So this was the Redwood Tote I made for myself. I’ve been using it since February (so a few months now) and I really have loved having it and using it! I go in streaks with using certain bags and over the winter I only carried my mini Minimalist Wallet with me. In the winter I’m always wearing something with pockets, so it’s easy to go simple and do the wallet-only route and skip anything extra. I put my wallet and phone in one coat pocket and my keys in the other. It’s great for the time being, but now that Spring is here (minus this Saturday’s predicted snowfall) I really have liked having my Redwood! If I don’t have an outfit on with pockets it doesn’t matter!

I did go with leather handles and crossbody strap. I like using leather especially when I’m testing new designs because it’s one less step of sewing! I do have a stash of fabric handles, too, so it’s great having options. I also didn’t do an adjustable strap. Since I know what length I usually like, it’s easy for me to cut it to length, plus I can always swap it out if I want a different length.

Back View/Slip Pocket

It fits perfectly in the basket on my bike, which is really nice considering it’ll be my main mode of transportation during the summer. I’ll have to get another pic of it in action and show it!

Pattern: Redwood Tote
Hardware Kits available here, 6″ zips and 12″ zips, leather handles (15″ for the short handles (3/4″-wide), 56″ for the crossbody strap (1″-wide)), too!
Fabric: Waxed canvas from AL Frances Textiles, Carkai by Carolyn Friedlander (Carkai) for the lining

I’m going to showcase my testers in my next post for both the Redwood Tote and Crescent Tote. They all did such an amazing job and I know you love seeing each pattern in different fabrics, too! I’m so blown away by all of your excitement over both the new patterns. It really inspires me to see you inspired!!

It’s here! The Crescent Tote pattern is now available! This tote was part of Making Magazine’s No.6/Black & White issue and is now available for individual purchase. I’m so so happy with all the versions I’ve been seeing on Instagram. It’s such a delight to see so many being made! It was called the “Making Bag” in the magazine, but for my own sanity I changed the name (I already have a Making Backpack and Maker’s Tote) just so I don’t get the files (or you!) all confused.

Click here to buy the Pattern

I know many of you have been waiting for this individual pattern release, so I’ll try to keep this short and sweet.

If you haven’t seen the Crescent Tote here’s a little rundown!

I was inspired to make a smaller carry-all type bag that would be perfect for stashing a small project (although I’ve heard rumors that someone fit their sweater project inside!) yet still be something you can carry on your shoulder if needed. I started with a completely different design, but then after multiple rounds of prototyping, I landed on this sweet little bucket bag. I love its flat bottom and asymmetric design. As you can probably tell with the Fika Tote and now the Crescent Tote, I’ve been having fun playing with asymmetry!

River Rocks (navy) and Add It Up (warm peach) by Alexia Marcelle Abegg for Ruby Star Society, coming to shops October 2019!

Special features:

• front zippered pocket
• interior zippered pocket
• flat bottom

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

+ Approx. Finished Dimensions: 10¾” [27.3 cm] tall, 10” [25.4 cm] wide and 5½” [14 cm] deep (measured at oval base)

See the full description and materials list in the shop listing here.

River Rocks (navy) and Add It Up (warm peach) by Alexia Marcelle Abegg for Ruby Star Society

The zipper on the exterior is easy to install (I promise!) and easy to use even when you have the bag on your shoulder. Plus there’s a small interior zip pocket to keep any small pieces nice and secure, but don’t feel like you have to add it if you don’t need it.

Click here to buy the Pattern

I hope you like the new pattern, the Crescent Tote. I’m excited to make a few more and maybe even start a new knitting project to go in it! Also, last but certainly not least, the fabrics used in this sample are River Rocks (navy) and Add It Up (warm peach) by Alexia Marcelle Abegg for Ruby Star Society which will be available in shops in October!

River Rocks (navy) and Add It Up (warm peach) by Alexia Marcelle Abegg for Ruby Star Society