Disclosure: Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Welcome to Day 3 of the Caravan Tote Sew Along.  Today we’ll construct the exterior of the bag.  Check out Day 1 to get started and learn about fabric and interfacing selection, and Day 2 to begin cutting and making handles. You can purchase the PDF from the Noodlehead shop, and use code HOSAL at checkout to save 20%. I also noticed that you can get a kit including the paper pattern and fabric from Craftsy, on sale right now, save 35%.

To prepare the zipper, we’ll add zipper tabs on each end. The zipper tabs make it easier to sew in at the seams. If you are using a premade zipper, you may need to trim the ends of the zipper so they don’t extend more than 1/2″ past the metal stop and start of teeth. Create a zipper sandwich with lining tab right side facing up, then zipper facing up and finally exterior tab right side down. Sew in place with your zipper foot (being careful to avoid the metal zipper end).

Then move tabs out, away from zipper so they are wrong sides together. Press and topstitch. Repeat with other zipper end and trim tabs so they match the zipper width, if you need to.

To create the large front zippered pocket, start by taking the Contrast Top Exterior and align the raw edge with the zipper (teeth down). Note: If your Contrast Top is directional, you will be matching the bottom raw edge with your zipper – in my picture, the purple diagonal lines are the top of my bag. I like to use Wonder Clips here and because I’m using a wider zipper, I don’t need to use a zipper foot. You may choose to use a fusible tape to help secure the zipper while you sew.

Baste in place and then place Contrast Top Lining right side down, aligning it with the Contrast Top Exterior; stitch in place.  Fold back away from zipper, joining both Contrast Tops wrong sides together and press. Trim excess width from zipper tabs.

Now repeat those steps with other side of zipper, Main Exterior, and Lining Exterior. You will have the right side of the Contrast Top Exterior touching the right side of the Main Exterior while you baste the zipper in place.

Once the Exterior and Lining pieces for Main and Contrast Top are all sewn to the zipper, press in place and topstitch. Trim completed Front to a height of 17 1/2″. Mark a horizontal line 3″ up from bottom edge of Exterior front and sew through all layers.

Depending on the fabric and/or interfacing you chose, you may wish to add a layer of interfacing or fleece to your pocket and flap. If you’re using a metal snap I recommend reinforcing your fabric. For mine, I will be using the Half Moon Magnetic Edge Clasp so I need to add the female magnetic snap half before I finish sewing my pocket. If you’re using a traditional magnetic snap (or 2) you’ll need to add those before you sew the flap together.
I cut a scrap piece of fusible fleece a tad smaller than the flap and fused to the wrong side of my Exterior Pocket Flap. Place Pocket Flap pieces right sides together and sew sides and curved edges only, leaving straight edge unsewn. Clip curved edges within seam allowance, being careful not to cut into stitching. Turn right side out, press, and topstitch. Feel free to add another line or 2 of topstitching here.

As with the pocket flap, you may wish to add extra interfacing or scraps of fleece for reinforcement for the closure of your pocket. Place pocket pieces right sides together. Stitch together starting at the top straight edge, going around back to the top straight edge, but leave a turning hole about 4″ at the top straight edge of the pocket. Clip curved edges and corners within seam allowance and turn right side out. Use a turning tool to create nice corners and smooth curves. Tuck in fabric at turning hole, press in place. If you need to add a magnetic snap, you can do that now. Topstitch along straight edge, with additional rows as desired.

Measure 2 1/4″ down from zipper and place pocket top along that line. Center pocket (mine was 4 1/4″ from each side), pin in place and sew through all layers, adding a diagonal line for reinforcement at each top corner.

To attach the flap, first place pocket Exterior side down, with raw edge closest to pocket, 1″ above top of pocket, then sew along raw edge with a 1/8″ seam allowance. Then fold down and press in place, then stitch along top folded edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance, hiding the raw edge.

Place remaining Contrast Top down against remaining Exterior Main, right sides together (the contrast top should be upside down if it’s directional). Stitch together, press seam open and topstitch along Contrast Top.

That’s it for now! The next day we will create the needle pocket for the zippered pocket lining, and create lining of bag, including slip pocket.

I’d love to see your progress! Tag me and use #CaravanToteSAL on Instagram.

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, or suggestions. Do you have any zipper tips? Favorite closures for flaps? Let us know!

To enter to win the Noodlehead patterns, submit a photo of your completed bag by July 3, either by uploading it on my contact page, or using #CaravanToteSAL on Instagram by July 3, 2016.

Disclosure: Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Welcome to Day 2 of the Caravan Tote Sew Along.  Today we’ll cut all our materials and prepare the handles.  Check out Day 1 to get started and learn about fabric and interfacing selection. You can purchase the PDF from the Noodlehead shop, and use code HOSAL at checkout to save 20%. I also noticed that you can get a kit including the paper pattern and fabric from Craftsy, on sale right now, save 35%.

