Da! A gorgeous tote bag just for me.
The Line and Leaf canvas by Eloise Renouf was a purchase from over a year ago, and when I glanced at my fabric shelf the coral and aqua leaf print by Juliana Horner (purchased last fall at JoAnns in the US) was an obvious choice to complement it. The navy zippers dictated the navy Joel Dewberry print (because mistakes are much less obvious when the zipper tape is the same colour as the zipper edging), and another coral print by Elizabeth Olwen for the front pocket and handles finished up the feature fabrics. On the inside, the feather print was a find at my local Fabricland–it seems a little coarser than designer quilting cotton, so this was the perfect use for it.
I did change the zipper binding to an inset zipper, because I just didn’t quite understand the instructions in the pattern. Next time I will use a heavier interfacing on the pleated pocket, because I hate wimpy pockets. Finally the inset pocket in the back is 1-1/2″ wider than in the pattern, since I had a 14″ zipper that matched the Joel Dewberry fabric. The pattern is really well written and easy to follow with line diagrams instead of photos for the steps, so I highly recommend it. I think I’m going to use this for my hand quilting project, the other tote I have been using is a bit too small. My daughter has already requested one in the small size, I have some of the Michael Miller Color Me fabric that I think would be really cute.
On another note, I am opening signups for next year in the Canadians Quilt Bee, next year we will be making foundation paper pieced quilt blocks. Go to the link below to sign up.
Canadians Quilt Bee 2016 sign-ups
Linking up this week to Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts and Finish it up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts.
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa in Port Hope 
Ohhh – I do like your new bag!!
Found your blog on Cray Mom, Lisa, and have to admit I had no idea where Port Hope was. But a quick trip to Mr Google soon put me right.
Greetings from jenny in New Zealand – but you probably know where that is.
Yes, I think you have hobbits there? Just kidding. Thanks for stopping by!
Beautiful! This seems to be the bag pattern to make these days (perhaps it will prove to be the Sew Together Bag of 2016?!). Well done!
Usually I tell myself I have too many other things to do and wait for a year to jump on the bandwagon (if I even catch it) but this time I decided to make it right away! On Dec 20, 2015 2:44 PM, “Lisa in Port Hope” wrote:
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[…] I was frantically binding a throw quilt for my in-laws…I had a two week diversion to make my Makers Tote, then I realized I didn’t have time to finish the binding before they arrived on the 17th, […]