Across the Pond Sew Along Project

The Anita Vacation Tote bag .....for the Across the Pond Sew Along!!

Amanda,  of  The Patchsmith  , and Amy , of  Amy Made That!  , and myself,  are hosting this sew along group, and we'd love have YOU jump in and make the projects with us,  whenever you can!   (No pressure.... just support, encouragement and inspiration from each other!)  You can see ,and add  Yours! to, what we make on the Across the Pond Sew Along Flickr page !

If you want to learn about  the Across the Pond Sew Along , click on the Page tab under my banner heading (top of blog) or   read back on my blog to :  
http://susiessunroom.blogspot.com/2012/11/announcing-sew-along.html .

This is November's Project:

You can purchase the pattern at  Amy Made That!

I have been a  busy gal this week, and made up my mind to pick out the fabrics to use to make my Anita Vacation Tote bag!   (I am lucky to have a big stash, and sometimes,  one of the hardest parts of making a project is actually deciding on the final fabric to use! )

I decided on my Denyse Schmidt fabrics from JoAnn Fabric  (happy dance!)

The fabric, on top of this pile, with the grey , teal and cream tile print , is one Fat Quarter , out of 4 fat quarters  , that are actually all included/printed  in one panel.  Denyse Schmidt , brand  DS Quilts,  sold at JoAnn Fabrics.  I still have 3 fat quarters to create something with!

This pattern has some really nice features(that are adaptable)-

• Creating longer handles.... that you can make with 2 different fabrics!
• Zippered inside pocket
• Row of pockets inside
• Big size.... but sophisticated style
• Magnetic snaps for good closure of bag

Amy's pattern directions are clear and precise.   I love the step by step directions, WITH the great pictures !  

As I made my bag,  I liked the fabric combination so much that I  decided to embroider  an "S" on, so I couldn't give it away!

"S"  font  Emily   found at  www. Embroitique.com

I added my " S "   with my Viking Topaz machine  

I had a few smaller pieces of the top band (for accent at the top of the bag) from the fat quarter ,  so I pieced them together to add an inch to the top of the inside pocket.   After you fold it in half,  it became about 1/4" wide, and looks a bit like binding at the top of the pocket.   I like having a pocket for my cell phone, so I  stitched a small pocket on one side, and a 2" wide pocket for pencils and pens on the opposite side.  The directions are flexible, so you can customize these pockets to what you like!

My row of pockets, with cell phone pocket, middle section pocket and pen/pencil pocket

The other pocket is a zipper pocket!   I love peeking in there and seeing my grey dotted fabric!

I also love having the magnetic snaps, that keep my bag closed tightly and easily.   

Susie's Anita Vacation Tote bag 

I'm ready for that vacation now!  Does that come with the pattern??  Just kidding, Amy!

I will use this as my  tote bag and purse  when I travel!   This  bag will make a gorgeous gift for  holiday giving!
Look over at Amanda and Amy's blogs soon,  to see their Anita Vacation tote bags!  I can't wait!
Sew ... how  are YOU making your Anita Vacation Tote bag ??    :)

I'm off to my sewing room!

*  Check out the linky to  Can I Get a Whoop Whoop Friday   at
Confessions of a Fabric Addict  !