Monday, October 20, 2014

Sidekick Tote, yay!

I finished my sidekick tote last week and I'm really happy with how it turned out. I love the finishing touches in this pattern.


I used Wallflowers fabric by Allison Harris, and coordinated with a Bella solid which is a salmon-y pink colour - a classic case of the colour on the screen being very different to the actual colour. I thought I was buying a delicate pink, and this salmon pink would not be my favourite shade by a long mile. But it works well as a contrasting colour and trim, and the grey balances it out nicely. The pocket is from Violet Craft's Waterfront Park, a print I love, and it coordinates nicely with the Wallflowers.

I was a bit disappointed with the finish of the interfacing - neither of my local stores have had woven fusible for the longest time, so I used some of the regular fusible stuff I found in my stash and needed to use up. But I find the regular fusible much harder to work with, it just seems to give a crinkly finish no matter what I do with it, and that's most visible on the pocket. But a bit of use seems to have eased it out a little bit.


I meant to put a key loop on the inside, and another pocket, but I totally forgot. But that's ok, because this is my weekend bag so I tend not to carry the same amount of crap with me as I do in my big work bag. I really love the strap on this - I added extra length to it as I'm tall and I like a cross body bag.



This was my first time doing a recessed zipper. I love how it looks. It took me quite a few goes to get the sides meeting up evenly where the zipper comes away from the fabric at the end, but I kept at it and eventually matched them up on the 4th or 5th try.

 

I thought this pattern was well written and (essential for me!) it had plenty of pictures to help me follow the instructions. I definitely think that I would put a 2nd one together very quickly, having made it once and may just have to do that. 

11 comments:

Judith, Belfast said...

It's gorgeous S! The pocket on the front is particularly nice! Jxo

Katy Cameron said...

Pretty, and love that pocket fabric

Canadian Abroad said...

Love the bag, and think the salmon pink is the perfect finish.

Erin @ Billy Button Design said...

Lovely

Lynz said...

That pink was a happy accident, no? It is perfect!! How big does htis finish? I could use a small weekend bag (just for wallet and camera type things) as, like you, my everyday bag is massive! *g*

Ruth said...

Really like this - just finished my first bag and would like to make another!

Jo Robertson (thejoyofthehousetomyself) said...

I love my side-kicks. Love your fabric choices

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

well done Sarah. You did well with the binding on the the pocket, a lovely finish

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

well done Sarah. You did well with the binding on the the pocket, a lovely finish

Bobbypin Bandit said...

I found your blog through your phone cosy tutorial on Pinterest! (which I am going to try today) I am so glad it brought me to you! I adore everything you are up to!

I bought this tote pattern and have yet to put one together for myself. Yours is darling and totally inspiring.

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

It's lovely!