Boxcar Tote

It started with this innocent picture:

Jessica and I fell in love with the Boxcar Tote by Alexis Abegg of Green Bee patterns.  Jessica discovered the pattern came out the same time as the Cotton and Steel Spring lines.  Since she really wanted this bag but did not feel comfortable making it herself,  I said I would sew up a prototype and see if I could make her one.

I knew I wanted an “everyday” bag made with some of my favorite fabrics in the grey/purple color way.  (Yes!  I know.  I love purple!)  With a quarter yard of coveted Koi by Rashida Coleman-Hale mixed with some Cotton and Steel along with this Paula Prass print, I was ready to go.  I traced my pattern pieces onto freezer paper, cut the fabric and interfacing.  Southern California has been hit with a heat wave so what do I decide to do?  Stand in front of a hot iron and fuse the interfacing to the fabrics.  Yeah.  I never said I was smart!  😉

The pattern is easy to follow and comes with illustrations for almost every step.  I need things really spelled out in directions so I “get it”.  I’m much more of a visual and verbal learner so reading and understanding take more time.  Luckily, the directions are clear and precise.

Let me tell you how much I love Clover binder clips!  Those puppies held together multiple layers well and kept me sane.

Here is the final product:

I just love those kitty cats so I put them in the inside of my bag so I can see them every time I’m looking for something.  Meow!!!

The cassettes are a homage to my love of music and making mixed tapes.  🙂

And I brought it to the San Diego Modern Quilt Guild meeting for a preview!  Photo by Susan Kephart

Fabrics:
Outside: Cotton and Steel, Paula Prass
Lining: Cotton and Steel
Pocket lining:  Anne Kelle
Handles: Koi
Trim: Cotton and Steel

Interfacing: Pellon Decor Bond 809
Snap: Heart
Thread: Aurifil

Now this Tote is done,  it’s time to make Jessica one.  She has picked these beauties from Heather Bailey for her tote.

Stay tuned!  😉