I’m so excited for this finish! This is the large size of my newest pattern, the Maker’s Tote. It’s such an amazing shade of orangey/fiery/coral-red. Perfect! This is one of my favorite prints from Alexia’s Mesa collection for Cotton + Steel.

I’m super pumped about having this completed tote because it started out as one of my prototypes. I thought I had everything all set, so I cut into this favorite fabric combo, and sure enough it wasn’t quite right and there were still adjustments I needed to make before it would become the pattern. So the other day I got to deconstructing it and rebuilding the tote. I love that it’s now a useable tote, rescued from my ‘this isn’t working’ pile.

Each pocket is so fun to make and sewing a tote like this is a fun adventure to see come together. Each step is something new and fun. And it was also nice to sit down for a few minutes and listen to a podcast and stitch down the binding. I really love the clean look of it’s finish.

So far I think I might be giving this as a gift. I didn’t have anyone specific in mind though which, for me, is the most fun part of gift making. And Christmas is right around the corner!

Pattern: Maker’s Tote (large) watch my video with tips here
Fabrics: Alexia Abegg’s Mesa, Carolyn Friedlander’s Doe, Interweave Chambray in Black
Zippers: Zipit and Wawak.com
(specific resources and links are included in the pattern)

And I forgot to announce the winner of the giveaway of Lotta Jansdotter goodies! The winner is Sara C., I’ve sent you an email!

Of course no pattern would be complete without pattern testers. I am so grateful for the feedback they give me. And I’m also grateful they share their time and talents with me. Here are some beautiful totes made using the Poolside Tote pattern.

I’m so happy to have Darcy (Modern Cozy) join testing this time. We got to meet up at Sewing Summit a few years ago and she is just the most sincere and sweet person. I hope we get to meet again! Darcy sewed up this gorgeous version with a beautiful patchwork pocket. You’ll have to stop over to see her full notes! She used Soft & Stable as recommended for a tote that you’d like to stand up on it’s own.

My friend Kristie (Obsessive Crafting Disorder) also joined along! We’ve been hanging out online for years and I’m always happy to see what she’s sewing or knitting! (see that amazing sweater? yep, totally jealous) Kristie put her creative twist on her finished Poolside by making the front zippered pocket with hexies!! How awesome are they? Perfect for that stray quilt block you’ve had laying in your work in progress pile. And don’t get me started on that pink zipper! Love! She also added the slip pocket on the backside of the tote as well.

June also helped test, she’s always incredibly thorough and I appreciate her diligence so much. And her Poolside featuring Rashida’s Koi Canvas, yummmm!

Nicke and Darci also helped in testing, they were awesome. Hoping I can see their versions soon! I also tested with the ladies at Olive Juice Quilts! They made amazing totes, again, I need pictures!

And of course I want to show off your Poolside Totes! The Bag of the Month club members had sew up quite a few and of course I’ve seen a bunch of new ones pop up, too! Can’t wait to see more! If you’ve made a Poolside Tote please add it to the flickr group or tag your tote #poolsidetote on Instagram.

Hi friends! It’s here finally. My newest pattern the Poolside Tote is ready for all your summer sewing adventures.

As you might already know, this tote was part of the Bag of the Month club. So the lucky members of the club have already had their patterns for a bit and it’s been fun to see them popping up in the flickr group!

Special features of this tote:

• it’s roomy! I can fit 4 beach towels and more in mine!
• two pocket options, zippered closure or a slip pocket (or you could do both – one on each side)
• fun accents to show off your favorite quilting cotton prints
• key loop

Notes on interfacing: I give several options for interfacing choices depending on what fabrics you’re using and what type of bag you like. Heavy weight fabrics with interfacing, Soft & Stable, or batting/cotton canvas are a few of the combinations you can choose from. There is more information and details on selection included in the pattern. * Materials needed: + Requirements based on 44” wide fabric.

• Exterior fabric 1 1/4 yards (1 yard if using 54’’ wide fabric)
• Lining fabric 1 1/4 yards (1 yard if using 54’’ wide fabric)
• Accent fabric (Handles, pocket lining) 3/4 yard
• Accent fabric (facing) 1/2 yard
• 10” zipper (optional)
• twill tape or ribbon 1” wide 4.5’’ piece
• *fusible woven interfacing (Pellon SF101 – 20’’ wide) 2 3/4 yards
• swivel clasp (1’’) or d-ring (1’’)

Recommended Fabrics: home dec, heavy linen, denim, canvas, twill, duck cloth, for exterior and lining. Quilting cotton for accent fabrics.

Skill Level: Advanced beginner with an adventurous spirit. + Approx. Finished Dimensions: 7.5” D x 14.5” W across base, 14.5” tall, 23.5” including handle By purchasing this pattern, I also give you (the purchaser of this pattern) the rights to sell Poolside Totes made using this pattern (on a home based scale). This is a 13 page PDF pattern with full size print-at-home pattern pieces, and includes detailed step-by-step instructions with detailed illustrations.

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