Questions on tote bags
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Horse Country, FL
Posts: 7,341
Unless you've made quite a few totes, you might want to steer clear of the Professional Tote. It is a lovely bag and very useful, but it's a real bear to make. It broke my mojo for making totes. Just check the pattern before you buy.
#22
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
I have a friend who uses the Bow Tucks bag that I gave her to carry her teaching supplies and items back and forth. However, in the past I have used heavy outdoor fabrics for tote bags, which are really sturdy. I would find a great fabric for the outside, making large pockets on either side deep enough for papers and folders. Inside I would use pockets all around the inside of the bag, and possibly adding a zippered pocket for items you don't want to lose. I would probably add a key ring, loop or something similar with a clip to hold your keys, which invariably go to the bottom of the bag. I would also add a sturdy insert in the bottom of the bag for extra strength. I've used plastic canvas covered with cotton batting, then covered with matching fabric to the bag, and some people use the plastic cutting boards you can get at the dollar store. I'm sure she's going to love whatever you do and you have lots of ideas here on the QB to help make decisions for what your bag will be.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,857
Absolutely agree on a key loop and an elastic strap inside to hold water. For measurements, use a one inch binder to measure on of the outside pockets. That will give you the depth needed for packets of papers. I would also include a matching smaller bag that has a plastic lining in case she wants to bring a snack to work. When my girls were in college I made the several totes so they could grab stuff for a class and run - no need to search for books or swap out backpacks.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
I was going to say the same thing about the nylon web. If you don't want to make straps use the cotton webbing. It is much kinder to hands. I personally would want a zipper on the top. Even if she overfills it and can't zip she will have the option for other times (especially during bad weather)
#27
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 53
The professional tote is a great bag, but it does have lots of pattern pieces. I have used mine for years.
http://thecreativethimble.com/shop/professional-tote/
http://thecreativethimble.com/shop/professional-tote/
#28
Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 23
This kit looked pretty cool and easy enough. Saw it when looking at the other pattern. http://quiltkitcentral.com/products/...it-14-x-16-x-6
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jozefow, Poland
Posts: 4,474
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t226830.html
#30
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 53
I made this one--my first real tote. I wrote about it here on QB. I put quite a few pictures on the post.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t226830.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t226830.html
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