The Ultimate Summer Bag – Tough Tote
This has been an exciting week! Liz from Bitter Candy Handmade released her second pattern, the Tough Tote. She really hit the nail on the head with this design and I cannot wait for you to see what I have done with it! I asked Liz about what inspired her to design this bag and this is what she said:
It actually started as a customer request. She couldn’t find an everyday, ‘no frills’ tote that would last longer than a month during her daily grind. Holes in the corners, straps coming apart from the tote, or linings that wouldn’t stay in place (if it had a lining at all). The totes that were durable often had so many ‘extra bits’ it became frustrating to use or had thick padding that felt cumbersome to wear. The Tough Tote was born from all her tote-criticisms: to make a tote that just ‘did the job’. Period.
I thought I was done there, but I found others felt the same way as it was fellow FB sewing friends that clamoured for it to be a pattern. And who was I to argue? lol
Something I am known for when it comes to pattern testing is, the use of pink fabric! This time I was sent the challenge of find BRIGHT pink canvas. I think I nailed it 😉
Why canvas? The Tough Tote doesn’t use any interfacing and it is meant to be folded down so you can tuck it away when you aren’t using it. Perfect for hauling heavy groceries or my fave, all the summer necessities!
Both my fabrics are water resistant outdoor fabrics which made choosing these bright colours even easier. No need to worry about it getting dirty! Plus I added a vinyl bottom to really add to the durability!
My favourite part of the Tough Tote? It fits PERFECTLY with her Flaptastic Pouch Pattern! If you haven’t seen that pattern, check out my Instagram posts here and here. It’s an amazing waist bag that also snaps to the straps of your tote bag. How could I not make a matching one?
Hiding inside this bag is a flap style zipper pocket and a swivel hook to hold your keys and whatnot!
The tote doesn’t have any interfacing in it so all seams are finished with binding BUT I found it easy to apply because it was all straight lines! Don’t let that discourage you!
I can’t wait to make more of these Tough Totes! I’ll even be adding some to my shop. I’m hoarding tons of canvas fabric so I might as well use it up!
Are you going to give this pattern a go? Today is the last day to get it at the promo price, plus she has a bundle to get the Flaptastic Pouch and Tough Tote together! BONUS? Liz is having a giveaway in the Bitter Candy Patterns Facebook group so hustle over there to get a chance to win!
