Sewing

Arroyo Explorer Totes

Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead

Arroyo Explorer Totes - NoodleheadI’m so excited to share these Explorer Totes today!!! I made them a few months ago for Erin Dollar’s new collection Arroyo for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. The instant I saw the fabrics I knew I couldn’t say no! I love Erin’s work and have enjoyed following along with her journey in the last few years. Her aesthetic is minimal and gorgeous and of course it makes sense that I love her new fabric collection. Slap it on some Essex and you’ve got me buying it by the bolt. I’m all googly eyes, you had me at hello.Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead

Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead

I loved pairing Arroyo with my Explorer Tote pattern, it’s great for showcasing those gorgeous prints. I ended up making the small and large size of the tote because they make a great pair, right?! And of course I decided that all leather handles were fun to use (feel free to swap out the fabric handles in the pattern for leather or cotton webbing, I love seeing how it switches up the look!).Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead

Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead

These were made with Big Sur canvas for the contrast fabric requirement instead of waxed canvas. I give instructions in the pattern in case you’re not into using waxed canvas or want to use something you have on hand. It’s an easy modification and I love the results. The Big Sur canvas is really nice to work with and there are tons of colors, I’m definitely planning on stocking up!Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead

Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead

I was happy too to see the rest of the Arroyo collection, so many great colors!! I mean seriously, so good! Plus a huge palette of neutrals. I can’t wait to see what everyone makes using it.

What are you sewing lately? I’m feeling the need to make everything right now, it kind of drives me crazy to feel this rush of creativity and inspiration but I’ve learned in the past few years to just roll with it! Yay sunny weather!Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead


Pattern: Explorer Tote (small and large sizes)
Fabric: Arroyo (coming to shops in July, I can hardly wait!!) by Erin Dollar for Robert Kaufman and Big Sur Canvas (I used Charcoal and Black)
Leather handles can be found in my shop


Arroyo Explorer Totes - Noodlehead

11 thoughts on “Arroyo Explorer Totes

  1. Erin says:

    Ahhhh, these look amazing!! I’m so glad you got a sneak preview of the collection, I was so giddy when these popped up in my inbox. Thanks for all your kind words about Arroyo!

  2. Sarah says:

    For the large size, how long are the leather handles?

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Hi Sarah, I used the same length for the handles as I do for fabric (20″), although you can adjust that to your liking of course. The longer strap I only cut a long strip 1 1/2″-wide that comfortably went across my shoulders, etc. since I didn’t make it adjustable, sorry, I didn’t write down what that length was.

  3. gail says:

    So pretty! I love the one I made, too. 🙂

  4. Maria says:

    These are gorgeous! The fabric collection is timeless and I will sure get ready for its debut! Making some Traverse Bags, two minis and one Large for my daughter and granddaughters..they LOVED mine! Hand embroidering the ones for my grands! Thanks for sharing

  5. Lovely fabric combinations… I am wanting to see summer dresses and tops (and now also a bag or two) but the garden is shouting for attention!

  6. janequiltsslowly says:

    Those bags are just beautiful! Oh and these fabrics are going to be a hit! Now I want to make all the bags in them!

  7. Susan says:

    I know what you mean about feeling the rush of inspiration this time of year. It’s also a busy time for me work-wise, and in Wisconsin we have this short window for planting a garden, so I never feel like I have enough time to do everything I want! Le Sigh. First world problems, I suppose 🙂
    Love these bags. One day I will work up the nerve to make a bag with a zipper. I’m kind of apprehensive about that…

  8. Karen Mercurio says:

    Are these sold anywhere? I sew but not sure if I am up to this level.

  9. Amanda Jean says:

    these are SO beautiful, Anna. As per usual! Love your photos, too!

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