Sewing

Leather Tote

Leather Tote - Noodlehead Leather Tote - Noodlehead

It’s finished! Last summer I took a class for hand stitching a leather tote up at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN with instructor Candace LaCosse. It was such a great experience and I’m so glad I jumped in and grabbed at the opportunity.

Leather Tote - Noodlehead

I was researching classes to take and happened upon the North House Folk School’s website. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t too far away and in the same small town as my friend Brienne. I reached out to her for me to join me and it ended up working out for us to take the class together. Leather Tote - Noodlehead

Honestly, I was super nervous on the first day of class. Once we got started though it felt really comfortable and I was happy to be learning some new skills. The major part of this tote was the hand sewn leather handles. I definitely got my practice in for saddle stitching! Stitching them together took almost all of the two days of class time plus I sewed a bunch the night between class as well. I left the end of class with a few seams on the body of the tote to finish up and it took me almost a year to finally pick it back up and finish. It feels great to have it under my belt and I’m excited to keep moving forward and trying new things.

Leather Tote - Noodlehead

I would definitely encourage you to try any hands on classes that interest you! Nothing can replace being in a classroom setting with a knowledgeable teacher and other students who are learning side by side. It’s something I hope keeping pushing myself to do! I know there is so much out there, so many ways to connect, and so many crafts I want to try and learn.

Leather Tote - Noodlehead

And a huge thank you to my friend Holly for snapping the pics of me! yayyy!

11 thoughts on “Leather Tote

  1. Monica says:

    Beautiful! I love the simplicity of this tote!

  2. Kelly O. says:

    this is absolutely gorgeous!

  3. Nancy Nielsen says:

    This is beautiful and looks very expensive. My one question…Would you make another one, do it all again?

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks Nancy! And yes, without a doubt I’d do it again. 🙂

  4. billiemick says:

    Really cute, but I’m not sure my old hands could stitch through leather. In my 20s (about 50 years ago) I bought a cowhide bag and loved it forever. In my 40s the family insisting I get rid of it….LOL. I’ve never found another purse I liked as well.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Oh man, that sounds lovely. It is definitely more difficult to sew through, I got some calluses for sure.

  5. Hedy Hahn says:

    Your leather tote is lovely. I’ve not sewed on leather yet, pleather yes, but not the same. Wondering what machines you used for sewing on leather ? A whole blog about this process would be interesting.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks! It’s actually all hand sewn. 🙂

  6. Aida says:

    What a coincidence! I was debating myself about attending at some classes that will start on september in my homoetown about working with leather. After reading your post I’ve filled the form to join in! It’s always great to have the opportunity to learn something new. Thanks! 🙂

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Oh awesome! you’ll love it!

  7. Sewing blog says:

    Simple and sweet! thank you for the tutorial

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