Tote and Tutorial

by Melissa on 28. Feb, 2008 in tutorials

penelopepleatedpurse1sm.jpg

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.

13 Responses to “Tote and Tutorial”

  1. Amanda 28. Feb, 2008 at 10:42 pm #

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

  2. Rebekah Neuner 05. Mar, 2008 at 11:54 pm #

    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?

  3. Melissa 06. Mar, 2008 at 12:13 am #

    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.

  4. simona 13. May, 2010 at 8:43 pm #

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

  5. angelina 13. May, 2010 at 10:36 pm #

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

  6. jackie 14. May, 2010 at 1:22 am #

    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.

  7. Abby Soderberg 16. May, 2010 at 7:49 pm #

    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

  8. Anne Brown 17. May, 2010 at 2:14 am #

    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

  9. Erica K 19. May, 2010 at 7:32 pm #

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

  10. Hilda 20. May, 2010 at 2:14 am #

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

  11. Jenny of Elefantz 05. Jul, 2010 at 9:45 pm #

    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

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. a case of the Crafties » NYNY begins with a bag - 10. Aug, 2009

    [...] found the pattern at IS*LY, through a quick google image search for a purse pattern. It looked like the perfect size [...]
  2. tracys bag « a case of the Crafties - 08. Apr, 2010

    [...] compliments on my newest go-bag, and a couple of requests. Tracy bought the fabric needed for the Penelope Tote from ISLY. She fell in love with the print and matched the green for the outside. She also asked that I do a [...]

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