I love having a variety of handbags available so I can select one based on what I’m carrying and what I’m wearing. I decided I needed a new black bag when I found a woven decorator sample pattern at Mill End fabric store. I thought about designing my own bag, and even went so far as to write up instructions, but my efforts at design haven’t been terribly successful thus far, so I took the easier route and purchased a pattern from Noodlehead called the Hillside Tote.

The bag has an exterior pocket on the front and back, and a divided interior pocket in the lining. I used a Velcro closure on the back exterior pocket, and I reused the detachable strap from my blue cork handbag instead of making my own from fabric. (I did cut it out, however, so I can make it at a later time if I decide to – and if I get some more swivel hooks.) The other modification I made was to add foam instead of interfacing to provide extra structure for the bag. In hindsight, the foam was possibly a bit thick, maybe fusible fleece would have been better.