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!