The pieces to this Denim and Walnut Redwood Tote were cut over a year ago. I was deep into making all the samples for my Around the Bend fabric collection and this color combo was one I just couldn’t put away.

I ended up not having time to actually sew it after I cut the pieces (I sewed a different Redwood up instead). It got set it aside knowing I would eventually get to sewing it up. I wasn’t until earlier this fall that I pulled out the pieces (and re-cut the ones that got missing along the way, hahaha) that I got to work.

Video to check out

I made a few reels showing the process of making this Redwood Tote. I actually love taking video of making it. It’s been fun to stretch creatively with video. Stop by my Instagram to check out Part 1 and Part 2 here.

The colors are some of my favorites, I used Big Sur Canvas in Walnut (from Stash Fabrics) for the Side Panels and the Coreopsis print from Around the Bend for the featured center panel. The lining was separated into the tiny Denim Gingham for the pockets and Fungus print from Around the Bend.

Interfacing notes

I had a small scrap of waxed canvas that I used for the bottom reinforcement piece. It pairs nicely with the leather strap and handle details. I tried out Emmaline Bags EB-Fuse in a medium weight for the interfacing for the lining pieces. I really like the extra sturdiness it provides! Especially because the prints that are printed on Essex Yarn Dyed Homespun. Homespun is a little looser weave than the other Essex just because of the construction of the fabric. I used SF101 on all the exterior pieces as per the pattern.

Project Details

• Pattern: Redwood Tote (available in my shop)
• Fabric: Exterior is Big Sur Canvas in Walnut and Around the Bend Coreopsis print in Denim, Lining is Around the Bend (it’s the Fungus print from the collection)
• Leather handles (two 15″x 3/4″ handles here), crossbody strap (1″x 54″ crossbody strap here), hardware kits (in Antique Brass and Nickel), zippers (6″ is here and 12″ is here), and zipper pulls are all available in my shop, too if you need supplies.

*Around the Bend is in shops NOW! Yay! Be sure to check with your favorite shop! Or try an online search for “Anna Graham Around the Bend” or “Around the Bend Robert Kaufman” check out the #AroundtheBend fabric hashtag on Instagram.