Thursday, February 28, 2008

Tote and Tutorial

I made this purse a while ago, and it’s taken me a ridiculously long time to post it. I was doing my regular free fabric collecting when I came across these samples that were just too good to pass up! I was just shocked at how close the colors were, and how well the different textures go together. So, I made a tote from it!

I was wanting to do something a little different from the pleated purse pattern which I made not too long ago. So, I made it a little smaller, and added a different kind of pleat in the design. It was surprisingly easy to make it, I think I’ll be doing it again in leather. I’ve got some good leather that I think would look nice. I scanned the pattern in, and made a printer friendly pattern that you can download here.

Posted in tutorials

show hide 24 comments

Amanda

Ooh! I like it! (Of course, I like pretty much everything you make…)

Rebekah Neuner

I didn’t think I needed another bag but yours has changed my mind. I think I will need to get over my fear of patterns and try this one. Is it best to use heavier fabric like you have?

Melissa

I think it’s best to use thicker fabric. I used thinner fabric on the first purse I made like this, and it’s just a little flimsy. Maybe try backing some cotton with pellon, or something like that.

simona

thank you, tha bag is lovely, the post alse!!

angelina

this looks so professional: i love it ,thank yoU!

jackie

I LOVE your bag! I’ve been needing a new one a bit bigger than my last, and this looks perfect-although i may lengthen the straps to be over the shoulder.

Abby Soderberg

Love it Melissa! I got a sewing machine for my birthday and this is the FIRST thing I am going to make! Hope your cute family is doing well

<3 Abby

Anne Brown

Since we lost our paid teacher at the local Senior Center, I’m now teaching the class for free a class. May I use Melissa Esplin’s “Penelope Tote Pattern for the class? There are 6 to 8 ladies (68 to 90 years) in the class. Can I make copies of the pattern to hand out? Thank you,
Anne Brown

Erica K

I love that! I especially love the fabrics you used…

Hilda

lovely bag! I’m so excited to make this!

Jenny of Elefantz

Melissa, I just LOVE the fabrics you used in the bag! I will take your advice and hunt down some similar…also thinking some lovely pre-loved tapestry would be gorgeous.
Hugs
Jenny

minimanuals

Hi, I’d like to make this bag and i’d like to know the amount of each fabric you’ve used. Thanks

Becca

I just made this tote and am in love with it! I think I will make several of them as gifts for my bridesmaids. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Amy Kirchhoff

I made my first purse!!! And I LOVE it! I don’t think I’ve gotten more compliments on a bag before, so thank you. :) I gushed over it here:
http://www.amytriedit.com/2010/11/pleated-purse.html

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