Swiftly Tote a ChrisW Design Pattern in 3 Sizes: Small-Large-Mini

I tested the Swiftly Tote, a pdf pattern by Chris W Designs that comes in 3 sizes. I tested the small size, which I would say is more of a medium size than a small size. It is smaller than the large size though. The small makes a perfect handbag/crossbody bag too. I added the removeable adjustable crossbody strap so it could be worn as a crossbody bag, which is so handy. It has handles too and I made mine short as a grab handle because I wouldn't carry this on one shoulder, but if you make one, you can make your handles the longer size as in the pattern for wearing on one shoulder. 

Christine's signature phone pocket is a wonderful hidden pocket and you can choose to add one on the front and one on the back for 2 hidden pockets, or just add one where you want it. I added one on each side as I love the convivence of these pockets. I use them for keys.

Inside is a zipper pocket with an overlay. I used vinyl for the overlay, but you can use cork or any non fraying material you want to use.

The pattern calls for using vinyl, cork and waterproof canvas for the lining so that this bag is a quicker sew, since you wouldn't need any interfacing. I chose to use vinyl only as an accent for the base of the bag and the overlay zipper pocket inside the bag. I used quilting cottons and added interfacing and fleece stabilizer. You can make this bag any way you prefer and my preference is quilting cottons as they colors are so pretty and I have quilting cotton and I prefer to use vinyl or cork as accents rather than as a whole bag. That is what is great about making a bag is you can custom make it with whatever materials you want and add or subtract pockets or other extras.

The bag closes with a top zipper closure, my favorite zipper closure!!! I don't like recessed zippers as it is harder to access and see inside the bag, but this top zipper opens wide as you can see in the interior photos below. Why fight trying to find things in a bag? Now you don't have to. I added an additional divided slip pocket inside too. I wanted a simple slip pocket with a pen division in the center. You could use Christine's Pocket Supplement A pattern to add extra pockets to your bag too, especially if you make the larger version of the Swiftly Tote.

This bag is quick to make and you can cut most of the pieces out with a rotary cutter or there are SVG files included too for those who have cutting machines that make it easier to cut out your pieces. The pdf also comes with templates for all the pieces too, if you prefer cutting that way. Something for everyone. And there is video instructions as well as the pdf, so you can follow along  and sew with Christine. Rated for a Confidant Beginner Sewer/Sewist.

Here is my Swiftly Tote in size Small. The small measures 14 1/4" wide x 9 1/2" high x 3 1/2" deep.

(The large, which I didn't make, measures 17" wide x 11 1/2" high x 4 1/2" deep).

I used cotton webbing for the grab handles and made my adjustable strap that is removeable from the main fabric. The turquoise fabric is a hand dyed fabric that I dyed years ago and was the perfect color accent and even matches the vinyl I used for the base and overlay.

Isn't she pretty? I used a turquoise zipper closure.

Vinyl base to tote.

Added divided pocket with pen pocket in center.

Vinyl zipper overlay pocket.

See how wide the bag opens up to see inside. Zipper overlay pocket and I added a divided slip pocket too with a pen in the center.

Hidden phone pocket on the front side.

2nd hidden phone pocket on the back side of the Swiftly Tote.

But wait there's more! After I tested the small, Christine asked if anyone wanted to test a Mini version and I gladly accepted. The Swiftly Mini is the perfect size for a crossbody bag. I made mine without the grab handles and just made a crossbody version with an adjustable strap. I added one strap tab with a hardware ring to the front and one to the back and added the strap after the bag was complete. I only added one hidden pocket on the back side (it's too small for a phone like in the small & large versions, but great for keys or a shopping list), an inside zipper pocket with a vinyl overlay, and a simple slip pocket with pen division inside too. 

The Swiftly Mini measures 11" wide x 8" high x 3" deep.

One strap tab on the front with ring hardware & one on the back to create a crossbody version.

Back side with the hidden pocket.

Bag opens so size and wide. Slip pocket with a pen pocket division.

Zipper pocket with a vinyl overlay. This vinyl is cool and looks like tan denim jeans.

Side view.

I used fabric that matched the crossbody strap I made for the base here.

Crossbody over an outdoor chair. Wish I had a way of photographing on me or someone else, but alas I don't. I took this one out to buy groceries on Monday and I love the size! It's perfect size for me. I love the top zipper closure so I can easily zip and unzip and see what's inside. 

Want to make one or all 3 sizes of the Swiftly Tote? Be sure to grab your pattern now while the pattern is on sale as a new release. Go here to purchase the pdf and to see all the testers versions and sizes, go here for the photos and the video introduction too. This bag looks so different in different colors and materials used. Christine even put the Pocket Supplement A on sale too, which can be used in the small and large Swiftly versions as well as other bag patterns that are about the same size too. The Intro pricing is for a short time only, so grab your pattern soon. Video Intro here, with tester photos too.

Happy bag sewing!

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Pink String Quilt Blocks for Rainbow Challenge

The color this month for the Rainbow Challenge is Pink. I am making string blocks each month. Here are my pink string blocks. Not sure how many blocks I will need or how I will set the quilt, so I am making several blocks in every color, but might need to make more of one or more colors later once I play with the setting.

I don't know why the background looks green? Weird.

More pink blocks.

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Sew Powerful Purse #112 for 2026

On the Sew Powerful Facebook group our monthly challenge for fun is Rainy Day Blues. So anything blue like birds, flowers, etc. or anything Spring, such as Spring rain, umbrellas, gardening, etc. I already made and shared a purse flap in blues, so I thought an umbrella appliqué would be fun to make and share now. I used scraps for the umbrella and added crystals like raindrops on and above and below the umbrella, along with a few heart buttons. This will be donated soon to Sew Powerful Purse Project.

Here is the entire flap.

Summer time flap lining for a bit of fun.

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Sew Powerful Purse #111 for 2026

An apple appliqué on scrappy blues. Donating to Sew Powerful Purse Project. 

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Sew Powerful Purses #106-110 for 2026

5 more purses finished. Donating to Sew Powerful Purse Project. These were all made using denim jean scraps leftover from making upcycled denim jean purses. I placed a black tulle over the denim scraps and quilted it to hold it together and cut out the various purse pieces needed to make the purse. I added appliqué on the flaps and stitched with a blanket stitch around each appliqué piece. The second purse was stitched with decorative stitches without tulle on the flap, but all purse pieces do have the tulle overlay.

Decorative stitches and no tulle overlay on the flap.

This was a fabric postcard I made many years ago, so I decided to add it to this flap.

Hope is a die cut. 

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Feather & Fan Handknit Scarf

I knit this scarf with yarn that I hand dyed years ago. My favorite scarf to wear is a Feather and Fan scarf in a worsted weight yarn, so I wanted to knit another scarf and this scarf was knit with Fingering weight yarn. I love this stitch pattern with the waves. It's an easy to knit pattern too. I hand dyed this yarn many years ago.

Closeup.

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Stay at Home Round Robin Quilt (SAHRR) 2026

My SAHRR quilt is finished! Quilted and binding done. I will be donating this quilt to Ukraine via Wrap the World With Quilts. The quilt measures 34.5" x 40.5"

I backed the quilt with the purple and orange floral fabric that is a flannel fabric and added this label that started off as a quilt block for the front, but it was too large and didn't work, so I made the smaller Friendship Stars on the front instead and saved this block to use as a label.

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