By now you should have your pattern and materials selected. If you’re using a PDF, you’ll need to print at least the flap and pocket pieces, plus the pouch if you’re making that too. I prefer to use my quilting ruler and rotary cutter to cut all my rectangles, but if you don’t like to measure those pieces and prefer pattern pieces, then print those out as well. You might find it easiest to print out the instructions, or if you’re like me, you just read from your tablet or phone. After you’ve printed what you need, cut them out and now it’s time to get started. I’ll be honest: cutting is my least favourite part of the whole bag making process. I find it tedious and when I’m so excited to get sewing a bag, it slows me right down.
one way I’ve found to speed up the process is to cut my interfacing first, then I can fuse it to my fabric; this allows me to skip the extra step of tracing onto my fabric.

I found if you put the straight edges of the flap and pocket pieces together, you can reduce waste. You can’t do this with your fabric if it’s directional though.  Another note about cutting your fabrics: the measurements are listed as HEIGHT by WIDTH.

Even though my exterior fabric is heavier than a quilting cotton weight, I’m going with a layer of Craft Fuse on top of my fusible woven interfacing. I just prefer the extra body. I’ll also be using a layer of fusible fleece, and I’ll chat about that shortly.

Not all pieces in the pattern are interfaced, so you can use already cut pieces as whole pattern pieces instead of cutting on the fold. I like to use markers to trace. I find they write easily and its in the seam allowance, so won’t be seen.

There are a lot of rectangles in this pattern and it can be hard to keep things straight. I like to write directly on the back of my pieces with a fabric pen.

Go ahead and cut all your fabric and interfacing. Fuse the woven interfacing to the exterior pieces plus the zippered pocket lining, pocket and flap, and handles if you haven’t already. If you’re using the medium weight interfacing, you can fuse those pieces over top of the woven interfacing on the contrast top and main exterior. If you want even more body to the bag, you can add a layer of medium weight interfacing and/or fusible fleece (or batting) to the lining. Cut 2 pieces of fleece the same size as the large lining piece – we’ll fuse these pieces once the lining has been constructed a bit more, so just set them aside for now. If you’re also making the pouch, you can add a layer of fleece to the lining to be fused later.

There are so many ways to make your handles unique. You can follow the directions in the pattern to have a single fabric handle, use cotton webbing (I like the natural cotton webbing for a rustic look), or how about the leather handles from the Noodlehead shop? Another way to make your handles is by using two different fabrics; here’s how:

If you decide to add fleece to your strap, cut the fleece from your ends before you sew them in, this keeps extra bulk out of the seam allowance. To topstitch the strap, and anything else, I like to use a longer stitch length. You may also choose to add extra parallel rows of topstitching.

Now set aside all your pretties and check back again in a few days 🙂

I’d love to see your progress! Tag me and use #CaravanToteSAL on Instagram. 

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, or suggestions. Do you have any tips to cut down on prep time? Favorite ways to make handles? Let us know!

To enter to win the Noodlehead patterns, submit a photo of your completed bag by July 3, either by uploading it on my contact page, or using #CaravanToteSAL on Instagram by July 3, 2016.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this Craftsy kit in exchange for an honest review. Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I was bursting with excitement when I received an email from Craftsy that they wanted to send me a kit to review. I chose this Amy Butler Reversible Sunday Sling in Violette. The choice was for a few reasons: Number 1 being this gorgeous fabric. I actually used some other Violette prints in my Sew Sturdy Hanging Travel Organizer, but the 2 prints in this kit are quite different than the others I’ve used. Another reason I chose this kit is because I’ve never used an Amy Butler bag pattern and was curious to try it. When I interviewed Alicia of Swoon for One Thimble, she told me she started sewing bags with Amy Butler patterns, and since I consider Alicia’s patterns to be top notch, I had to see her inspiration for myself.

The kit includes 1 7/8 yard of Meadow Blooms in Midnight and 1 3/8 yard of Field Poppy in Sky, both 100% cotton, quilting weight from Amy Butler’s Violette collection for Free Spirit Fabrics. The kit also comes with the paper pattern to make the Reversible Sunday Sling, which comes in 2 sizes.

I made the small sling bag, which is still very large, and I had plenty of fabric left over. You’ll also need matching thread, fusible woven interfacing (like Pellon Shapeflex 101), fusible fleece, and  a small amount of Peltex to complete the bag.

