Thursday, November 13, 2014

super tote

First off , thank you so very much to each and every one of you for the amazing support and encouragement and for making the launch of my first pattern a success. Thank you, thank you, thank you - you guys are the best :)

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I made myself a new Super Tote. I've been planning on making one for quite some time but I simply could not decide on not just what fabric to use, I also was not sure what interfacing to go with. You see, I made two Super Totes before. The first one ended up being too floppy and shapeless as I only used SF101 interfacing for both interior and exterior. Let's just say it earned its place in the failure pile in the darkest corner of the closet :(


My second Super Tote was a lot more successful but I "slightly" overdid it with interfacing and fusible fleece so the bag turned out a little bit too sturdy. Seriously, I feel like Goldilocks with these bags. One was too floppy, next one was too sturdy. Go figure :)


So, I did some research. I found a few very useful blog posts reviewing Super Totes and, after reading Amanda's post, I decided to follow her lead and use SF101 interfacing for the exterior of the bag and fusible fleece for the lining. And you know what? It worked. I finally ended up with the tote that was not too floppy and not too sturdy either. It's just perfect and I'm in love. ♥♥♥


It's a beautiful tote bag. I really love its shape, and zipper closure, and all those handy pockets on the inside. I even made one extra zipper pocket in the lining.

Oh, and I also adore this fabric combo.


The tote fits tons of stuff. I was able to fit my water bottle, knitting, magazine, two books, couple of pouches full of "necessities" and I still had room to spare :)

Now, this tote took some time to make. It's not one of those instant gratification quick finish projects, but so worth the extra effort. So, if you're looking for a super fantastic tote to make I would very highly recommend you give Anna's Super Tote a try.

Svetlana

Linking up to AmandaJean's Finish it up Friday.

28 comments:

  1. Great idea using the two different fusibles...I will remember this on my next bag....I spy a little double zipper cutie in that bag!:)

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  2. This is a really awesome version of the super tote. Nice!

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  3. Stunning bag S! I have this pattern but not made it yet! (One of many!) Jxo

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  4. Great job.....totes are the BEST! Love the fabric. Have you tried Soft and Stable from ByAnnie? Not sure if it's available where you are, but it's all I use these days. Originally made for car headliners, it is soft but super easy to sew through and keeps it's shape forever.

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  5. Great job! This has been on my to-do list for quite a while - thanks for the info about the interfacings :)

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  6. This pattern has been on my list for over a year now, and I haven't settled on fabric. It's good to know about the interfacing combo that worked for you. A member of my guild had mentioned to me that she ended up using a different combo than what the directions called for, too.

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  7. Looks great! I love all the details!

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  8. I have that same dragonfly fabric set aside to make a tote. I was just undecided about the design of it. You just showed me the pattern I need! Thanks so much for the inspiration! I have other Noodlehead patterns that I love but somehow I never saw this one before.

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  9. Светлана, сумочка super!!!! Как в первом, так и во втором варианте очень нравится цветовое сочетание!! Исполнение шикарное!!!

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  10. Your super tote is wonderful, dear Svetlana!! Very nice details!
    Your first pattern is fantastic - great job!
    Hugs, Deborah

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  11. really really gorgeous!!!!I love the fabrics and I will do my next tote using fleece on the lining!!!

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  12. Svetlanko, perfektni!! I barevna kombinace je moc krasna, takova pozitivni. No, do tretice vseho dobreho, vid? :) Mej moc krasne dny! Jola

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  13. Oh. My. Goodness! I love the fabric color combination you used. You're not the first I've heard who had problems with the rigidity of the tote...seems like you've worked it through beautifully :)

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  14. love this tote!! the colors are amazing!

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  15. This looks lovely. Great colours. Love how a drink bottle can stand up in it. Would solve my current wet handbag problem.

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  16. This is so beautiful! Amazing colors and so much room. Need to check back on the interfacing . Thank you so much

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  17. I have this pattern sitting around, cut out, just waiting for the right fabric to claim right to it. Thank you so much for the insight on interfacing for this bag. It is something I was also struggling with!

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  18. It looks absolutely perfect! I love the photo showing the inside of the bag!

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  19. That's wonderful you were able to figure out how to so the interfacing just right! I love the fabrics you put together!

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  20. It's hard when something feels like a 'failure', but really it's all a learning curve. And I am sure no one else would think your other two totes were failures anyway!! we can be our own worst critics!

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  21. It's beautiful! Thanks for sharing about the interfacing and fusible fleece. Did you use quilting cotton? Would you recommend using a heavier weight fabric? This tote is on my to-do list, but like you I'm having a hard time deciding on the fabrics!

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  22. I have a love/hate relationship with totes, purses, etc. I have tried a few (not this one) and been so disappointed with the results. First was had fusible fleece, ugh, it made the fabric all bumpy. Cross that off the list! Next tote looked great but it was weird when you used the drawstring to close the bag. The body of the bag was too firm to allow the drawstring to function properly. What was annoying was I used the exact product the designer called for in the instructions. I might try this based on your recommendations. It's a darling tote!

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  23. This is on my list of makes and I have the fabric and now thanks to you I have the info on the interfacing! Also thanks for the great shot of the inside!

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  24. So fun to see your Super Tote as I made a nearly identical one just about a month or so ago- same dragonfly print but with lime green instead of your pink. They're almost twins!! Wish I could post a photo!☺️

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  25. Glad you were able to find something that was just right in the end :oD

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  26. This looks great! I am making my first super tote and was wondering about the interfacing...I don't feel like the SF101 will be enough- I will go check out Amanda's post for more hints.

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  27. Your bag is so pretty. I may have to try it, since I have a few mini charm packs and always get a bit "stuck" in thinking of how to use them. Thanks for the ideas! Cotton bag manufacturer in india

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