In anticipation of a workshop in April I needed to make another sample Carousel Tote bag. For this example I decided to go “off piste” and add some different detailing – a pair of purchased handles by Prym. The handles have been in my bag-making stash for some time and having chosen a fabulous print by Lewis & Irene Autumn Fields, D colourway I felt that design warranted some professional-looking extras.

I cut out the outer fabric and applied medium weight fusible interfacing to add stability to the quilting cotton before cutting out a plain Mid-Green cotton for the lining.

I made up the outer bag including some narrower than usual tabs to hold the purchased handles and a larger than usual Brown zip for the pocket on the reverse. I then completed the lining. As I had run out of fusible wadding, I used the leftovers of 2 oz polyester wadding and this seems to have worked OK. The flap fastens with my favourite brass twist lock.

The finished bag measures 12” high, 12” wide and 3” deep plus the handles. I love the print of this bag, perhaps I could purchase some more for an unusual blouse!

I am planning to tutor a workshop in April for the “Carousel” tote bag. I have previously posted about this bag – a denim version and have made three other versions which have been given away as gifts. This ditsy-printed oilcloth from The Range is version no. 5 and has been made as a sample to be displayed at New Threads, Weyhill Fairground in anticipation of the workshop.

The design of the bag lends itself to being made up in a wide variety of fabrics such as Quilting cotton, linen and blends, wool/tweed, denim, needlecord and of course, oilcloth. Outside there is a pocket with pretty contrast-coloured zip and slip pocket at the back, a slip pocket at the front and inside there are two more pockets. The flap sits neatly between the strap tabs and has a twist lock on the front pocket to secure the contents.

The bag measures approximately 12.5 inches high x 12.5 inches wide x 3 inches deep. The long handles are 26 inches plus the “O” rings and tabs.

To construct the bag I threaded my machine with Aurifil thread, used a leather needle and plastic presser foot to assist with feeding the oilcloth fabric. I have used this combination before and find that it really does help sewing this useful fabric.

The bag is lined with plain Cream cotton which has been padded with 100% polyester wadding. For the bag hardware I used 4 x brass “O” rings, 2 x 10 inch zippers and a brass twist lock. These finishing touches are what completes the bag and I think give it a professional look.

Now onto the next incarnation using a delightful Quilting cotton featuring mice!