Sassy Simple Tote Bag

Which comes first? The fabric or the pattern? This is a classic question for the initial concept of a new quilt. Well, for this small project, the fabric was definitely the decider. At my small group quilt meeting, one of the members was sharing fabric. I picked up this cool sassy print thinking it might appeal to a pre-teen or teenager. I had just the perfect tote bag pattern in mind for it. I would pair it with a dark brown and black print from my stash.

Here are the feature fabric main body, the lining, and the handles cut out. I needed to be a little creative since the print is directional and I could not use a wrap around method if I wanted both sides of the bag and lining to sit upright. There would need to be a seam in the middle of the bottom. As is usual with simple projects, overconfidence leads to a bunch of goofs. That added seam was a simple modification that led to a couple math errors. Nothing I could not handle by making the bag slightly smaller than called for in the pattern. 

This project was just a lightweight cloth bag for a young girl to carry random stuff or to roll up into a small bundle and stash somewhere when not in use. Here is the finished bag, front view and side view showing gussets. It is a simple construction without stabilizer or stiffeners or zippers. Its selling feature is the striking fabric sporting clever catch phrases. "Glitter is always an option." "I am not a morning person." "Not today." "Today has been cancelled." "Be your own kind of beautiful." "Oh my Dior." "Lipstick and hustle." "Is it Friday yet?" "Sassy club." It is all about attitude! I picture it going well with a black jean jacket, simple T-shirt, and brown hiking boots.

Perhaps a bit of personalization on the inside will add to the allure. I added a name label embroidered in brown on red grosgrain ribbon. Yes, the photo reads purple, but it really is brown! Happy Birthday to my granddaughter!