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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That Patchwork Tote from Around the Bobbin

That Patchwork Tote was a fun one to test for Around the Bobbin, because it was both patchwork and a bag, which are my 2 favorite things to make! Plus, you can use up your larger scrap pieces as well.

That Patchwork Tote is a great pattern for a quilter that is a new bag maker or a seasoned bag maker, but new to patchwork and quilting, because it is an easy to make tote and you can't go wrong with Lisa's great instructions! Rated for a confident beginner.

There are 2 versions of this tote you can choose to create. Version A has the patchwork pieces sewn more symmetrical with the fabrics even on each side and the seams running evenly down the center of the bag or Version B (the one I made) with the patchwork asymmetrical and the seams are offset. Being an asymmetrical kind of gal myself, this one was the one I had to make!😉😆

The pattern is on sale for just a few days only, so hurry. The coupon code is PATCHWORK for 25% off all day Friday through Sunday (4/26 - 4/28/24 midnight CST).

The tote measures 12" H x 11" W x 3 1/2" D.

Tote closes with a magnetic snap. Two divided slip pockets inside. If you are wondering what those spots of blue are in the lining, well I dyed this fabric pink and some of the dye must not have thoroughly dissolved and so it left spots of blue.🙄I don't mind it at all and it's in the lining, so it isn't a big deal to me.

I divided this slip pocket so I had a pen pocket and since the rest of the pocket would be too small to divide again, I added a plastic Kam snap to keep the pocket from flopping and to keep larger items inside. I also quilted the bottom base of the lining to hold the firm interfacing in place.

This slip pocket is divided in half to create 2 pockets.

Both pockets inside.

I quilted this bag in a grid using a Serpentine stitch.

Side view.

This was a fun tote to make and I love the patchwork look! For you people with embroidery machines, it would be fun to add some embroidery to some of the patchwork spaces, wouldn't it?

Oh, and be sure to check out the other tester's versions here. There are lots of various fabrics used and both versions of the tote sewn too.

Happy Patchwork Tote Sewing!

Note: I am selling this Patchwork Tote in my PayHip Shop too.  It would make an excellent Mother's Day gift 😉. Grab it now if you need a gift for any occasion. Thanks for looking!

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Little Tulip Bag in Size Large

Hello lovely people. I tested this bag recently, called the Little Tulip Bag for Little Mint Designs. It is a cute drawstring bag with handles and slip pockets both inside and out. There are 3 sizes included in the pdf and I chose to make the large size, which isn't too large, but to me more of a medium size. It's a nice size for a medium size knitting project. The smaller sizes would be the right size for a child or to use as a lunch bag. Check out the link above to see all 3 sizes together than Jean made.

I chose to use my favorite Echinacea Glow fabric designed by Anna Marie Horner. I have this beautiful coneflower fabric in 3 colorways (I think it comes in 4 colorways). This fabric was out of print for years and has been printed again probably because it is such a popular print! Coneflowers and sunflowers are my favorite flowers so that's why I love this fabric!

I tried to fussy cut the pockets on the outside so they would blend better into the print, but I just couldn't get it right and wasted some of my precious fabric, so I just did the best I could. There are 3 choices for making the handles included in the pattern. I chose to use webbing and fabric both for a 2-color handle. I love how that looks!

I added 3 other colors to make this a bright bag: yellow, orange and dark pink. I love how the colors look on this bag. I also added lots of rivets on my handles.

The lining is a gray polka dot fabric and my current knitting project is inside.

Inside there is a slip pocket on each side. I don't know why my lining looks so wrinkled on the bottom? Maybe because the lining wasn't interfaced? I made as per pattern, so no interfacing on lining fabric; but I think I will add interfacing on the next bag I make to see if that works better?

The gnome statue measures 17" tall x 9" at it's widest, just to give you an idea how the large size Little Tulip Bag compares in size. 

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The Tango Tote from Around the Bobbin

I loved testing this Tango Tote from Around the Bobbin. I added a bit of hardware to this tote (the rivets, strap ends and the purse feet), which weren't in the pattern, but easy enough to add if you want to add it.

If you would like to purchase the Tango tote pattern from Around the Bobbin and save 25%, then hurry and get it now while it's one sale. Use the code: TANGO Friday 6/4 through Monday 6/7 for 25% off.

This tote features a nice diagonal separation of the fabrics on both the front and the back of the tote.  The back side also sports a nice large pocket, perfect for a phone or sunglasses. Inside there are 3 slip pockets and a zippered pocket to hold other items and a key leash to hook your keys to for quick and easy access. And it all closes with a zipper closure to keep everything inside the tote. This tote finishes at 12″ H x 18″ W (top) x 7″ D.

I chose a cactus print for one side and a darker print for the other side of this tote. I wanted to pick up a third color so chose to make the handles pink.

I kept the zipper longer and added a pink button on the zipper tab.

The back side has a large slip pocket on the right in the cactus print.

Back slip pocket.

Slightly recessed zipper so the bag contents stays secure and the longer zipper allows for the tote to open really wide to access what's inside the tote as well as see what's inside better too.

A bright yellow lining inside with a divided slip pocket plus I divided it again for a pen pocket as well.

On the other side of the lining is a zippered pocket and behind the zipper pocket is a slip pocket too.

As well as all the pockets, there is a key leash with a swivel hook so you can hook your ring full of keys to the leash and be able to find your keys faster and easier.

while not part of the instructions, I added some Peltex stabilizer and quilted it and then added purse feet to the bottom of the tote.

My fat little birdie approves of this tote, lol!

This tote is now for sale in my PayHip Shop. Click here to see and purchase this tote. Thanks for looking. This bag has SOLD.

Happy toting.

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Birdseed Tote Bag

I up-cycled this birdseed bag and made it into a large tote bag. All I used was the bag itself and some thread. I cut off the bottom of the bag and made handles, which I sewed to the top of the bag that I had folded over. I topstitched around the bag to define it and make it stand up better.

My daughter gave me her empty birdseed bag, so I made this into a tote bag. The nice thing about using a birdseed bag s that it doesn't have any odor like a dog or cat food bag has. The material of this bag is really strong too. It is like a plastic tarp material with reinforced threads running through it. It is quite tall too.

It feels good to up-cycle this bag into another kind of bag that can be used instead of going into the landfill. This will be a very useful bag. My daughter will give me another one of these when she uses up all the seed.

If you have similar bags and do not want to up-cycle them yourself into something useful, give them to a friend who sews or a sewing group in your area, as I am sure someone would love to make something out of a great bag like this.

I think the birds on this bag make it look pretty.

Standing here in front of my bench shows how tall it is.

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