Recently my friend and author Mary Abreu of Confessions Of A Craft Addict came out with her third book, Hack That Tote, and she asked if I would like to take part in a blog hop for it. I’m always up for investigating how other people make things, so I happily accepted her offer.
I read through the book while I was away on holiday, and I loved the basic premise, that is to take one pattern for a tote bag and adapt in in a variety of ways to create a whole new look. I knew immediately which one I wanted to make, as I’ve had a bag frame languishing in my stash for a while and hadn’t had a chance to play with it yet, so I went with the cover option on the left:
It’s amazing how close this pattern is to the original basic tote at the start of the book, but there were a few things I changed, after all, the idea is to hack that tote!
- I had a small alteration to work with the frame I had, which involved actual hand sewing (and actual hand cramp!)
- I switched up the construction of the outer so that I could use several of the Stof linens that I’d had in my collection for about 3 years, after a trip to see Susan (aka Canadian Abroad)
- I changed the construction of the outer pocket so that I could use one of the lacy zips that I’ve also been hoarding for some time
- I used premade handles because again, I seem to collect them without using them
So here is my version:
Here’s a few other patterns from the book that I liked as they show some of the wide variety of options you can make:
Now C&T publishing have been very generous and offered a chance for you to win a copy of your own – this will be a hard copy for those in the US, or an e-book for those of you elsewhere in the world. For your chance to win, let me know in the comments either what your favourite hack to make to a bag pattern is, or what you would like to know how to do. Mr Random.org will help me to choose a winner by midnight BST on 10/10.
This giveaway is now closed, thanks to everyone for playing! The winner is #5, Mary Furber
Your tote turned out beautifully and the combination of fabrics are perfect. It’s funny how we can have the makings of something tucked away in out storage bins and then inspiration hits and something as wonderful as this happens. If I’d been the one to make this I wouldn’t be able to stop admiring it. Well done.
I would like someone to write a book that actually entails them coming to my house and holding my hand through the scary thing that is bag making. That would be a great book!
I love your bag and especially the photo where she’s smiling (third one down). I think my favourite hack is to add either a zipped inner pocket or adding a zip/closure to the top of the bag.
Beautiful bag. That zipper is fabulous!
I’ve never had a bag using a frame like you show. May have to get this book and try that!
I’d like to know more about using different interfacings.
I just love adding extra pockets to bags, especially if I can slip a secret one in there somewhere.
I would really like to know how to add hardware properly and to keep those zipper installations neater. Your bag is great!
I always have trouble with grommets and magnets. They never go in just right for me. Very upsetting.
I’d love to learn more about different straps and handles.
Love your version! I’d like to know how to insert a frame like you did – then I’d make a Mary Poppins-type carpet bag, which I’ve always thought would be super useful as a project bag.
I would like to learn more about the different interfacings to be used in bag making. How to install grommets is also a tricky thing.
Wow – love your bag! I have been hanging onto a set of tubular frames – need a little hand holding to use them!! Your bag gives me hope that i could actually maybe sometime soon do it!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Your bag looks great! Love the subtle colour tones. I’d like to know how to add bag feet and how to add rivets to strengthen the handle fixings.
Here I am again because being the forgetful type I neglected to mention I’m quite interested on having a chance at winning a copy of Mary Abreu’s new book. The forgetfulness may have been due to my being so focused on your fantastic bag. ;o)
I do like a zipped inner pocket and also an outside pocket is useful when travelling , great for a book or passport . I didn’t realise yiu could get frames for a bag
Your bag is amazing! I want to make the Tula bag <3
Wow, your bag is wonderful! I would like to learn how to make bags with frames.
I would like to learn how to make a bag with a frame. That is one I haven’t attempted yet.
Have only tried a purse frame once and it wasn’t brilliant so might like to try that again sometime.
Great looking bag and
the lace zipper is awesome!
I like the fact that the book
has a formula to change up
the sizes to whatever you
want!
Carla from Utah
Great bag, I love the fabric combo. I like to add big zip pockets for all my important junk.
Love your bag. And, I guess I would have to agree with a lot of the other comments—zippers.
Great blog tour and I would like to learn about the interfacings that should be used. Thanks for giveaway.
Your bag is gorgeous! Such beautiful fabrics! I’d love to learn how to make a bag using a frame. I’ve only made the small zippered pouches before so I could use this book ;-D
Thanks for a chance to win. Fingers crossed.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
Like your colour combo for your bag. Never tried making a bag with a frame, hopefully the book would help for a professional looking bag.
Anne from Glasgow(no connection to the littlest thistle otherwise would no need the book!!)
I’d love to learn to do a bag with a frame. It looks like it’d make an ace knitting bag. Also, Mary is awesome.