I made my first tote!!

It was easy, but not what I expected really.

I chose a template from a book (I'll picture it below) that was labeled something like Lazy Sunday Bag because you were supposed to be able to do it in short time and it was a beginning bag (not because I'm lazy!). I did leave out the magnetic clasp because I don't think I'll need it. In the end, it was definitely easy to do and I'm going to alter my next one to make a pocket with dividers for knitting needles.

This might sound silly, but I want to make people aware of just how much fabric you need compared to what you use. There will be large scraps left over from knocking the template out of the fabric because the handles are so long. Also, if you buy interfacing (and I did) keep in mind how tall it is. The template didn't go from the top to the bottom of the interfacing because it wasn't tall enough so I'm left with some rather odd shaped pieces left over. Luckily I always buy more than I need so I had enough. And, if you end up with leftover scraps, check out my posts about coffee cozies and key fobs because the scraps are perfect for it!

This is Bags the Modern Classics. Obviously, I checked it out from the library (my favorite place to get books!)

Lots of cutting and scraps left over! (scraps not pictured)

Just a little picture of the pocket. =)

This was the oddest part. You pretty much sew the top up and pull the whole bag out through a hole in the lining.

Final bag before tying the straps.

And it's done!

I had a hard time taking this picture, but it's the little pocket inside...don't you just love the fabric!

In case anyone is interested, I bought this great Ghastlies fabric a long while ago but didn't know what to make with it. I'm really glad I got to actually make something for myself for once! Of course, I'm using it as a guinea pig for the next bags, but oh well. =)