Boxy Tote

My friend Dottie loves to make bags.

She finds the neatest patterns and creates beautiful bags.

Her latest bag uses the Boxy Tote pattern and I

decided to make one with her.

The cutting and preparation takes quite a while.

Plus, there are things used in this pattern

that aren't the easiest to find.

Once the pieces were cut and the fusing was done,

I headed over to her house and the fun began.

The pattern designer has written the directions in a 

super organized way.

She has tabs to pin to each piece of fabric with the measurements and the

order number from the directions.

Once the piece or pieces are cut,

you pin this tab to the fabric and it keeps things organized.

This tote is large enough to carry a Featherweight in it!

There are pockets on the inside and outside of the bag.

There are also stays around the top of the bag that hold it open

and in place so it's easy to fill.

After my friend, Mary, made one, she found this label for all of us!

Only a few swears words were used in the construction of my bag.

:D

Dottie and I made the straps differently than the pattern suggests

and came up with a very sturdy, but cushy strap.

The zipper tab is filled with glue!

It hasn't quite dried yet, so looks wet in the photo.

The only thing I have left to do is get the hard piece for the bottom of the bag.

I'll cover that  and pop it it and it will be ready for use.

When I started this bag,

I thought it would be a one and done project.

I think I see another one of these in my future, though!

Thanks, Dottie!

It was a blast making this with you.

I'm linking to Design Wall Monday and Monday Making today.

Happy quilting!