The Totes Ma Tote Pattern Testing

I love pattern testing, I was able to test for Janelle of Emmaline Bags , her new pattern Totes Ma Tote. I have done pattern testing for a few of her bags. I always find it fun to do and of course there is always a chance to use some new hardware. The size of the tote is W 17" at the top of the tote, W 13" at the bottom, H 12", D 4". I have no problem fitting in my iPad, wallet, water. I'm sure that I could fit in a small lap top, if need be. I like that it is a recessed zipper on this tote, as it doesn't take away the look of the bag.

This pattern is fun and different, due to the fact that you are adding oval grommets to place the straps in. That means you get to play with hardware and purse jewelry......eyelets, buckles, purse feet, magnetic snaps and my all time favourite Handcrafted in Canada. There is no shortage of bling.

I had no problems following the instructions for this tote as Janelle has clear written instructions as well as great pictures. I also got a chance to try a new product for me Annie’s Soft & Stable. Such a great product to use in the bag, I love how this adds so much body to the bag.

There are enough pockets inside for all your needs, to place your phone as well as any other things you wish to place in them so that everything is easy to find when needed. I find that the zippered pocket is a good size that I can even zip my wallet into it.

I used quilting cotton and then vinyl for my bag. I was able to follow the pattern to the use the vinyl except till I got to the straps when you needed to add the buckles to it. I ended up making the buckle straps by cutting 1/2" on the width of them and folding them to meet each other in the centre of the straps and stitched on either side of the centre. Due to the fact that it was vinyl that I was using, the ends of the vinyl show white so I needed to use a permanent orange maker to paint the ends.

I did make the handles the length that the pattern called for, then after taking all the pictures of the bag and using it for a couple of days, I decided to make longer handles. The only thing I would add next time I make the bag is a key strap to attach my keys too, it could be easy added to one of the pockets.

I had so much fun with this bag as I decided that my zombies needed to be Quilted around so I went nuts and quilted pretty much all the drawing on the fabric.

I can see myself making up a few more of these bags in the future, I think it would look great in leather.

This is the tote after I added the long straps.

My crazy quilting.