Everything Tote from Weekend Sewing

The sewing machine has been whirring and clicking away since Easter (not that the posts here would indicate anything to that effect) but some of it is super secret so I can't post it yet.

There is at least one thing I can show you, The Everything Tote from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.



When she says Everything, she is NOT kidding. This bag is giant, but perfect for me since I tend to carry my entire life around in a single outing.

This is the first time in a long time I have made something for myself - everything is usually a gift or for my kids. Anyway, this fabric jumped out and grabbed me during a sale and you know me - I can't resist fabric on sale!



If you do attempt this bag from the book, please keep in mind that you should read her errata page which indicates that you will need more than the yardage noted in the book. The errata page increases yardage to one whole yard, I would go a little more if you want to cut your straps the way they are called for in the book (if you get creative with the strap placement on the fabric you can get away with just a yard, there might be some more seam sewing involved with the handles).

One alteration I did make to the pattern with this bag was the manner in which the binding and handles were put on. I wanted a wider binding/handle attachment so I sewed the binding/handle on as directed in step one (right sides together on outside of bag) then instead of a traditional binding, where you fold the entire long edge under and then top stitch, I took advantage of the fact that the binding/handles are lined and just folded them over the top of the bag and stitched them into place, without the binding fold. It was a matter of necessity for me, as I used home decorator fabric on the outside and the fabric sandwich was impossibly thick to sew through with my needle (use of a tougher needle would have helped here).

Anyway, I'm pleased as punch and plan on making a couple more perhaps slightly smaller bags.