You know I’m a big advocate for making usable things! My Pepin Tote in Riverbend is probably one of my favorite bags to use.

Before this pattern, I had made a tote that I used all the time on road trips and whenever I needed to bring along something bigger than would fit in my daily bag that I carry. So that tote evolved into the Pepin Tote pattern! And yes, if you’re wondering, it’s named after Lake Pepin (my Dad grew up near there).

Pattern Matching

I’m not super into pattern matching (I try not to make things complicated), but when the scale of the print is large like this one, I felt like it was a prime opportunity to practice my skills! It’s not perfect, but I think it turned out just right.

Directional Print

Oh, and I almost forgot that with this print (since it’s a one-way directional print), that I had to put a seam in the bottom of the tote. Not too difficult if you find yourself in a similar situation with whatever fabric design you use.

You’ll divide the Main Exterior in half and then add your seam allowance to that number. I almost always use a half inch, so just add that to your divided measurement for the exterior piece. And then you’ll sew that bottom seam making sure the direction of the design is facing away from the seam. Hope that helps if you decide to try it, too!

Here are a few other Pepin Totes I’ve made:

• Yellow Pepin Tote for fall
• My Pepin Tote
• Floral Pepin Tote
• Rust Pepin Tote

Sew-along with Video!

Don’t forget – there’s a full video sew-along available! Click the link below:

• Pepin Tote Complete Sew-Along

Project Details:

• Pattern: Pepin Tote pattern (available in PDF and paper), this pattern is made up of just a few rectangles! So you can cut directly with your rotary cutter/ruler (save time and paper!) or make templates if you wish.
• Fabrics: Riverbend Big Sur Canvas for the exterior (this one is called Ocean, but the color is more of a dark blue/green) and Riverbend Essex for the lining
• Handles: Leather handles (you’ll want the 28″ set) OR the (1″-wide) cotton webbing in lots of great colors! I used the Rustic leather on this one!
• Recessed zipper (optional!): 20″ zips available in my shop
• Optional magnetic closures available in my shop, and here’s my full tutorial on how to install them!

*Riverbend has been arriving in shops! Yay! Be sure to check with your favorite shop! Or try an online search for “Anna Graham Riverbend” or “Riverbend Robert Kaufman” and check out the #RiverBendFabric hashtag on Instagram. Can’t wait to see what you make!!!!

These Wool + Wax Totes in Riverbend might just be the gift that keeps on giving this year.

When I found out that Riverbend was going to be able to be printed on Big Sur Canvas it was game on. If you’re a seasoned bag maker, you probably already know that canvas makes such a sturdy bag and even saves you some time and interfacing!

If you’re new to bag making, I hope you give Big Sur Canvas a try. It comes in so many great solids (51)! And now you can also find my designs overprinted on it as well! Exciting!!!

My Wool + Wax Tote pattern was top of the list when it came to picking out things to sew for the collection. They’re quick and easy and perfect for gifting! I never feel bad having a few of these hanging around for those last minute gifts. Everyone needs a basic tote! For real.

Riverbend Big Sur is made up of 8 of my designs, and it’s pretty easy to pair them with the Riverbend Essex for the linings. I made three out of the various prints, paired with a few solids for the bases. But there are so many possibilities to try!

Here are a few other Wool + Wax totes I’ve made:

• Framework Canvas Wool + Wax Tote
• Stamped Wool + Wax Tote and pouch
• Mustard Wool + Wax Tote
• Wool + Wax Tote PDF Pattern is here!

Project Details:

• Pattern: Wool + Wax Tote PDF pattern (or purchase my Everyday Essentials booklet, which includes the Wool + Wax pattern, plus two other fun projects!)
• Fabrics: Riverbend Big Sur Canvas for the exteriors and Riverbend Essex for the linings, plus for the contrast bottoms:
  • Mustard Big Sur for the Contrast bottom
  • Lt. Indigo Washed 8 oz. Denim (I use the wrong side as the right side for even more texture!)
  • this pinstripe denim would be fun to use as well
• Interfacings: I used Emmaline Bags medium weight fusible woven interfacing for one of these totes just to try out the options, for the other two I used my go-to Pellon SF101 fusible woven as well! Both work great in my opinion!
• Handles: Leather handles (you’ll want the 28″ set) or the (1″-wide) cotton webbing in lots of great colors!
• Optional magnetic closures available in my shop, and here’s my full tutorial on how to install them!

*Riverbend has been arriving in shops! Yay! Be sure to check with your favorite shop! Or try an online search for “Anna Graham Riverbend” or “Riverbend Robert Kaufman” and check out the #RiverBendFabric hashtag on Instagram. Can’t wait to see what you make!!!!

You know I love a garment out of Essex, right?! This Heather Blazer in Riverbend feels right at home. When Friday Pattern Co. released their Heather Blazer I wanted to make one right away!

I feel like Essex is the perfect weight fabric for this blazer, I used it for both the lining and the exterior. You could of course use a lighter weight fabric for the lining if you wanted an even lighter weight garment.

New to me

This was my first time making a blazer and I really enjoyed the different arm pattern pieces as well as watching it all come together. The collar is quite easy! I did pop over to watch the videos of the finishing steps of the hem. They were helpful and I think the finished product turned out really well.

I would definitely make another one, maybe a Spring version? I’ve been looking at various blazers for sale, and they can be pretty expensive! I know they make a great staple in your wardrobe, so I think taking the time to make one would definitely be worth it.

More garments using Essex

Here are a few more garments I’ve sewn in the past using my fabric collections:

• Pearl Dress (Forage)
• Kalle Shirtdress (Forage)
• Cleo Skirt (Forage)
• Wiksten Shift Dress (Driftless)
• Ilford Jacket (Quarry Trail)
• Farrow Dress (Around the Bend)

Pattern Details

Pattern: Heather Blazer by Friday Pattern Co.
Fabric: Riverbend Essex collection (designed by me for Robert Kaufman Fabrics) for both the exterior and linings – and yes, I definitely pre-wash all fabrics I use for making garments!

*Riverbend has been arriving in shops! Yay! Be sure to check with your favorite shop! Or try an online search for “Anna Graham Riverbend” or “Riverbend Robert Kaufman” and check out the #RiverBendFabric hashtag on Instagram. Can’t wait to see what you make!!!!