It’s Memorial Day, the official flip into summer. But summertime always starts early in Florida – it has been hot hot hot and humid. And the last thing I want to do is carry a leather handbag with all its metal zippers and whatnot’s. Too much!
Solution – a fabric bag. About five years ago I drafted a tote bag pattern, very much based on the Amy Butler Birdie Sling.
There are a ton of inspiration pics of the Birdie Sling on the web, and lots of tutorials as well. So drafting my version was pretty easy. I’ve made over 20 of these bags. They were both gifted and sold, back when Ashley and I were doing the craft fair circuit.
But I still have and use the first one I made. I love it. It’s roomy, about 26 ¾” tall, including the handles, and 18” wide, and it has some incredible physics going on. Load it up, and the weight is barely felt on one’s shoulder. Seriously! I’m sure it has something to do with the inside bag hanging freely from the top band. Whatever it is, I’m amazed every time I use it. I don’t know if that is characteristic of the AButler bag as well, but I’d be interested to know.
BTW, this one has been through the laundry several times. Yes! machine wash and dry.
Keepsake Calico Cotton – Black Lines, from JoAnns |
Lining Fabric, Buttercream Bicycles – Gray & Metallic – JoAnns |
On the clothes front, my latest pair of Love Notions Sabrina Slims:
Black/White Ethnic Glyphs Cotton Spandex Knit, from Girl Charlee |
Top – Butterick 6024 |
Parting shot: Zebra butterflies and a giant swallowtail roosting in the guava tree at sunset a couple days ago. They’re in the tree almost every night now, just six feet from my porch. Beautiful.
This little guy is not so little – 5″ wing span! |
Hi Coco, I just popped over from Val's Sewing blog. Your bag is beautiful, and works so well in your tropical surroundings. I live in tropical Australia – the heat is the same, and the clothing issues too! Patricia
LikeLike
Love the tote bag and thank you for including the beautiful lepitoptera!
LikeLike
Love you bag! Thanks for the tips on it. Slim pants are in my future so love to see what you've made. How nice to have mother nature's gifts right outside your door.
LikeLike
I like making totes too. and wristlets and clutch bags. love your design. and your ensemble. so fresh.
LikeLike
The butterflies are spectacular! The print of the bag works really well with your outfit. I totally agree: leather and hardware are out for summer!
LikeLike
Thanks, Nancy. I agree, light bags are winners. Sometimes I just carry my wallet, which has a wristlet, because I can't stand the idea of a bag. And I sew clutches and wristlets as well. Fun to sew and carry.
LikeLike
HI! At the top, the strap is 1 3/4″ wide. It is nice – doesn't slip off the shoulder. I'm with you – comfort!
LikeLike
Do you think it's so comfortable because the strap is quite wide? Out of curiosity's sake, how wide is the strap? I'm always looking for comfort.
LikeLike
Looks like a great bag pattern! I love fabric bags because they're still much lighter to carry. I strive to keep my bag under 7 pounds. Love your outfit today! Very crisp, cool look.
LikeLike