By Annie Totally Trendy Totes II

Make your own custom tote using your favourite fabrics and colours. Clear and complete instructions take you step-by-step through the process of quilting, cutting, marking and sewing.

1.  Pick a size — medium, large, or extra-large.

2.  Choose a handle length — short for hand-carrying or long for carrying over the shoulder.

3.  Decide whether you want the security of an easy zipper closure or an open top.

Then, sew and go!

The optional zipper is easy to install and opens to fall flat against the bag giving full access to the interior space.

Each tote has two outer slip pockets for quick access to cell phone, keys, and more.  Rather than inner pockets, pattern includes instructions for removable see-through zippered project bags. Quick and easy to make and sized to fit perfectly inside each tote, they will keep your supplies organized yet easy to find and access.

The pattern includes instructions for totes in three sizes:

• Medium:   13"W x 12"H x 4"D

• Large:  18"W x 15"H x 7"D

• Extra-large:   20"W x 17"H x 10"D

Note that the medium tote is the size of a fairly standard tote bag.  The large tote is a great size for taking to guild meetings.  It will hold a couple of small quilts for show and tell.  The extra-large tote is humongous!  It will hold a queen-sized quilt and quilting hoop or lots of supplies for a retreat.  Pick the size that works best for you.

Annie prefers to use 100% polyester Soft and Stable™ in place of batting in these totes. Not only is the Soft and Stable™ very lightweight, but it holds its shape very nicely and really makes a professional looking bag.