Folks, I have a brand new favourite go-to bag pattern for gifts! The Handy Market Tote in Patchwork, Please! is quick and easy, and creates a fabulous product. It really is the perfect “market size” tote bag – about the same as a ‘green bag’ for those in Australia.
Since making my Super Tote, I feel lot more confident with 3D sewing. And those skills definitely came in handy making this bag as I understood how all the pieces went together as I was working with panels and gussets. In true form, I adapted the pattern a little – I only made one external pocket, skipped the covered button fastening and made slightly narrower handles to be able to use what I had left of a fabric.
Talking of fabric, I skipped the interfacing by using a cotton/linen blend for the exterior (Ruby Star Sparkle and the same light brown spots as my Super Tote) and a rainbow striped canvas from Ikea. That rainbow stripe has really served me well, and it’s just about all gone. Sad face! It’s nice and sturdy for toting loads, but still flexible and squashable for being shoved in a cupboard or the back of a car like tote bags tend to experience!
This is a gift for a very important friend here – my first school mum friend! Our boys are in the same preschool class and our little girls are the same age, and she’s also a foreigner. From Taiwan but she speaks fluent English and much better Japanese than I, so she has helped me immensely with preschool dealings. Plus she also looks after the kids on Wednesdays. It’s her birthday this weekend, and she knows I sew and admires the fact that I do so with kids, so making her something was a no-brainer. Jonathan chose to get her a flower hairclip, and with just a little guidance to help focus, Isabelle chose some pretty writing paper. Add in some Tim Tams and you have a very heartfelt present for a very beautiful friend. I am very blessed to have her in my life!
Linking up to TGIFF at Missy Mac Creations and Zakka 2.0!
Gina says
Beautiful tote Alyce and gorgeous fabric!! I think it will make for a very Happy Birthday!!!
Cassandra says
What a very pretty bag!!
Happy birthday to your friend!! I get excited when I see Taiwan mentioned because that’s where we’re hoping to adopt from. 🙂
Ros says
Gorgeous bag Alyce! I’ve had this book a while and I feel terrible confessing that I’m yet to make a project from it!
Vera says
Nice. I like the bright inner fabric. It’ll be fun to use.
Amy says
It’s beautiful. She is just as lucky to have you as a friend as you are to have her.
x
Marie Lismore says
Fabulous bag Alyce. I am tempted to give it a go! So lovely for both of you to have each other as friends. When you live away from you home your friends become your family. Enjoy the birthday celebrations.
Gemma @ Pretty Bobbins says
Very cute bag Alyce! She is sure to love it 🙂
Flying Blind says
Lucky friend indeed xxx
Ms Midge says
Gorgeous Alyce! Where do I find this pattern? Is it online or in a magazine?
Yvonne Campbell says
I love how your tote turned out! I can’t wait to make one too. I have the book, and I made the piece of cake shopping bag. Which is huge and I love it!
Adrianne says
Awesome bag Alyce, and how lovely to make something for your friend. It’s so much more satisfying making something for someone you care about, right?
mary moon says
I love this pattern too I have made 6 so far want to make more everyone is getting one for Christmas.
Debbie says
Oh this is so nice! And I agree – a great pattern!