Saturday, August 16, 2014

Moonlit 241 Tote

A few weeks back, I asked my IG peeps for bag pattern suggestions.  There was an overwhelming majority happy to recommend both the 241 Tote and Super Tote by Noodlehead.  A few days ago, I finally bit the bullet and bought BOTH patterns!  I then also stopped past Spotlight and got some extra bag making supplies and was ready to rumble!

I'm pleased to say I have finished the 241 Tote today!  And I'm a very happy camper....

Moonlit 241 Tote 

Even though I was expecting a canvas butterfly print from Cotton + Steel's new range, I still went ahead and used the quilting cotton that arrived.  And I'm so glad I did!  I love the combination of the denim blue butterflies and coral arrows.  Yummo!

Moonlit 241 Tote 

The side panels and lining throughout the bag are Essex Linen.  It contrasts perfectly with the other prints.  I purchased chunky metal jean zippers for the front.....a first here.  What I didn't think about was the fact you can't cut the ends off if you want to make them a bit shorter, like regular dress zips.  Whoops!  So I had to sew a wider berth around the top and bottom of each zip.  I love the look of them.

Moonlit 241 Tote 

I used Aurifil #5002 - a beautiful shade of coral - for all of the top stitching.  You know coral is my favourite colour right?

Moonlit 241 Tote 

And probably my favourite part of the bag - the handle.  I don't know how anyone could bare to part with these fabulous selvedges?  I couldn't!  The instructions direct you to cut a piece of fabric 6" x 26" for the handle, so I cut the selvedge off at 2.5", then 4.5" of the linen.  Cut the linen in half length ways and inserted the selvedge between them.  I had to sew the edge of the selvedge on TOP of the linen on one side, so as not to lose any of the text.  I freakin love it!

Moonlit 241 Tote 

Another first - magnetic snaps!  Never used them before, but I can now see them becoming a regular fixture on my bags!  So easy!?!?!?  I also love the little slip pocket on the inside - you can never have too many pockets in a bag.

2014-08-16_04-34-53 

Speaking of pockets..... The leaf print from Wee Wander co-ordinates divinely with the arrows.  Winning.

Moonlit 241 Tote

So - overall a very fabulous bag!  The only thing I WILL do differently when I make my next one (and undoubtedly many more after that) would be to upsize the pattern a little.  But for me, it's actually the perfect handbag size.  

Great, easy to follow pattern, with plenty of instructions.  I used a dressmaking interfacing - sort of like spiderweb weave - and it was enough structure as I don't like "stiff" bags.  I think if you added some batting to it, it would be ok also.

Next stop - the Super Tote!  You can find the 241 Tote Pattern HERE.

13 comments:

  1. Great bag, all the fabrics look great together :) Nice wet weather project :)

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  2. looking forward to seeing you review the supertote and then I will decide which one I should try! Never having made any bags before except a very simple tote!

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  3. Oh I love it with those metal zips! Good choice! Love the use of the selvedges in the handles too!

    I haven't been game enough to make a bag yet. All of the interfacing stuff confuses me since we don't seem to have the same brands that the patterns suggest and Spotlight tends to hide the large rolls behind the counter and I don't want to line up forever behind people to just have a look at it!

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  4. LOVE your 241 bag! You picked such beautiful fabrics! You are right... the coral touches are awesome in your bag!
    You will also love making the Super Tote!! It is so cute with it pleats on the side... and holds a lot! I just made one last month.
    Can[t wait to see yours.
    Susie

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  5. Love your bag! The fabrics are fabulous! I'd be a happy camper too!

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  6. That is fantastic!! I love coral too. Adding the selvedge to the strap is brilliant! You may have persuaded me to try this pattern :)

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  7. This is the cutest bag! Love the butterflies and the big black zippers. LOVE!

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  8. Love your bag! I've only ever made one bag and can't wait to make many more. Your selvedges are great, you did a fabulous job!

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  9. This is beautiful - perfect combination of fabrics!!

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  10. Another stunning bag! I like those pockets in the front.

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