I didn’t mean to end up with a bunch of waxed canvas projects here, but it’s been fun playing around with it for sure. I’m excited about this small Hillside Tote in Olive Waxer Canvas. I think what I love most about using it is when I need a quick project. Because I don’t interface the waxed canvas part of the project it ends up saving time. Instead of a fully interfaced exterior I focus on using a sturdy lining, which lately has been Big Sur canvas. I recently ordered a bunch of colors from Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics, and it’s been so fun seeing them in person.
So I used Waxer Canvas for this Hillside Tote with a Big Sur canvas lining. And a leather fixed length strap because, it’s fast! I love it. I love a quick project that you can use right away! It’s fun to see a few rectangles of fabric, a zipper, leather and hardware come together in just an afternoon and end up as a useful bag.
It’s been great experimenting with different types of waxed canvas, too. In fact, I just finished a prototype of an upcoming pattern using a dry waxed canvas that I purchased from Blackbird Fabrics (6.5 oz Dry Waxed Cotton Canvas, which looks like it’s sold out at the moment). I really enjoyed using it! Trying different substrates like this helps me choose fabrics for future projects, because they’re all different with different qualities so it’s nice to know for when I’m sewing up my next sample! I think that’s really been holding my interest lately, trying new types fabrics! If you’re unsure about a certain type of fabric, I’d highly recommend trying it! Start with a simple tote or zippered pouch and see how you like it. Starting with a low time/fabric commitment type project will give you a great feel for how you might makes changes to your next project. Experimenting is half the fun!
Pattern: Hillside Tote (mini)
Fabric: Waxer Canvas (Olive), Big Sur Canvas (Smokey Beige)
Hardware, zipper and leather straps (1″-wide by 54″, which are easy to customize to whatever length you’d need) available in my shop!
That looks amazing! I passed up a big chunk of waxed canvas at the goodwill outlet per pound bins, because i needed to stop buying fabric without having a project in mind and I’m still kicking myself!
Love this bag! Quick question: On the pattern info there is the Regular and the Mini versions but not a Small. Is this Green Hillside Tote the Mini? Sorry if this is a bonehead question. Thanks in advance.
Hey Brooke, sorry, yes, it’s the Mini! I’ll fix that in my post. π
I absolutely love this bag! I made one for a holiday and itβs just so practical and useful!!
I can’t seem to find the link to the bag hardware…it goes to a fabric company. Also what size rivets are used for the leather handle where it is folded over double thick? Is the front pocket a magnetic snap closure?
Thanks!
Hi Leslie, the hardware is in my shop: https://noodle-head.com/collections/hardware-zippers/products/redwood-tote-hardware-kit, the rivets I used are an 8mm cap with a 9mm post. The front pocket is a snap, like these: https://noodle-head.com/collections/hardware-zippers/products/metal-spring-snap-starter-kit, the back pocket has a sewn center divider. The pattern is my Hillside Tote: https://noodle-head.com/collections/pdf-sewing-patterns/products/hillside-tote-pdf-pattern
Hope that helps! π Anna
Can the 1β wide leather strap be made as the adjustable style with a slider? Any tips if I want to do this?
Hi Lauren! Yep, I’ve seen folks do that. The mostly use rivets to attach the leather, but if your machine can handle it, you can sew the strap as well (or even hand-sew with waxed thread). Hope that helps!
Thanks! I think I will try an adjustable leather strap. I was going to use rivets for the ends when I do.. mine have 8mm length post though, not 9mm. Hopefully this is still long enough to get through 2 layers of one of your leather straps??. This will be my first time making one of your patterns- I am very excited!
Should be able to go through both layers with that length post! π