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!