I’ve been testing this latest version of the “Let’s Go Tote!” tutorial for over a year. I have made over a dozen bags. I went into my inventory space and said, “I could open a craft booth or an Etsy shop”. That is not my goal. I stitch for fun. All those bags now have a new home!

This is the latest. The Let’s Go Nautical Tote. The pockets are different nautical flags depicting letters. The flag on the front pocket of the tote is J. The flags on the pouch spell USA.

This flag on the back pocket is E.

This tote went to the Homosassa River Restoration Project fundraiser. My friend Annie collects and sells antique buttons. She added this beautiful Neptune antique button necklace and earrings to the tote.

A water bottle was in the “wine bottle” pocket.

Every time I make a bag I follow my tutorial and write down what needs fixed or clarified. Then print it out and try it again.

This is the tote that I used for the glamour shots in the tutorial. It’s really pretty with Rifle Paper Fabrics. I just gave it to a friend. Another friend with an August birthday!

I have to say that I use this one ALL THE TIME! It’s pretty and all of the very important items fit that I might need for a meeting. Or a drive along the coast.

There are several changes from the first tutorial way back in August 2018. I have tried to make this the simplest tutorial ever. With that thought, I eliminated the coordinating fabric panel on the ends of the bag. While it was pretty, it just made it a little more difficult and I’m going for a beginner sewist bag. I’m using webbing for the handles and “byAnnie Soft ‘n Stable” for the bottom of the bag. I also changed up the way I boxed the bottom of the bag.

You can click here for the tutorial: Let’s Go Tote! 2022

If you try it, let me know. I’d like to know how it works for you! Always looking to improve and update!

I do intend to continue working on this tutorial and releasing different versions. I’ll put the coordinating end panels back in. I’d also like to add “closure” choices to the bag. A button and fabric toggle or an inset zipper. More pockets for the inside. But it might be awhile. Took me a year to get this easy-peasy version!

I’m closing with a bunch of different varieties of the Let’s Go Tote that I’ve made over the years. I’ve made more, just didn’t get the snaps.