Thought I’d share with you a couple new tote designs that I’ve been working on. Both are “cross-body bags”. I like the security of the strap wrapped around me and purse against my body while I travel or shop.

One bag is large so I can carry my iPad and other necessities on my adventures.

Here’s the first rendering of the bag. I used denim for parts of the body and strap of the bag and the rest is shiny fat quarters that add a little metallic flair!

It has four interiors pockets and one is zippered. Along with a key strap to securely hold my keys and keep them handy. (That way I don’t throw them into one of those other pockets and I can’t find them—YES THAT HAS HAPPENED!)

There is an outside pocket for the iPad or even a paper notepad and a zipper on the top of the bag so nothing inside goes tumbling out going through airport security!

Mistakes were made. That diagonal pocket was supposed to hold my iPad—safely. It’s not deep enough. That sucker flips right out! I didn’t make the straps adjustable—duh! And I don’t like the zipper on the top—it just pokes out further than I would like. I’ll take care of those problems in the next rendition but….

Meanwhile a friend asked me to design a small cross-body tote for her so I that project moved up on my priority list. Maybe a smaller version of the one I had been working on? She had an example of what she wanted which was basically just a smaller version of the bag I have been working on. Easy-Peasy! So I did some design changes and came up with this little cutie!

It’s a small bag—but that’s what we wanted, right? Three interior pockets and one has a zipper. A key clasp, of course! The strap on this one is adjustable. And there are two pockets on the outside.

And the fabric is fun!

It’s kind of hard to tell, but the lining are those adorable ghost bunnies from Cotton & Steel. I’ve had that piece of material for a very long time and use it sparingly cause I love it so much!

Again, Mistakes were made. That recessed zipper was the devil to install plus I hate those tabs on the sides.

But overall, I’m happy with the design of this one. Just need to make a few tweaks! And then I’ll just change up the size to use it for the larger bag—win-win!

I’ll be working on the new designs for both large and small and making another set of test totes. Then I’ll write the pattern and hand it off to some friends to make a few bags for themselves. I’ll eventually be posting the pattern right here!

While it will be several weeks for me to do all the above, I think I’ll drag you along on the journey!

Testing, testing!