Stopping in to share a couple fun and functional bags from my book, Handmade Style. I was lucky enough to sample these two for Jennifer Sampou‘s new line Shimmer 2, which got featured in their beautiful lookbook. I really love Jennifer’s aesthetic and she keeps coming out with more goodness all the time. Have you seen she’s doing even more yarn dyes? They pretty much rock my world. Two of each please!
The Zip Top Tote is a really great size bag with a zippered top (obvious I know, sorry). I’ve always wanted a go-to zippered top bag to sew using my favorite prints and I think this one is it! I’ve made a few more featuring my fabric collection, Rain Walk, which I’ll share next week hopefully! I think this one would make a great diaper bag or beach bag, too. Plus, wouldn’t it be fun to include some patchwork panels? yes!!! Be sure to check out ones made by you on Instagram using #handmadestylebook as the tag. And there are two fun hidden pockets on the exterior (see where those sunglasses are tucked in?). Gotta love a good pocket!
My favorite part of the Bucket Bag is the two front zippered pockets. Of course you could skip them if you wanted, but I like the nice bit of detail they add. I also love the drawstring closure. Instead of a fabric drawstring (don’t get me wrong – I love a fabric one) but it would be a great spot to add leather cording or cotton cording. This is such a cute style to wear, too! Be sure to check out the pictures in the book (my friend from high school was kind enough to model for me) of this bag. I think it’s so fun and casual, easy to wear and perfect for just being out and about.
Patterns: Zip Top Tote and Bucket Bag from Handmade Style
Fabric: Shimmer 2 by Jennifer Sampou for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, also some Essex Yarn Dyed
Zippers: Zipit on Etsy