The hardest part about testing bags is that sometimes we need to keep it a secret until release date. I made this bag back in April, I think and I’m bursting at the seams to finally share it. The Tortoise Bag from Sara at Sew Sweetness is finally here! This bag comes in three different sizes and goes together in a very clever way. Here’s my version in the size large.

Installing that zipper is way easier than it looks. You can use either 2 zippers and connect them in the middle, as explained in the pattern, or if you have zipper tape by the yard, you can just create a double pull zipper yourself.  If you need a refresher on how to do that, check out my video tutorial here.

There are handles, and also a removable cross-body strap. The inside also includes a zippered pocket and a removable false bottom for added firmness to the bottom – and who doesn’t want a firm bottom, am I right?

We dubbed my bag “Elizabeth-in-the-box” because Tula Pink’s Elizabeth fit so perfectly inside that flap and I couldn’t resist using it there. Actually fussy cutting was really easy with this pattern so you could line up a print from the exterior flap and continue it on with the main body if you like too.

I used one of my very favourite prints, Astraea from Tula Pink’s Elizabeth collection as the main exterior print. The rich jewel tones make it work as a year-round colour palette. I had some fun on the inside with coordinates from the collection and the selfie as the inside flap. 

Head on over to the Sew Sweetness shop and grab a copy to get started on yours today!