Makers Tote by Noodlehead
Next I decided to make the small version of the Makers Tote. This pattern looking interesting and since I was planning on doing more crochet projects (all at the same time) I wanted to have another project bag to use. This one was a perfect place to use my Lori Holt fabric since it all seemed to tie in with creativity for me. It has a nice variety of colors without being too busy. And her quilt design fabric was a nice large statement design for the outside of the bag. I decided to use the red fabric as the side panels to break up the bag and add a pop of color. It worked out nicely as I was always using that for the binding and handles.
This bag was pretty easy to follow along with. I couldn’t find a whole tutorial video but the video I’ve linked before helped me with visualizing how the pieces would come together and gave me some good tips for the binding. I decided to wait to sew the main pieces together until after I installed the zipper because it just looked like I would have too many distracting lines of sewing on the exterior of the bag. Of course, once I did that I realized why it was written the other way - mainly because I’d have to open the whole zipper in order to have a flat surface. Luckily I was working with zipper tape so it wasn’t too difficult to do that and then reattach the zipper pull later. I also had to add a zipper tab to the end since the pattern was written for a regular zipper.
I’m thinking that it would better to do a magnetic snap or two at the top but as this is a project bag, it might be too open that way. The zipper also does a nice job of pulling the top of the bag together so that the handles are easier to grab. All in all, I like the way the finished bag looks. And the way they had me add the binding (as double fold instead of fold over) I found to be way easier. Usually I have such difficulty with binding pulling around the layers and not covering the previous stitches. I was also better about cutting down the bulk before I sewed the binding on. I don’t think this particular pattern will be one that I produce for the shop but I will definitely use it as my personal project bag. I think I have tried enough other project bag patterns that would be easier to produce. Next I want to find a larger project bag that people could use for sweaters and larger projects.
The Details:
Pattern: Makers Tote by Noodlehead, small version
Zipper: #5 Emerald Green by My Handmade Space
Interfacing: SF101 and Pellon Flex Foam
Finished bag size: 12”w x 10”h x 6”d
Fabrics:
Exterior: My Happy Place Cream Quilt Blocks and Bee Basics Red Heart by Lori Holt
Lining: Farm Girl Vintage Green Houndstooth and Honey Chicken Wire by Lori Holt
