I was lucky enough to be included in a little gift exchange with my friends this year. Gosh, I can’t tell you how awesome it is to have a group of friends that like doing the same things as you. I’ve definitely missed that connection since my college days and this group of friends really makes me so happy. I hope I don’t sound like I’m bragging, but I feel super lucky.
So for my main item, I gifted my friend Jacey a green waxed canvas tote! It makes me so happy to make these! I used my own pattern (that you can find in the FAUNA issue of Making, grab a copy here or check your local yarn or quilt shop) and just loved every second of stitching this one up. The waxed canvas is so fun to work with (and I’ve got a new pattern coming up next weeks that uses some, I think you’re going to love it!!!!) and I love the results. I’ve been getting all my waxed canvas from AL Frances Textiles on Etsy, and I have to admit I’ve really stocked up on all the colors, they’re so good! I love the durability and the rugged broken-in look, plus the smell is just amazing – beeswax!
The lining was one I’ve hoarded for too long. It’s a chambray by Robert Kaufman which I love so much! And topped it off with some leather handles (it’s not a color I carry at the moment, but cinnamon is very similar) attached with rivets.
I know this’ll be a super durable and easy to use tote for Jacey and I was so happy to make it for her. Of course I included some other fun goodies in her package, too but didn’t snap a pic of those!
Pattern: Wax + Wool Tote (found in the Making: FAUNA issue,
coming as a separate PDF to my shop in the early spring)
Fabric: waxed canvas from AL Frances Textiles, Robert Kaufman Cotton Dots chambray in Indigo
Leather Handles: from my shop (I have all colors back in stock now!! yay!)
Rivets: Minkus Margo
I loved this tote before but that lining makes it even better!! It’s so awesome! Jacey is one lucky lady!!
Waxed canvas is an amazing fabric. The green comes wonderful. I already used it for your several bags, for example your compass bag 🙂
Did you use an interfacing for this one?
Yes, it definitely is!! So awesome that you made a Compass bag using it! I only interfaced the lining pieces for this tote (with my fave, SF101). 🙂
I agree with Holly, that lining is the icing on the cake! Such a cool bag, and SO Jacey!
what a beautiful gift!!! I love the lining fabric, too. (I made a dress from that dot…it’s dreamy.) The tote is so well done: from the color to the rivet details….so professional! happy new year, Anna!
Lucky recipient.
My favorite! Inspired me to buy the issue of ‘Making’. Now I need to get the exact same materials.
Gorgeous work!
awesome! you’ll love it!
Anna, I just read your interview in Making magazine, issue 2. You mentioned that you sometimes lack confidence . . . so I wanted to write to encourage. You are incredible . . . my favorite fabric artist / designer. I love your bags and have made two — one for my granddaughter and one for me. Your patterns are accurate and clear. Thank you. When you feel overwhelmed with the number of folks in the industry, please remember that your work is appreciated and you are loved and respected. Blessings on all the work of your hands.
how sweet! I feel the same about Anna. She is truly humble and one-of-a-kind and her patterns are my favorite.
Thanks so much for taking the time to say that Leslie. That’s so sweet of you and thanks so much for your encouragement. It really means so much to me. 🙂
Nice bag!! I’m going to check out the waxed canvas as I’ve seen it in so many bags and pouches, and I’d like to try making something with it.
Gorgeous bag! ♥
Anna, this is gorgeous! What a lucky friend. This is my current favorite of your patterns. I love the simplicity and functionality of this bag. I already have another planned! Thanks for all your hard work, it really shows through in all you design.
Thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂 I’m glad you have another planned! That’s the best!
Hi there! Thanks for a great blog 🙂
I know that this is a bit off topic but I would really appreciate your answer; do you think it would be possible to dye an old black dress to a dark red/bordeaux? It’s a Given that’s it’s kind of old, it has lost some of the color and has a more greyish tinge to it. Wondering if I could work that to my advantage or if I would still have to consider bleaching it?
Thank you!
Thanks Camilla! I’m not sure about dying over black. I haven’t done that before. I suppose it would be worth a shot especially if it would mean you’d be getting more life out of your garment. 🙂
Gorgeous, simple, classic bag! Perfect for the gym, beach, yoga, whatever! Can you tell us what strap length you used? Going to have to make one up for each of my girls. And, maybe one for mom, too!!
Thanks Patty! Yes, this is the 28″ length that I have in my shop. 🙂 And I agree, useful for just about anything, gotta love that.
even more so, your friends are lucky to have YOU. I’m sure Jacey LOVED it! look forward to seeing your new pattern! waxed canvas is cool…
Thanks so much Donna! 🙂
It is so beautiful, looks great !!
Carolina 😉
https://carolinascornerblog.wordpress.com
Dreamy bag. Your friend is a lucky duck… I shall be making one of these!
All I can say is STUNNING!
Awe thanks Lisa!
When this pattern will be available for sale? Love it
Hi Fab, thank you for your comment. The pattern is available now as part of the issue of the Making: Fauna magazine. I’ll be releasing it as a separate PDF in March. 🙂
Hi Anna,
I’ve had some issues with the rivets I’m using to attach the straps to my bag. I’m wondering if the rivets I’m using are too short. For some reason they keep popping and the strap becomes unattached. How long is the post for the rivets you use? Mine are 8mm.
Thanks!
Hi Andrea, well, it depends on the thickness of what you’re trying to insert the rivets into. If your posts are too short the rivet won’t set properly. Typically the rivets I use have posts from 6-8mm in length. Also make sure that your actually setting the rivet correctly using your setting tool. If you don’t hit it hard enough, it won’t set. Hope that helps a bit. Try a few test ones on some scrap fabric or leather and that should give you a good feel for it. 🙂
Love, love, love this bag! Color, fabrics, leather straps, you’ve nailed it once again! 🙂
Hi Anna, I’m sorry if you’ve addressed this elsewhere and I couldn’t find it. I was wondering how you go about determining the post length? Do you just lay the pieces as they’ll go together and measure how thick they are? Or is there any wiggle room there, especially if the fabrics are squishable (that’s the technical term, of course). Also, do you happen to remember if the rivets on this bag were 8 or 9mm? I love the look and want to get it just right!
Hi Laura,
I think you’ll find my post about installing rivets helpful: https://blog.noodle-head.com/2015/07/install-rivets.html
I love waxed canvas but it’s hard to find it here in Italy!
What weight do you usally use for making bags? 10/12/14/18 oz?
Thank you
Best regards
Francesca
Hi Francesca, I hope you can find some! It’s great! I use either the 10 or the 12 oz typically. 🙂
Anna, if I would be lining the bag with flannel would you still recommend the interfacing?
I would probably still suggest interfacing it (depends a bit on the weight and weave of the flannel though). It’s up to you though! 🙂