Swoon version of the Ethel Tote Bag

I attend a Patchwork & Quilting Group once a month that is held at Franklins in Salisbury where I have made several good friends. One of them, Maureen, has recently made something for me and in return, I decided to make something for her! I browsed the internet for bag patterns and was delighted to find this one, the Ethel Tote bag on the Swoon website and the extra brownie points were that it was a FREE pdf pattern.

The bag is described thus – a roomy, sturdy and stylish open tote bag. With a teardrop shape, Ethel veers away from the usual boxy tote. It’s a “stuff it in and run out the door” kind of bag, designed to comfortably sling over your shoulder. There are a few slip pockets for the small things. Bag dimensions are 9.5 inches wide at the top, 13 inches at the bottom, 5 inches deep and 10 inches tall.

I downloaded the pattern and instructions and then visited my Bag-making box of fabrics. I found this pretty printed curtain-weight fabric that was a remnant from my Utility room curtains. I believe that Maureen likes Blue so decided to use this fabric and combine with some plain calico for the lining.

I interfaced all the outer pieces and lining sections of the bag with Vilene F220 medium weight fusible interfacing. Then I used Bosal  In-R-Form Unique Sew-In Foam Stabilizer for the main outer panels which gives the bag that extra special support and makes for a very professional-looking finished bag.

The bag went together really well. As there are no zip pockets in the bag the only change that I made was to add a small flap to go over the top of the bag to be fastened with a pretty flower-shaped button and buttonhole which will provide a little extra security.

Maureen’s Bag

Maureen was delighted with her bag and having re-visited the website I have also made the embroidered label/panel for her to use on her next bag-making project.