Isn’t this yellow Buckthorn Tote so cute? It’s so happy and cheery. I need a little of that sunshine in my life lately. To be honest it’s been difficult to keep focused and motivated. I worry quite a lot about what this all means for sewing and for my business. It’s scary and uncertain, and while I am usually in the camp of prepare for the worst, this kind of has me running from idea to idea without being able to feel comfortable working on any certain thing with much focus. It’s always been a juggle to run my business while taking care of my family, but this is different of course. I’ll keep taking things day by day, and knowing that we’re all in this together helps, too. I’m so glad to be a part of this sewing community!

So anyway, this Buckthorn Tote was one of my favorites right off the machine. Sometimes when I finish a project I might not immediately love it. But I think it’s the cheery yellow Dry Oilskin that I picked up from Blackbird Fabrics that just sings! I believe this is the Merchant & Mills Dry Oilskin and I loved sewing with it. It’s very easy to work with, so if you want to give it a try I can’t recommend it enough! It’s got structure, but isn’t so stiff that it makes it difficult to use. The topstitching just glided through like butter which is always satisfying! The lining is Big Sur canvas in Unbleached. (Here’s a google search if you’re looking for a shop that carries it.)

This is the Tote component to the Buckthorn pattern, I had to make a cute tote version because I couldn’t get it out of my head that it would be perfect for crafting. Knitting, embroidery, cross-stitch, and paper piecing all came to mind when I was deciding on size and details. It would be very easy to add an additional interior pocket and divide it up for storing all of your supplies, too! I think that’s the best part of being able to make things yourself, because you can customize it to your specific needs! Plus the zippered top!!!! I know you love keeping everything safe and secure. But don’t worry, you can easily leave out the zipper (or add a magnetic snap or not!) and finish it off with the binding the same way. So many fun options.

Pattern: Buckthorn Backpack & Tote
Fabric: Dry Oilskin purchased from Blackbird Fabrics (I believe they’re sold out at the moment, but my friend Holly has some in her shop now!) here’s a google search for more shops that have it
Webbing, zipper (14″ size for the tote), and zipper pulls are all in my shop, too. You’ll need two yards of 1″-wide webbing for the Tote!

Happy Friday! I’m happy to say that today is the official release day for Making Magazine‘s newest issue, No.9/Simple. It couldn’t have come on a better day, it’s my daughter’s birthday! She’s 14!

For the Simple issue, I designed a beautifully simple tote that works for whatever you need. Honestly, if I had to choose one bag to always have on hand, it would be a simple tote like this. They’re quick to sew and are endlessly useful. I have a similar tote that I made myself many years ago that has been my go-to ever since! It goes with me to and from work, on car trips, and anywhere I travel when I need to stash a notebook and extra items that I don’t typically carry with me on a day-to-day basis.

I’m happy to be able to share this with you and hope you enjoy sewing it up and putting it to use.

I’d love to see what you come up with. I think the front pocket is such a gem in that it would be perfect for adding a patchwork block to the center or even doing some screen printing or cross stitching or embroidery on! I can already tell that it’s going to be a fun one for you to put your own creative spin on! Optional add-ons for this project are also a fun way of kicking things up a notch. Included in the instructions are a few fun additions. I love a good snap, so the front pocket is a perfect spot for one. And the lining can be made using a magnetic snap for the closure, although if you don’t have one on hand or won’t use it, it’s easy to leave without as well. I adore that about sewing, make it how you wish – however it suits you. And keep it as simple as you’d like, some of my favorite sewn items are the simplest.

I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been looking forward to this issue for a long time! I love simple and it’s always on my mind when I think about the things I own or how I want to live my life. The magazine itself is gorgeous to flip through. Again, it’s more of a book at over 150 pages in total. For sewing projects, it has quite a few fun things to stitch! I’m excited about Jen Hewett‘s Screen Printed Picnic Blanket, Aneela Hoey‘s Glasses Case and Kristine Vejar‘s Everyday Utensil Roll just to name a few. Also, for garment enthusiasts the Halfmoon Strand Dress/Top looks absolutely gorgeous (design by Meghann Halfmoon). As far as the knitting goes it’s packed, too! I’m really curious about the Lomo Shawl by Bristol Ivy. The photos and colors of both of the shawl samples are gorgeous. And don’t get me started on how warm and cozy the South Turner Hat looks (design by Leila Raven). It’s so fun to be able to look at all the amazing creativity of all the contributors, it blows my mind to think about all of it!

Hope you’re having a great day. If you’d like a copy of this issue of Making magazine, I have a few copies in my shop. Stop and grab one if you feel inspired!

This pattern will be available as a stand-alone PDF in my shop on October 15th, 2020.