So honored to join in on the fun of free pattern month today at Grosgrain. Â There has been so many awesome patterns already, and hopefully you’ll find this one handy for summer.
I scored lots of madras last week for $2 a yard and couldn’t think of a better project than a fun and functional summer tote.
There’s always room in your collection for another bag, right?! Â I hope so.
The best part is that the exterior and lining of the bag is made with 1/2 yard cuts, so I think in total my bag cost me around $8, not to shabby. Â Plus I won’t feel bad kicking it around at the library, ice cream shop, and around town.
With two exterior front pockets my super important stuff won’t ever get lost at the bottom of the bag, and this tote is a big one.
fabulous Anna! I love the outside pockets!
I love it! Those outside pockets are fab. Off to check out the pattern…
Very cute. Like Jess, I love the outside pockets!
Super cute and great bag.
jessica
Yet another wonderful bag, Anna. I think the outer pockets are genius.
So cute Anna! I need a bag like that, and I love the madras! I can’t wait to see what other projects we see it popping up in :).
Hello from Poland :). I’ve just discovered your blog & it’s AMAZING. I love the idea of free pattern month as well. BTW I also sew at home and blog about it http://longredthread.wordpress.com/ Fell free to check it out :).
Great job Anna, I absolutely love this bag!!
luv the checked fabric!!beautiful!!!
You make the best bags Anna. I still need to make the pintuck pillow.
p.s. I redid my invisible zipper tutorial and I think it’s easier.
love love love this bag. Totally cute!
What a perfect bag for the summer…I could so use that to lug stuff to all sorts of places!
very cute! i love it.
Great great bag- I have a Cath Kidston one similar to this but you have definitely improved on it! Very useable!
Super nice!! I love all the room and pockets.
Super cute bag, Anna! I still want to see that bracelet though:).
That is perfection in a tote.
great tote! i just made three tote bags this week that are super similar. wacky!
YOU and YOUR totes = h.e.a.v.e.n.
X, H.
great all-purpose bag anna…love it!
perfect church bag too.
Really nice, Anna! Perfect fabric for summer!:)
Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [21 May 02:15am GMT]. Thanks, Maria
Great bag, Anna! I love the yellow lining! Erin
Really cute! Love the plaid!
Where did you score the $2/yd madras cloth?! I’m so curious, would love to get some to make a simple blanket!
The bag is fabulous by the way, my fav part is the outside pocket! Love the bias tape addition 🙂 Thanks for making the free pattern/tut!
Sorry Dalya, I forgot to mention that the madras came from my local hancock fabrics. 🙂 It was an awesome score.
Beautiful tote! I love the details- it makes me want to go on a picnic!
I don’t think you can ever have too many bags!
I love this tote and the fabric you used is so cute!
So cute Anna and the madras is fantastic!!!
i have just finished this tote tonight and it looks fab but i think i would make the handles a bit longer next time thanks for the tute
Love the bag, Anna. I really like the bright yellow lining peeking out. Love madras!
A great summer tote, and really easy to sew, for beginners like me as well! You find my version on:
http://nadelundgabel.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/my-first-bag/
I love the madras print! It’s so happy and summery. 🙂
I found you via Grosgrain but wanted to come over to comment. I just finished my bag tonight! That’s the fastest I’ve ever found a project, purchased the supplies, and completed it. I too love a good exterior pocket. I added a snap to close the bag. Thanks for sharing the easy-to-follow pattern.
love it!
Hey Anna! I was just wondering if the 14″ measurement on the handles is correct – they look longer in the picture. Can’t wait to make one of these! Thanks for another great tutorial!
Hey Darcy. Yep you’re right, I had made a typo on the measurements, so they’re supposed to be 24″ long each. 🙂 Sorry about that! I also noted it in the comments section at grosgrain.
That makes way more sense – I was guessing 28 so I was pretty close 🙂 Thanks again, you are clearly very on top of things!
Oh good, I thought I had giant arms. I pinned them at 14″ and decided no way that would work.
I just finished my second bag as a gift for my mom’s birthday. Thanks again for sharing the tutorial.
This bag is so pretty + practical that i had to to made my own one 🙂
You can see it here:
http://hanna-herz.blogspot.com/2011/07/sumer-madras-tote.html
Thanks!
sunny greetings from Spain,
Sylvia