Veranda Tote

This is my new Veranda Tote bag.  I LOVE this bag!  A few weeks ago I told you that I took a few classes at a buyers market held by a quilting supply distributor.  I showed you the "Diamonds are a Quilter's Best Friend" table runner that I made.  I also took a class with Penny Surges to make this adorable tote bag.  Penny (on the right) was kind enough to pose for a photo with me holding my finished bag.

I love meeting and taking classes from pattern designers.  Penny is not only a sweet lady, but she is a very good teacher.  She makes her students feel good about their work and she helps to make them successful.  Penny is also the designer of the popular Bow Tucks Tote and the smaller version- the Mini Bow Tucks.

The front has 2 pockets with a cute little tailored ruffle.

And a closer-up----

This shot shows the back pocket and the stitching detail on the handle.

And the inside pockets.  LOVE all these pockets!  I put a plastic insert into the bottom (that's why it's shiny).

Here are a few of Penny's sample bags.  There are 2 pockets in the front.

The sides can be single pieces of fabric, or they can be pieced, as is the one in the middle (above photo).
Hmm.... looks like we were blocking the fire exit.  Good thing there wasn't a fire.

The photo above also has pieced sides.  Aren't those handles cute?  The handles are very sturdy.  They are lined and stitched all the way down the length in 4 places.

In both of these samples (above and below) you can see the 2 front pockets and cute coordinating button closure.  The back of the bag has one large pocket and the inside lining has large pockets all around.

The whole bag is stabilized with fusible fleece.  I love working with this stuff- it's easy to apply and gives the bag nice structure.  It's soft but not floppy.

I have the Veranda Tote pattern on my website, as well as fusible fleece by the yard.  And best of all... it's a fat quarter friendly project.  A nice coordinating pack of fat quarters is a good start for this bag.