Gingham tote

A few weeks back, I decided it was finally time to make myself a new bag. I love my Perfect Quilted Tote, but it was looking pretty worse for the wear after a year and a half of constant use, so I cracked open the copy of Handmade Style (by Anna Graham of Noodlehead) I got for Christmas and headed straight to the Gingham Tote.

 

The bag is about the same size as the quilted tote (maybe a smidge smaller) but makes up for it with a ton of useful pockets. In addition to the two zipper pockets on the front, there's also a large slip pocket behind the zippered pockets and a large, divided slip pocket inside. I also love the crossbody strap design, which avoids the pitfall of constantly trying to keep the straps from falling off your shoulder. I've been using it for a few weeks now and really love it.

I combined fabrics from several collections for this one and am so happy with how well they go together. The main exterior body is Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn-Dyed in Indigo (a favorite of mine for bags). (It looks pretty black in these photos but is really a dark blue.) The outside zipper pockets are X Dot in Navy from Penny Arcade by Kimberly Kight, and the zipper pocket linings and interior slip pocket are Daisy Chain in Aster from Tucker Prairie by One Canoe Two. The interior lining is Roadside Guides in Aster from Fleet and Flourish by Maureen Cracknell. (Who knew aster was such a popular color?) I also got over my fear of metal zippers with this one and love the nice touch they add to the front.

As always, Anna's pattern was flawless. The bag went together pretty quickly considering everything it has going on, and it's exactly what I was looking for.