Happy FIRST DAY OF FALL! Although, there’s not much difference between August and September here in central Florida. Still Hot. Still Humid. Still Raining. We have had more rain this year than in the last 60 years! Yikes.

But anyhow….

I finished my second test “Let’s Go” tote. And it turned out beautifully. Of course it had to–all the fabric (other than the black denim) is from Rifle Paper Co. by Cotton and Steel.

And here’s the beginning of the tote–this is all I had left of the Rifle Paper Company “Wildflower Field” fabric.

I figured I could add some flair to the bag with the rest of these bits and pieces. I also pulled out some of my Rifle Paper Company’s fabric line “Basics”.

Had a hard time deciding between the blush or the green. This zipper put the former over the edge!

I didn’t have quite enough for the lining so had to order more. (In hindsight, should have gone with the green!)

One more test bag and I hope I’ll be ready to post my new updated tutorial. I have the pics. I have some words. Just want to make ONE more bag. Just to make sure I haven’t messed something up in the instructions.

Speaking of messing up (there’s always something) …..

I was finished with the latest version and went to the iron to do the final press. And rust spewed out. This is a relatively NEW iron. And this tote is ruined. Well. That’s how I felt right after that happened. I try not to be a drama queen but I was SO upset. (I do seem to have a lot of “pressing” issues!)

But it’s not quite ruined. It was a small spot and as soon as I calmed down I did some googling for all the fixes and was able to make the stain less obvious. But. I spent a lot of hours planning, cutting and stitching and purchased really nice fabric for this tote. I had planned on saving it for a Christmas gift. But not with a stain—even though it is quite slight now.

So I’m keeping it! Win for me! Already took it to a meeting followed by a shopping jaunt. I was able to carry all the important stuff!

All this fit inside the tote.

Here’s the interior–water bottle pocket, divided pocket and key clasp. I added a zipper pocket but do not think I’ll put that in the new tutorial.

And here’s the interior with all the stuff except the cross-body bag.

I think the water bottle pocket is a little too big. I have a problem with sizing that particular style pocket. But I bet a bottle of wine would fit perfectly!

Now I need to make another just to test my new tutorial. (And I’ve have to clean that freaking iron!)

But first…I do have priorities. My granddaughters in North Dakota have asked me to make stuff that I’m assuming are for Halloween. Gotta make them. Gotta send them. September is more than half way through! I’m moving that special project up on my sewing priority list!