Sewing

Caravan Tote & Pouch – Riverbend

I really enjoyed making this set! This is the Caravan Tote & PouchRiverbend. I started because I wanted to make a new sample using Riverbend. I hadn’t updated the pattern cover for the Caravan Tote & Pouch since it came out, so I was on a mission to sew up and photograph one!

Caravan Tote & Pouch - Riverbend

Revisiting

I ended up remaking a simplified Caravan Tote that I had previously made (and gave away to a friend, thus the remake) from my Quarry Trail collection. It’s fun to show how different a pattern can look by making some pretty simple edits to the design (aka, omitting the front pocket!). So once I was done with that sample, I picked some coordinating fabrics from my new collection, Riverbend!

Caravan Tote & Pouch - Riverbend

I knew I wanted to highlight the Queen Anne’s lace print (from Riverbend Essex collection) and I think it works great with this waxed twill (color is Amber) from AL Frances Textiles. I’ve really been enjoying the waxed twill lately if you can’t tell! It’s a nice weight to work with!

Update Information

I also revisited the instructions (with the help of my tech editor) and made some updates to the file. Nothing too drastic, but a general clean up.

Caravan Tote & Pouch - Riverbend

If you had previously purchased the PDF, you should have already received the updated file via my file host, SendOwl. Please check your spam/promotions folder. You can also login to your account on my site and re-download it (or use this link and enter the email address you used to purchase the file originally and it’ll automatically send you a new link).

Caravan Tote & Pouch - Riverbend

The new update is a zipped folder with an updated print-at-home files for all the pieces (including all rectangles) and a new A0 file for printing at a copy shop.

If you purchased a paper copy and would like a complimentary PDF update, please contact us with proof of purchase. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work through this, we are a small team.

Caravan Tote & Pouch - Riverbend

Lastly, I wanted to note that I had a ton of fun making these! I’m so glad I can share what I make with you all. Grateful for this community of makers.

Project Details:

Caravan Tote & Pouch - Riverbend

*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!!!!

Sewing

Floored Quilt – Riverbend

Honestly, this might be my most favorite quilt. This is my Floored QuiltRiverbend!

Floored Quilt - Riverbend

I keep a little list of quilts I want to make for when I feel like making one! I usually don’t get to spend a lot of time making quilts, but I do enjoy the process. The Floored Quilt by Wooly Petals was one that stuck at the top of my list after I first saw it. I love the way it highlights the fabrics!

Floored Quilt - Riverbend

Design Wall

I made the Lap size and it was so fun! I used a large chunk of batting hung on my cabinets for a design wall. It was perfect to have a spot for the design part which I think is really important for this quilt. It was helpful to visualize what fabrics worked best in what spot, so I couldn’t have done it without that temporary little design wall.

Even though I have enough wall space to have a design wall, I don’t think I’ll have a semi-permanent spot for one. Maybe if I start making more quilts, but for now it works!

Floored Quilt - Riverbend

Fun to make!

I honestly would make this quilt again. It’s fast and fun and requires just enough thought to keep things interesting. So don’t be surprised if I make another!

The background is my favorite Kona in Natural. The backing is Manchester in Steel and the binding is Essex Yarn Dyed in Graphite. (links below)

I sent it off to Katie over at Modern Textiles for quilting. She used wool batting and a topographical style pantograph (called Simpler Counteurs) for the quilting. I love the way it turned out!

Floored Quilt - Riverbend

Project Details:

*Riverbend has been starting to arrive 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!!!!

Sewing

Buckthorn Tote – Riverbend

Might as well share the Buckthorn TOTE that I made! This is my Buckthorn Tote – Riverbend style! Hope you spotted the Buckthorn Backpack that I shared earlier. I had so much fun putting these together!

Buckthorn Tote - Riverbend

Buckthorn Tote – Riverbend

I love the Buckthorn Tote for a smaller bag! It is perfect for using as a lunchbox, a knitting/crochet tote, or whatever else you might need. I like making these for kids gifts, too. They love the top zipper to secure their favorite things and is easy to tote around.

I’m excited to put another one of these together soon. They don’t take as much fabric and have less pieces than a lot of my patterns, so there’s a definite time and cost savings right off the bat. I think I’ll try another one of my Riverbend Canvas prints for my next sample. It’s so fun to combine fabrics and webbing! Who knows though, I might dig through my stash of older canvas or maybe even do some quilted panels (like this one, or this one).

Buckthorn Tote - Riverbend
Buckthorn Tote - Riverbend

Exterior Fabric Options

It doesn’t take up too much fabric, and is a super satisfying sew. I’ve made quite a few now with a variety of substrates for the exterior:

With so many choices, I’m sure you’ll be able to pull something from your stash that would be perfect!

Buckthorn Tote - Riverbend

I also love that you only have to pick out two fabrics to make it! One for the exterior and one for the lining. I know it can be a challenge when a bag is made of several different fabric that you have to coordinate. I love how that process can be part of the fun, but the Buckthorn keeps it simple!

Project Details: