Friday Finish: Workshop Tote

Next week I am attending my first ever Squam Art Workshop, and I believe that calls for a brand new tote bag for class!

This morning I purchased Jeni Baker's Workshop Tote pattern, and by the afternoon I had finished this lovely bag in Rifle Paper's English Garden fabric! I believe that quick turnaround is a personal best for me ;-))

I absolutely love this Growing Garden Navy border print and am so happy with how it looks as a tote bag! I have plans to use this fabric in future garment sewing (with lots of help from friends) but couldn't wait to cut into it. The excess top fabric was used for the handles and a pocket inside. The interior fabric is a favorite Carolyn Friedlander print.

I remembered to add my personal label AFTER the bag was complete. It doesn't look too bad stitched on the inside pocket. It's convenient to have a spot to hold a small notebook and pen.

The tote bag inside is roomy with space for all my EPP project organizers. You can't see them all in the picture, but there are two ArtBin organizers and two project pouches inside. Jeni hosted a Workshop Tote Sew along on her blog which was a great reference for me in making the bag, especially her video on "using tucks to add structure to your bag". 

I won't be taking any quilting classes next week, which is unusual for me. I am excited (and nervous) to branch out in an unfamiliar territory, but I do plan to bring at least one EPP project to work on while traveling. From what I understand the internet/cell reception isn't strong where I am going, but I will post pictures if I can.

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts. Hope you have an amazing weekend!

Happy stitching,