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Sunday 2 June 2013

Super Smashing Tote!

Well I promised you a Sunday reveal, and I am now just about caught up with school uniforms and camp washing, (really quite relieved about the lack of mud), and trying to postpone that 'oh no, back to work tomorrow' feeling for as long as possible!

So here we have it...


I am going to claim this as my first Super Tote, as I love it so much, I really would like a version of this bag for all occasions and outfits!

The pattern is exactly what I have felt about all of Anna-Noodlehead's; very simple to follow, very preparation-intensive - but you know it will be worth it, open to a few personal tweaks if you are that way inclined, and turns out so well that you get a thrill from knowing that you made it.

With the exception of the long zipper, I made it from stash, and I am really quite pleased about that too.


Modifications?  I added an extra pocket inside the front outer one, because I had a perfect scrap of Echino, which I was determined to incorporate; it will also be useful for separating my phone or train tickets or other essentials from the rest of the gubbins I haul about.  I took the fully-lined outer pocket option, rather than just adding a facing.

I didn't stitch divided sections within the inside elasticated pockets, simply stitched a button in the middle and through the lining on each side, so that the pockets were maximum size but not gaping, as I feared they would be without anything.

I did a proper double-row of stitching to gather the bottom edge of the inside pockets too, for a nice even finish on those; I am getting so fancy in my old age.

My lining is a heavier weight aqua cotton canvas that I must have bought years ago, which, along with the Echino linen and woven interfacing, gives it a real sturdy feeling, and it can stand up on its own.


Oh and can I just say, Jeans needles, gift from the gods or what!!!?

My only regret is not bulking up the straps more, I added a strip of fusible fleece, but could have done with another layer.  I will remember that for next time.

I personally found this easier that the 241, as there are no tight curves to sew and top-stitch; and the size is brilliant, big without looking bonkers!

I think I am going to keep this one clean and fresh until Retreat, but you never know, I may have made another one by then!

35 comments:

  1. I love it! So cool and colorful! I'm hoping to make one of these myself before retreat... I bet we'll see quite a few:)

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  2. Looks brilliant - I may have to go buy the pattern. It would be useful to go to retreat with all the stuff I need for classes...

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  3. Fantastic! Such gorgeous fabrics, and so practical too. Looking forward to seeing you modelling it at the Retreat :-)

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  4. Brilliant!! It's a speedboat!!! Geddit

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  5. Brilliant bag Had! You are fast becoming the new bag lady! Jxo

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  6. Lovely. How long did it take to make?

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  7. Oh, its fantastic!! Love it. Might need to make me one in fact, looking at yours.

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  8. You have aced this, it looks fantastic!

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  9. Oooooo! I love this tote. I really need to visit you with a large empty suitcase as you have so many things I covet.

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  10. Your tote is fabulous - really love the Echino fabric!

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  11. It has turned out brilliantly. Thanks for the tips too. Mine is all cut out and ready to go. Di x

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  12. Loving the bag! I have that 'back to work' feeling every Sunday night though :o/

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  13. That really is a super smashing tote. Love the zip top - much more secure. Must get over my fear of zips! Totally gorgeous x

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  14. Wow, that is one gorgeous tote!

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  15. This is a beautiful bag. I am also happy to hear you like the pattern and found it user friendly. That's a huge selling point. I love Anna's patterns, too

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  16. Loike! (that would be like said with a kiwi accent)

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  17. It looks fabulous! And jeans needles are the shizz. :-)

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  18. Faabulous! Have pattern, have Echino in stash, now have motivation!
    So if you see someone else in the village with a copycat SuperTote… that'll be me then. Lol.

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  19. Gorgeous - and wth all those colours it will go with most outfits!

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  20. fab bag! i definitely. need to go bigger with mine!

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  21. Brilliant, Bully would be so proud!

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  22. Really like this bag! I like the fact that it stands up and has a zipper.

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  23. It's completely gorgeous!

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  24. Excellent but then I wouldn't expect anything less!

    Will I spot you on the train!??

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  25. It's lovely! Especially LOVE the purple/blue spotty inner, outer pocket :-)

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  26. This is amazing, I love all the different fabrics and really think I need to make one! Will go look for the pattern....you are so clever x

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  27. I love it. The fabrics look so wonderful together. I have heard so many great things about this pattern. I will have to get it.

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  28. Wow - I love it. Can't believe this fabric is in your stash! Echino is my favourite. I was interested to hear you say it is easier than the 241. I would love to start making bags so am always on the lookout for hints and tips like that - thanks.

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  29. I love it! I always suspected you had a marvellous stash, now I know you do!

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