Travel Inspired Tote
Travel Inspired Tote
Travel Inspired Tote. Here is the latest from Sew Me Mine Boutique. Summer is on its way and I have travel on my mind so I created this terrific travel inspired tote that is supper easy to make. I started with a free pattern I obtained over at my affiliate Craftsy that was designed by Petronela at Creative Homemaking Petronela has a complete tutorial and pattern over at her site so I won’t repeat it here. Just click on the link and you will jump right there. If you have any questions just let me know in the comments or contact me through the contact link I will do my best to answer them.
Anyway, While I like the basic shape and feel of Petronela’s bag I did want to make some changes to make it more my own. The pattern is a little fidgety so I really needed to play with it to get the pieces to fit. The arched top was really what I was interested in so I was able to maneuver the pattern as much as I needed to get the look I wanted. Make sure when you print this pattern that you print it to “fit the page” or the pieces will not fit together. Once you have the pattern sorted out you can take it to Staples or another office supply store to enlarge it if you want to make a larger bag.
I ditched the stripes and opted for a travel related fabric of black, pink and gold. I decided to use faux black leather on the bottom of my bag and it worked great. Petronela recommends using an ultra heavy weight interfacing. I used Pelon 808 which worked fine but I really think that Petronela was right and I will likely remake this bag using Peltex so that it is firmer. The next change that I made in the bag was that I added a zipper pocket on the outside of the bag and the inside. Of course if you don’t know how to add a zipper pocket you can follow my tutorial on how to make a zipper pocket. It is really easy to do. I also added a large slip pocket on the inside. This pocket is easy to add as well. You can add a slip pocket by following my directions in the combination backpack tutorial.
Next, I added a magnetic snap to the lining of the bag. Adding a magnetic snap is also very simple. When I add these snaps I always back them up using a piece of Peltex because they get a lot of use and you want to make sure you support them so they can withstand the wear.
The next change I added to the pattern was in the handles. I had some handles that I purchased from Cindy’s Button Company on hand. I thought they were perfect for this tote. I went onto the website but it doesn’t look like they carry this exact handle anymore but they have a lot of other really cute designs. Cindy’s Button Company is not an affiliate so I get nothing by promoting them. I just love their product and use them in my handbags at Sew Me Mine Boutique often.
After making this bag for myself, I just loved it and thought I would share it with you to make it for yourself and I placed in my shop at www.sewmemineboutique.etsy.com If you want me to make it and you can purchase it from there. Either way it is a terrific tote for today and everyday.
