Totally Trendy Totes II

While attending the Sauder quilt show several years ago, I watched a demonstration on making the Totally Trendy Totes II (previously named Totally Trendy Totes 2.0) bag. The lady doing the sewing made it look easy so I purchased the pattern. I'm sure Sauder's offered a class for the bag but I live 1.5 hours away. 

That same summer I purchased fabrics for the bag. A year ago I cut out the pieces for the extra-large size then quilted the red fabric for the main body with my sewing machine. Then I read the next step and was completely lost.

I carefully put all the pieces and the body on a tray and laid it aside for another day. That day came the first week of November. My friend Lori came and stayed a couple of days for a mini sewing retreat. I chose the tote bag to work on because Lori has made several bags.

She encouraged me all along the way, I wouldn't have finished it without her. I am please to show you my finished Totally Trendy Tote II bag.

I am so glad to not have that project guilting me anymore. And did you notice, it's not BLUE! I really liked the red floral fabric the moment I saw it, it is perfect with the yellow gingham print.

The Totally Trendy Totes II pattern is available from byannie.com. I think the pattern could have benefited from more pictures and better labeling. There is also a pattern included for a project bag which doesn't have picture of the project, I need to see a picture of what I'm making. That's me though, I don't participate in mystery quilts either.

There are two small pockets on the outside of the bag but no pockets on the inside. I made two pockets with extra fabric and hand stitched them to the inside before I sewed the side seams.

Will I ever make another bag? I might, at least I know how to make this pattern now but I won't try a different pattern. I don't think bags are really my thing but I have a finish!

Linking to To Do Tuesday, Midweek Makers, Wednesday Wait Loss, Put Your Foot Down