This was a bag you may remember seeing a few pics of earlier. I, of course, wanted to get it’s proper photo shoot in before it would wing it’s way over to Cloud9. The Caravan Tote is a real workhorse. It’s features work really well no matter what you’re using it for and of course is perfect for toting around your favorite hobby supplies. I omitted the front pocket/flap in order to show off the fabric more. I did add the interior slip pocket inside the front zippered pocket. The slip pocket fits my iphone nicely without being too deep and getting lost. And, of course, the pocket is totally easy to customize to fit whatever you need.
I love the opportunity to play around with different hardware and this is the perfect bag to test your skills or try out some new ones. I think it adds a beautiful professional finish. And as for the leather tab at the side, it isn’t just for show, it’s a handy spot to hold onto when you’re opening the zippered front pocket. Gotta love function.
The pouch was fun, too! Haven’t met a pouch I didn’t love. It fits tucked inside the tote and yet is functional enough to do its own thing, too. Perfect for keeping organized and storing those items that tend to float around in your bag and always avoid being fished out.
All the links to sources for the hardware and straps are included in the pattern, it’s clickable in the PDF, so hopefully that makes shopping easier. I know it can be hard to track all the parts down, but it’s worth it, I promise! In case you might have missed it, check out the tutorial I wrote for installing straps using rivets over at Sew Mama Sew.
Pattern: Caravan Tote + Pouch
Fabric: Rain Walk canvas (Ripple in Blue), lining is also Rain Walk
Find Rain Walk at these fine stores.
So cute. Your bags are inspiring.
This is one of my all-time favorite bag patterns.
Fantastically useful bag! Put a little lobster claw clasp on the wee pouch attached to an inner loop for safety and ease of finding would be cool too.
Book coming to your shop soon?:)
I love this bag. Thank you for anticipating all the detail questions we would ask, like where to get leather straps, zippers, etc.
Beautiful and creative.
I echo Nicole: I’ve made so many Caravan totes I don’t even think I can count them! Everyone I’ve given them to loves them.
Cool pattern. Adding it to my wish list. Made one of your ooen-wide pouches a couple days,ago as a birthday gift for a friend. She lived it. Will blog about it soon and link to you.
Oops…open-wide pouches…
Everyone needs a great looking bag to wear with jeans. You have done it again Noodle Girl!
It looks so great! I love that this pattern is so versatile. It looks so different without the extra pocket on the front.
These look great! I just got the pattern and can’t wait to start sewing 🙂
Question for you: What thickness/sturdiness/non-stretchiness is required of leather to make straps for bags? I’ve been wanting to incorporate leather straps into a bag pattern, but don’t know a thing about leather. Any help would be sweet. Thanks. I’m looking forward to making something from your book when my mom comes visiting in a few weeks. 🙂
It’s not a super thick leather, but the straps are ‘finished’ on both sides. I’m in the process of doing a lot of research trying to find additional sources/options. Will post about it when I know more! 🙂
this is such a great bag, Anna! I need to add one to my list! Your bags look so professionally finished! I love that. AND….great photos, as always! 🙂
these bags are stunning!!!!!
I really love this pattern and your Rainwalk fabric. Can you tell me what solid fabric you used for these? Is it grey in color?
It’s a hemp/cotton blend made by Pickering Fabrics, unfortunately the shops I’ve purchased it from don’t have it in stock right now (Drygoods Design, Fancy Tiger Crafts). I hope they’ll restock soon!
I love this bag so much and love your Rainwalk fabric. I need to get my hands on some. I get so many compliments on the Caravan tote that I made!
Is there anywhere I can purchase one of the bags ready made instead of just the pattern?