Handbag Contest on Pattern Review

At last I have managed to enter a contest this year!

Over at Pattern Review there has been a Handbag Contest going on from 15 September to 15 October 2016.

Sharon's Take Off Tote

Now I have had my eye on the Take Off Tote from Dog Under My Desk for quite a while now and this was the perfect opportunity to get this made.

I purchased:

• Xanadu Purple Haze by E Mowder for P&B Textiles Quilting Cotton for the exterior from Spotlight.
• Blue and aubergine Quilting Cotton for the handles and lining from The Remnant Warehouse.
• SF0101 Legacy from Spotlight 
• Bra Foam from Metro Fabrics which was a great tip from Alison as it makes the bag stand up.

When I started to think about the Take Off Tote I realised I wanted it to have a few modifications like the tote I have been using but found it was not that travel friendly as I couldn't put it over my luggage handle.

Again Alison showed me her copy of the The Better Bag Maker: An Illustrated Handbook Design Techniques, Tips and Tricks by Nicole Mallelieu and I then purchased the Kindle version for my iPad.

The pattern changes I wanted to make were:

*  The top zipper now hangs over each end of the bag using the zipper instructions for the Avignon Traveller (location 2715).   The zips are from ByAnnie, and are the Zippers by the Yard, which I purchased when I went to Puyallup in February 2016 and I was able to make the top zip double ended.

*  Added a zippered pocket on the inside using the Basic Zippered Pocket instructions (location 579 in Pockets).

*  Added purse feet to the base of the bag using the Structured External Base with Purse Feet instructions (location 1041 in Bases).  For the base I used a thin chopping board.

The whole bag and lining are fused with the SF101 and I saved a lot of time doing this with my Elna Press

When it came to the inside slip pocket I decided to divide the open pocket into three for my sunglasses case, Boise earphones and mobile phone.

The back of the bag has a fabulous sleeve that slips over the handles of your suitcase. Alternatively you can make it into another pocket.

I also shortened the strap length by 5cm, as most bags tend to drag on the ground and this is a much better length for me.

I took it away for the weekend and was pleasantly surprised at what I could fit into this bag.

Now there is enough fabric for another bag, but it could be a while before you see that one.


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