Sunday, August 10, 2014

Making the Super Tote

Making the Super Tote bag

As many of you know by now, one  thing that I love to make am addicted to making is tote bags!  My awesome niece is working as a nanny in New York City, for twins, and she asked me if I could make her a bag to use as a diaper bag.  Of course I said yes!  After some  jumping around and squealing, I got down to business and  went on the search for possible fabrics and tote bag patterns.    

I just love the internet...even though we live over  100 miles apart,  I was able to let her choose the bag style  and fabrics quickly.   I took pictures of different fabric combinations and sent her  various links for patterns to look over and make her selection.

So what did Kym pick?   The Super Tote Pattern  by Noodlehead


The Super Tote  Pattern   by Noodlehead
photo courtesy of Noodlehead blog
I was excited, because this is one tote bag that I didn't make yet.  

So here is Kym's Nanny-ing bag (that doesn't look like a diaper bag!):


The Super Tote  bag         by Susie's Sunroom

Fabric:      Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend   charcoal
                Summersville   by Moda      from my stash for the Pink leaves

Dimensions:   15” wide, 15” tall, 3.5 to 5” deep, 10.5” handle drop

Super Tote Features:
 + recessed zipper
+ roomy interior pockets
+ front exterior pocket
+ cute piping and pleat details
+ makes a perfect diaper bag or gym bag, great for hauling anything you need


I washed the fabrics first.... I know  this will be used as a diaper bag, and she will be washing it.   


Side view      see the cute side pleat ?
The deep front pocket  with a magnet snap closure


There are 4 pockets on the inside, with elastic



This Super Tote has a beautifully designed zippered top closure, that opens wide to get inside of the bag.


The zippered top


Well,  I finished the bag, and got the idea that she could probably use a diaper changing pad , too.

I found this really practical pattern:   Travel Diaper Changing Pad Pattern                                                            by  Maureen Wilson  from  Made by Marzipan


Travel Diaper Changing Pad Pattern    by  Maureen Wilson from  Made by Marzipan
Here is my version of the Travel Diaper Changing Pad:


The Travel Diaper Changing Pad     by Susie's Sunroom
I got the clear vinyl at my local JoAnn Fabric Store.  (It is very inexpensive!)

The pockets should be handy for wipes and a couple of diapers.  They fold up into the pad when it is rolled up.


The diaper bag and changing pad  set         by Susie's Sunroom

I added fabric ties, instead of a piece of elastic and a button, to close up the pad.


The diaper changing pad fits in the front pocket , too

   I got to see Kym at our family reunion a few weeks ago.  She says the bag is awesome, and she loves the changing pad. It wipes off so easily!   Looks like she picked out a winning combination!



I'm off to my sewing room!
Linked up at:     And Sew We Craft Together @ And Sew We Craft


7 comments:

  1. I love that bag! What a great gob you did Susie and that cool zipper and elastic pockets are so clever. You have out done yourself and the pad was a great idea as well. The key fob, nice!

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  2. Thanks for showing the super tote and changing pad! Very fashionable in the fabric choices and with all the great derails! I'm going to look for the vinyl at Joannes.

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  3. Wow Susie, this bag turned out perfect!!! I bought this pattern when it first came out and have yet to make it. One of my friends who has made a couple is going to make it for me :). Too many things I want to sew and not enough time. You are so good at bag making!!! This makes a perfect diaper bag that doesn't look like a diaper bag and the changing pad sure was a thoughtful, great bonus!!! Yours makes me want to sew this bag up!

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  4. They are great Susie! You do make amazing bags that is for sure! Your inspiring me to get back to making some bags!

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  5. Wow Susie!! I love the bags you make and this one is another five star bag!! Love the grey and the pink combination of the bag and the diaper changing pad looks perfect for the task.

    -Soma

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  6. Beautiful bag! Love the colours too! Wish I had haf one like that when my girls were tiny. It looks so roomy.

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  7. No wonder Kim loves this bag! A beautiful fabric combination and so many pockets - love the elastic ones!
    What interfacing did you use? The bag keeps wonderfully its shape.

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