I decided I wanted a sturdier bag to bring to work. I’ve been using my library card tote bag from Out of Print, but it’s too floppy. I have many tote bags (it’s an occupational hazard for librarians) but nothing was quite right. I wanted to use the fabric I purchased from Spoonflower (warning, don’t go to that website if you don’t have discretionary funds). I had a bag with an “L” on it to start as my base. I bought a sheet of plastic canvas to make the bag stand up on its own.
I cut out a piece for the bottom of the bag, and covered it with some scrap fabric. I didn’t cover the pieces I cut for the sides of the bag, I just hand-sewed them in place. Then I made the pockets. For the large pocket on the outside of the bag I cut a piece of the novelty fabric to fit between the two straps of the bag. Then I cut a piece of lining fabric and put it right sides together with the novelty fabric and sewed along the top and sides, turning it right side out. I hand-sewed the pocket to the bag, starting with the bottom and folding it up. I also created a smaller pocket using the same method and put it on the inside of the bag.
I’m pretty happy with it- I will see how it works under use. I want to be able to drop my lunch bag, small purse, books and iPad into it, and have a place for small items.
