While doing a little blog maintenance I happened to pull up my {free} pleated tote pattern. Oh my. I was immediately a little embarrassed. I wrote that pattern 3 years ago, the first pattern I ever wrote. I'd like to think that my skills have improved quite a bit since then :)
Never mind that I'm in the middle of writing the patterns for 2 other bags you've seen around here lately, I had to drop everything and spruce that baby up! Nothing major - just smoothing of lines, general clean up and some instruction re-writes. I did make the bottom darts a little larger to add some depth to the body, which I think it needed. Okay, I gave it an over haul.
When I tweak a pattern, of course I have to make it. I'm so glad I did because I had forgotten how much I like this bag! I was relieved that it went together easily and all the parts matched up.
You've seen a bag from this fabric before, it's one of my favorites. Ikat-ish + dots, what's not to like? That's a combination of two of my favorite things. I'm not sure what the fate of this bag will be because I kind of like it. I wasn't planning on keeping it, and I don't really need another bag, but it's just so summery and cute. Do you like the burlap straps? I think that adds to the summery-ness of it. I wish the wooden button photographed better because the straps + the button are perfect. I may use that idea again somewhere.
If you want to give it a shot, the new and improved pattern has been updated and can be downloaded here, or on the sidebar to the right. Happy Sewing!
P.S. I'm still slow summer stitching, but I need an instant gratification project every now and then. BAM!
