1. I am travelling at the end of this month and am itching to make something new to travel with me. A zippy pouch? I have many. A purse? Too fiddly. What to make, what to make.....
2. I was reading blogs over my lunch today and saw a super tutorial to make a tote bag.
A tote! But I need a zipping top to shove it under an air plane seat. What's that, you say? A Super Tote!!! The light came on.
Oh, yes. Paypal has this way of enabling spontaneous purchases. Before I knew it I had a brand spankin' new Super Tote pattern printed out at my desk.
I am home tonight pulling pretty fabrics....
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| Clearly Playful from FSQ is my first choice, combined with two Essex linens. |
Here is my question for all of you. Have you made a Super Tote? Do you have any hints or tips to share? Or any ideas of what you'd add into the pattern? I see lots of cool suggestions like adding internal zipper pockets, using one massive cross-body loop instead of two handles, internal key fobs or external smaller pockets. It's kind of fun daydreaming a bit, isn't it? I'm totally jazzed to start stitching over the holiday weekend. Bring it on!
Is it a bird, is it a plane? I have 5 metres of hot pink zipper tape (or red or neon yellow) so please let me know if you would like some, you'd be very welcome.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabrics you have chosen! I have made about a dozen Super totes and really love them - the pattern has very clear and pictures but if you need any help just email me:)
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy my friend! I've made three! My advice is, use a medium-hard weight iron on interfacing. The one suggested in the pattern is too thin for my taste. the fabric starts wobbling use after use. I prefer canvas or essex linen for the outside. Or a quilted panel for the outside pocket, but this one, interfaced as well. Also, add lining to the outside pocket, it looks more professional. It's too late now, but if I think of anything else I'll let you know. By the way, I absolutely adore the fabrics you chose! Those viewfinders inspired me for my first supertote. Can't wait to see yours!
ReplyDeleteI love my super tote, I did a few modifications, blogged here: http://mary.emmens.co.uk/2014/09/22/my-super-supertote/
ReplyDeleteHave fun whatever you decide, look forward to seeing it!
yes, I have made a few of these.. The tip about the interfacing is a good one. Where the zipper closure is at the top, I would sew the handles right up to the top, because it drags down in use, and I might also anchor the bit above the zip closure to help maintain a crisp top finish.
ReplyDeleteThe elastic pockets are also too low for my preference, by the time you have stuff in the pockets and then filled the rest of the bag, getting stuff out is burrowing in the dark, so I would set them higher... I shall think of a few more no doubt, but I use mine every day for work, so it is a flipping good bag! Good luck
I'll wait and get you to figure out all the pitfalls for me. I have been eyeing this pattern, it's a good choice.
ReplyDeleteI made my handles wider and added extra padding to them. I also put an elastic pocket on the inside.
ReplyDeleteI've got the pattern and been wanting to make one for ages! I'll add at least a couple of internal zippy pockets and a key fob when/if I eventually get round to making one. Can't wait to see yours x
ReplyDeleteI recently printed this pattern yoo so, like Leanne, I'll let you figure out all the kinks and report back to me. 😁😉
ReplyDeleteOoh I have this pattern too!! So excited to see yours and hear your feedback.
ReplyDeleteI bet you're all sorted by now but I'm looking forward to seeing your finished bag!
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