I’m so excited about this finished Trail Tote! Recently I’ve felt bogged down and haven’t felt like I’ve gotten enough fun sewing in. It’s amazing how things change. I remember just a couple years ago being able to stay up until 2 am busily sewing away. That doesn’t happen hardly ever now that my girls have gotten a bit older and their bedtime has gotten later.
The benefit of changes like this though are fun, too. For example, this tote is a project for Natalie’s friend for her birthday. Natalie and I got to pick out the specific project I would sew and then we picked out the fabrics together, thus the birthday Trail Tote is born. It’s very fun to see what fabrics get picked and I sort of always draw out the process a bit by bringing out more and more fabrics that would be fun to use. Can’t help it!
I’ve also gotten to sneak in a bit of time here and there sewing with my girls. For Christmas Natalie (who’s 9 going on 10) sewed her teacher a little zippered pouch, I was so proud of her, she totally rocked it.
Look! There’s a sloth in the pocket!
This is the small size Trail Tote (a free pattern I designed for Robert Kaufman at the end of 2014 – time flies!). I love how little it is, but still packs in some beautiful and useful details. It makes for a fun and interesting project to sew. I also think it’s the perfect size for girls, great for stashing a few essentials but not so big that it’s overwhelming.
Pattern: Trail Tote (small)
Fabric: Umbrella Prints and Cotton + Steel (Honeymoon by Sarah Watts),
Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed for strap and piping details
Zipper: from my shop
Hardware: SewingSupplies on etsy
helpful tutorials: handmade piping, insert a magnetic snap
really lovely, I like the edging all the way round.
I made the 241 tote for my then 7 year old daughter and she wants another one! While I like making that bag, I think she might love this also! LOVE the fabric!!!!
Oh wow how cute!! I love your fabric choices!! =)
This post is finally what did it – I’ve been meaning to order some Umbrella Prints hearts since the first time I saw them on your site and I just put in an order. Cute bag!
Wow Anna, what a cute bag! I haven’t made the Trail Tote yet but this makes me want to try it. I have a few Easter things that need to be made for certain little girls. Maybe I will try this? 🙂
I love all your tote’s and this is no exception. Great size for young or older. Great fabrics and doesn’t she look pleased with her birthday tote!
Your daughter is really growing up my goodness….how time flies indeed Anna! That bag is adorable and I’m sure her friend will love it.
Woe, so great. Very beautiful!
Very nice bag! great fabric… Like it 😉
You model is smashing! Oh & cute bag!
Thanks Mary. 🙂
Awesome! I love the trail tote!! I had to make myself one and I use it everyday!! its the perfect size since I don’t normally carry much and it’s a crossbody. This version you made is definitely encouraging me to make myself a more colorful version for summer!! And the sloth fabric is the best! I made myself a backpack with it!! I’m sure your girls are inspiring you as well with the fabrics they put together. Maybe some combinations you might not have thought to put together but they work!! So fun! Thanks as always for the inspirations 🙂
Thanks Heather! Yes, a colorful one for summer sounds so perfect. 🙂 And good point on the fabric selections, it is interesting sometimes!
ooh I love this (and your daughter, too- what a perfect model!). I have a niece who is about to turn 10 and this would make a perfect gift for her! Nice work. 🙂
I love the rounded shape of the tote and having the zip pocket on the outside. Not to mention all those details, very cute!
Love it! Where do you get your little pieces of leather for the accents? Make such a big difference!
Thanks Mad. 🙂 Here’s a post that talks about some of the leather I use: https://blog.noodle-head.com/2014/04/lotus-pond-open-wide-pouches-leather.html
Oh man what an absolutely perfect fabric combo! Love is so much. Natalie is looking so grown up, too!
I totally get what you mean about times changing as the kids get older….I can barely stay up as late as them anymore! Plus our evenings and weekends are so packed with their activities and homework. Love this stage, but sometimes seriously miss the 7:30 bedtime with late night sewing and blogging sessions! Adapted with more knitting (best for toting to the rink and dance studio!) and IG over blogging. Balance is hard! I always appreciate a fun one-sitting sewing project like this, though. Good for you!