This bag is from another Craftsy pattern, the Fremont Tote by Ellie Lum. I used denim instead of the suggested waxed canvas, and cork for the handles instead of leather. The lining is a bright yellow quilt cotton print. The exterior pocket is a palm tree denim. This was my first tote bag.

Features: The bag has a large divided exterior pocket secured with a rivet. The top zips closed. The handles are riveted to the bag at the end of the sewing process. There is an interior patch pocket. There is supposed to be a cross body strap but I left it off because I didn’t have the required Chicago screws for attaching. The bottom is boxed.

Lessons Learned

• I do not like the way the zipper is attached because the bag can’t be opened all the way. This needs to change to either a longer zipper with a tab end, or a separating zipper so the bag can be fully opened.
• I learned a little about riveting. For this bag I also sewed the straps onto the body for extra security. I’m not sure the rivets actually make a difference except esthetically.
• The cork handles are a bit too short. Since I eliminated the cross-body strap, I should have made the handles longer. At the current length, the bag can only be carried by hand and not over the shoulder.