I’m working on a new tutorial for my Handy Tote. Not quite finished with it. Have to do some proof reading and update some photos. When we had our Sew Cool! Workshop at the Old Homosassa Learning Center, my fellow sewists usually tested my instructions. I don’t have that right now. Hoping to start back up in October. I should have two good legs and I’m hoping that the coronavirus might be a little more under control!

Anyhow, the Handy Tote really can be easy-peasy. Pretty much just a bag with a strap. But very versatile when you add pockets, etc. While it’s not lined, the seams are finished. (I hate raggedy seams!) Because of a pleat on both sides of the bottom, the bag is not flat and can hold a bunch but without adding complicated boxed corners.

Here’s the most recent Handy Tote I made in honor of Murphy!

I have always loved animal appliques and thought Murphy had a great face that would be fun to capture in fabric.

Here’s Murphy!

I used my last little bit of this canvas fabric from Rifle Paper Company for the back of the tote and the strap. I didn’t think you could buy it any more but Fabric.com had some when I checked. Might need to buy a couple more yards cause I love it!

I sent the Handy Tote to Murphy’s mom, Pam. Besides being a friend, Pam is also my daughter Jessica’s sister-in-law and the Costume Shop Manager at Vassar. She is starting a new school year in these crazy times. I was really excited to send her this Handy Tote. And she was happily surprised!

Murphy liked it, too!

It was fun to make. And even better to surprise Pam with!

I’ve made a lot of these totes over the years. Here’s Jessica with the very first one I made.

Here’s the next one I made. That’s me! Over five years ago. I look the same. No? I gave this one to a friend.

I made these two to carry my music books in when going to jam sessions. I use them every week.

I think I’ll make one more Handy Tote just to make sure my tutorial is easy to understand and correct!

Free tutorial up next week!