The fabric is so beautiful and bright. I’m a fan of Free Spirit Fabrics. Not only do they have some really great designers (Joel Dewberry, Tula Pink, Anna Maria Horner), but the quality of the fabric is wonderful too. I don’t love all of Amy Butler’s collections (don’t hate me!) but Violette is my style for sure. That being said, my personal style tends to be more of combining a busy print with a solid or a low volume, so mixing these 2 busy florals isn’t typically what I’d do. I think it really works for this style of bag though, and overall has a fun effect.

The pattern was pretty easy to follow, but I did have some hairy moments. Some of the pattern pieces are used multiple times, but you have to fold at dashed and/or solid lines for the right piece, so I found myself triple and quadruple checking before cutting. I appreciated that the pattern included a complete glossary of terms, so if you’re self-taught like me it’s nice to have. Also included is a complete cutting layout. This is a bonus for me, because I find cutting the longest step of every bag, and most of that time is spent thinking out the best, most efficient way to cut the fabric. I should also mention that every piece has a pattern, so you don’t have to measure anything out. The pattern consists of mainly text with sparse diagrams. I think more diagrams would make it a bit more beginner friendly, but the instructions are clear enough that a beginner should be able to make this bag, not as a first project though.

The bag has 2 small side pockets on the main exterior and 2 large divided pockets on the lining. It’s completely reversible, so you can decide which print you want to show off. The handles are tied in a knot for a feminine, casual style. I think this bag makes the perfect beach bag, or take it along to the farmer’s market.

I think the sale price for this kit is fantastic, and is about the cost of the fabric alone, so for me it’s worth it – almost like getting the pattern for free. I think if you like the fabric, and you like the style/pattern of the bag, it’s definitely for you. Even if you don’t use these fabrics in this bag, the value is still there.

Have you checked out some of the other bag kits available? There is a wide array. Here are some that have caught my eye:

I just wanted to make a really quick post today to share this awesome tutorial and a way to help out with the wildfires in Alberta. I’m in BC, the next province over, and I’m so sad to hear about all the devastation. I’ve been looking for a meaningful way to help, and I think this idea is just perfect.

Stacey from Slo Studio created this easy tutorial for a maple leaf block. You can make one (or more) maple leaf block and send it in to be joined with other blocks and made into quilts for those affected by the fires. Click the link for all the details, including tutorial and address to send to.

I’ve made two so far. They’re fun and quick. You don’t need to be a quilter (or Canadian) to make one, just be able to cut, and sew accurately (or close enough). There are a few requirements for the blocks, including size and colours, but there’s still a ton of freedom for creativity and uniqueness, so go on and make a few!

Disclosure: Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Welcome to Day 1 of the Caravan Tote Sew Along. To get started, you’ll need the pattern. You can purchase the PDF from the Noodlehead shop, and use code HOSAL at checkout to save 20%. I also noticed that you can get a kit including the paper pattern and fabric from Craftsy, on sale right now, save 35%.

Today I’ll focus on choosing fabrics and pattern options. If you create your bag exactly per pattern with exact fabric and interfacing suggestions, plus all the options, you will be making a perfect knitting project bag. The pattern includes knitting needle pockets and yarn guides. There is one large zippered pocket at the front (containing the needle pockets) plus a front flap pocket. Inside the main compartment of the bag is a slip pocket with 2 yarn guides. With the suggested interfacing, the bag will be sturdy, yet slouchy. Of course, if you don’t knit, you can use those pockets for pens. The yarn guides add a style feature as well.

The pattern suggests using a heavier weight fabric as the exterior fabric. Examples include: Essex linen, denim, twill, and canvas. If you choose to use quilting cotton, I suggest adding a layer of woven interfacing, for increased stability. The fun part about this fabric is that you can mix and match several different fabrics and prints. I’ve created this labelled image to help you pick fabrics for your bag. I find sometimes it’s hard to visualize bag parts before I sew one up the first time. Hopefully this helps you narrow down your options.

 You’ll notice I used a couple different fabrics for my lining – you can too! You can even use fat quarters for some of the pieces. I also used 2 different fabrics for my handles. I will go over a few different handle options on Day 2, but the fabric requirement doesn’t change much. You can also use leather handles, like the ones offered in the Noodlehead shop. I can review a couple different ways to attach those as well.

As for pattern options, you can omit the front flap pocket if you want to make a more simple tote and/or feature a large print on your bag. You can also use that front space for a fun quilt block, like I did with one of mine, using the Hazel Hedgehog block.

Are you going to be making the companion pouch as well? Have fun with it and match or alternate your fabric choices for the pouch.

Your interfacing choices will determine the stability and body of your bag. If you want the feel of a traditional tote, use the suggested list. I really like Pellon Shapeflex 101 as the woven interfacing. It fuses so well and adds stability without bulk. I also like Paccana‘s fusible woven as a great substitute; the only difference I see is width and price. Pellon Craft Fuse 808 or Decor Bond 809 is an inexpensive way to add body to your fabric. I do find it hard to fuse and it can crease, so adding it the lining is a good option. If you’d like your bag to stand up on its own, I suggest an additional layer of fusible fleece on the lining.

For the zippers, you can use either metal or poly coil. The metal zipper really gives the bag a classic feel, and the zipper tabs in the pattern make it a bit less scary to sew in.

Go ahead and download your pattern and order your fabric or sort through your stash. We’ll meet back here in a few days to get started with cutting and fusing all the interfacing and making the handles. Here’s what I’ll be using for my bag:
Art Gallery denim and Paperie quilting cotton, plus some solids for the lining and accents.

Do you have yours picked out yet? I can’t wait to see them all. Let me know if you have any questions, either leave me a comment, or send me a message through my contact page.

To enter to win the Noodlehead patterns, submit a photo of your completed bag by July 3, either by uploading it on my contact page, or using #CaravanToteSAL on Instagram by July 3, 2016.

Today I get to share a fun project I’ve been working on! Rita from Fabric Please let me choose my own Fat Quarter Bundle to play with and I challenged myself to do something different (for me) with them. First, I’ll tell you about the fabrics I chose, then I’ll show what I did with them. Fabric Please is a Canadian online fabric shop that also carries a great selection of Aurifil thread and assorted notions and batting as well.

I started with the Sashiko Birds from the Moody Blues Collection from Cloud 9, and paired it with the Maize from the Wander collection by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit. From there, I grabbed a couple more prints from Wander, and was delighted to find that the Rise & Shine Lattice from Camelot was a perfect match. I needed one more minty turquoise to tie it all in and Rita suggested Deity  from the Eden collection by Tula Pink for Free Spirit. I loved the combo, and hope it inspires you to mix and match too!

Around the same time I was selecting my bundle, I saw the release of the North Pond Notebook Cover and figured it would be perfect to display many different fabrics. The small cover fits my Audubon Bird Journal perfectly (you had to know I’m a Bird-Nerd by now).

The PDF pattern from Radiant Home Studio comes in 2 sizes and really is a great way to showcase a few coordinates, or mix and match, as I’ve done. The cover has interior pockets and you can adjust as needed. The cover keeps closed with a snap and I love the use of hardware here.

For my birthday, I bought myself Patchwork Essentials: The Half-Square Triangle, by Jeni Baker because I’m so intrigued by quilting and I’ve only done a very small bit of it, so I figured I should start with some basics. This book is so good and inspiring! It discusses color theory and has a few different ways to make HSTs. There are also loads of block and quilt patterns. I decided to give it a go, but I went with something simple to start with. I used the Deity print as my background and mixed in the other prints in a random way. I shared a sneak peek on Instagram and was warned that quilting is addicitve – I think they’re right! Instead of batting, I used Insulbright so I can use my mini quilt as a hot pad.

I also made a matching cup cozy and a key fob, because those are always fun ways to use up smaller pieces of fabric.

I really enjoyed these projects. As much as I love making bags, a change of pace is good every so often too! I have a couple more projects ready to go with these fabrics, so keep your eyes peeled for the rest , and head on over to Fabric Please! to get yourself some. 

A while back I asked which Noodlehead pattern you would be interested in for a sew along and the almost unanimous answer was: The Caravan Tote. I’ve made several of these and I was even a tester for the pattern, so I’m happy to help out with any tips I picked up along the way. Of course, so many of you don’t need help, but you like to join in for the fun of sewing along with others. The DISCOUNT and PRIZES are another great reason to join in.

The Caravan Tote is a medium-large tote that works great for a market bag, daytrip tote, or a project bag. There’s even a bonus matching zippered pouch included with the pattern. The pattern offers a large exterior zippered pocket, front pocket with flap closure, and detailed inner pockets with options for knitting needles and yarn guides. One thing I really love about this bag is how easy it is to customize. You can leave off the front flap pocket and add a featured patchwork. You can also omit some pockets to make it a quicker sew.

First, you’ll need the pattern, you can get it from the Noodlehead shop, use code HOSAL at checkout to save 20%. There will also be a prize of  2 PDF Noodlehead patterns for a randomly drawn winner. You can use the coupon code until August 31st, 2016. Normally my sew alongs are consecutive days, but Ive decided to take a more leisurely pace with this one. I’ll start May 15 with fabric and interfacing suggestions, along with various options in the pattern or ways to make your bag unique. Then the following week, we’ll begin cutting and materials and start sewing. The sew along will finish in June and you’ll have until July 3 to submit a picture to enter for the prize. 

So grab your pattern, and we’ll see you back here soon!

I’m working on a round up of sewing for summer. Do you have a favourite I simply must share? Let me know in comments, or send me a message.