Last week I was whining about waiting, waiting, waiting for all the orders that I made to finish up the many projects that I started but couldn’t finish. Because I didn’t plan properly. Anyhow, the orders finally started rolling in! The first to arrive was the cotton webbing I ordered for the Firefly Tote.

And why did I even need another tote? I didn’t. But…..I spotted this bandana printed fabric at Nana’s Quilt Shop in Brooksville, Florida.

It is Heritage USA by Grace Popp for Studio E Fabrics. I had no project that I needed it for and in my new frugal spirit I didn’t buy it. (But I really wanted it.) Then I came across a tote at Draper James that used a bandana print.

Next I discovered the Firefly Tote on Instagram.

Light bulb lit up! And I went back to Nana’s Quilt Shop and bought a yard of that fabric!

I bought the Firefly Tote Pattern from Noodlehead.com. This is the first time I have purchased a tote pattern. I have learned how to make totes, bags, boxes, baskets and purses from free tutorials. Many years ago. Now I usually know what size I want, figure out the dimensions and stitch it up. But I thought I’d check out how a professional makes bags and how she writes up the instructions. They were very detailed. She even included little labels to cut out and pin to the pieces of the fabric and a checklist. I loved that little extra! (There were a LOT of pieces)

Just like when I make a new recipe, I try to get exactly the same ingredients when I sew a new pattern. The Noodlehead pattern recommended using Fusible Woven Interfacing Pellon SF101 and Pellon 809 for the medium-weight fusible interfacing. Something I had never used before was Fusible Woven Interfacing. I usually go with fusible fleece but this was a nice product and I will use it again. I have used Pelion 809 in the past and always had problems with it not fusing and wrinkling. But that’s what the pattern called for, so that’s what I used. I have a new iron and it really gets hot with the steam setting and the interfacing stayed put. The exterior fabric I used was a Robert Kaufman 8 oz denim and the interior was quilting cotton that I had in my stash.

The pattern comes in two sizes. I made the larger size but will make the smaller size eventually, too.

The tote includes a double pocket on the inside which is perfect for my note pad and pen. I put my water bottle and sun screen in the slip pocket on the outside. The exterior zippered pocket stores my mask and other small items.

The interior is large enough for my camera in it’s case and a small crossbody pouch for my wallet, iPhone, and glasses.

So what did I think of the pattern and tutorial? I loved it. There was one step that I found confusing and had to read it through a few times. Noodlehead is having a sew along to make the pattern starting June 22nd which I think is pretty cool. I’ve already signed up. It’s a weekly newsletter format. You can get the info here!

Next time I stitch up this tote, I’ll make a few changes. The lining fabric I used was too dark. I should have used a lighter print. I also want to try rivets on the handles which was an option. That’s something I’ve never done before and think it looks cool. I would get a better cord for the drawstring, too. I used a 1/2″ Cotton twill tape ribbon–it’s okay–but kind of wimpy.

Overall I was happy with the pattern and how my tote turned out! Looking forward to making the next one! And happy to have actually finished something!