Tote with Southwestern Flair
 

I'm visiting in Albuquerque and found this wonderful fabric. Bought my first "bag" pattern and am glad to learn how to do a number of things I'd struggled with previously. This turned out much bigger than I had visualized, so I got some more of the fabric and will make a matching handbag. This tote is big enough to carry my laptop in. The center pocket is big enough for files/papers plus the pockets on the sides. It has 2 compartments--created by the center zipped pocket. On the front there is a zipped pocket and behind it is a deep pocket that will hold travel passes, etc. On the back size the pocket is 8" square and it has a magnetic fastener on it. Pockets on the sides will hold bottles or an umbrella.
I can't remember the name of the pattern and its information and I have it all packed up, so if anyone is interested send me a pm and I'll get that info to you. It is a complicated tote but the directions are clearly written and if you follow step by step, it all comes together. Took me a couple of days to get this one done.

Love the touch of the southwest in the colors!

Also my first thought.
The coordinating solids you used inside look great with it.

I love a good tote - I haven't used a bag/purse in ages - and this one looks like it can carry EVERYTHING.

Whenever you unpack, please post the pattern name. Thanks.

You did a great job. I love the fabric and colors.

nicely done

Love it. Looks like the Professional Tote pattern
http://thecreativethimble.com/shop/professional-tote/

Perfect!!
Thanks for the link.

You did a great job on the bag! I love the fabric and all things southwestern!

Beautiful tote. And I don't care for SW colors. :)

I love your tote! Thanks for posting. I'm starting to try to make some totes now. What did you use to stiffen the fabric?

Well, I started with a med wt fusible fleece, which turned out to be too heavy. So for the lining I went to a med weight iron-on pellon which is much better. The fusible fleece was a challenge for my Featherweight to sew through all the layers--at times there were 6 or 8 of them. I couldn't find the interfacing suggested by the pattern. (44" wide Decor Bond by Pellon. THe pattern just says a Heavyweight fusible Interfacing--the one made up in the store was pretty rigid. I do like the softner finish the fleece gives to the bag.

Yes this is the pattern. Digging out my pattern didn't seem like such a daunting chore this morning as it did at 11pm last night so I went looking so I could answer a pm. Thanks for finding it, PaperPrincess.

That is a beautiful tote!

I think that tote is very, very pretty. You did really well.