The 241 Tote - It's My Party Day 1

Welcome to the first day of It’s My Party and I’ll Craft if I Want To!

All week Amy (from Ameroonie Designs) and I will be celebrating our birthdays by sharing projects that we are making just for us... all those items that keep getting bumped further and further down our to-do lists. I'm so excited for this week, especially because I get to collaborate with Amy, who is super talented and a great friend. OK, let's get this party started!

To kick things off, I made myself a 241 Tote.


This is a pattern created by Anna from Noodlehead, and it is really a great looking bag.


It’s also an easy sew. I used fusible fleece for the interfacing to give it some extra body. The exterior pockets, strap, and lining are linen. The center and side panel fabrics are quilting cotton.


I added two slip pockets to the inside. The pockets are linen with a strip of cotton across the top. One pocket has a little slot to hold a pen. The bag also has a magnetic snap closure, which I think I have finally figured out how to properly insert without worrying about it ripping out.


I got a chance to use the bag for the first time over the weekend. I LOVE it. The strap is so comfortable, and it doesn’t slide off your shoulder. The bag hangs perfectly and doesn't get in the way when you're out and about. My husband even commented on the bag. When he saw it, he looked it over and asked if I made it. He was pretty impressed with it.


The only issue I have with the bag is one of my own… I carry too much stuff around with me. I don’t carry a separate diaper bag for my youngest anymore, so I throw everything in my everyday bag. A wipes pack and a couple of diapers fit in the bag with the rest of my stuff, but it’s a tight squeeze. I’m going to try it out for a few weeks because I really like the current size of it. If I decide I need a little more room, I’ll make a larger version, which would be easy enough to do.

I really love this bag and would recommend the pattern to anyone. I couldn’t believe how easily it came together. I will definitely be making more of these.

So that’s my first birthday project for myself. Make sure you hop on over to visit Amy at Ameroonie Designs to see her first project, this sunshiney shag pillow…

And don’t forget to stick around all week for more projects and a fantastic giveaway on both blogs on Friday... you won't want to miss it! Thanks for stopping by today!




I’m linking up…