Bags

Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review : Emmaline Bags Totes Ma Tote

pursepalooza2014

This post is part of Purse Palooza. For contest rules, full details, and schedule, please click here! Today’s post is from DeeAnn.

Totes outside

Hi everyone!  My name is DeeAnn, and I am excited to bring you one of the Purse Palooza reviews today.

For my review, I choose the Totes Ma Tote bag by Janelle MacKay of www.EmmalineBags.com.

I chose this bag because I already had some ModGeek fabric from Robert Kaufman that was waiting for just the right pattern, and this is it!

Totes pockets 1

Janelle recommends this pattern for intermediate sewists, and I agree.  I have been sewing for years, and found parts of this bag (think hardware) a bit challenging.

Totes large pocket

You may have seen patterns that recommend labelling your pieces as you cut them out.  You will definitely want to do this here!  There are lots of pieces to this bag, and you don’t want to get them mixed up.

Janelle’s instructions are very thorough and easy to understand.  She also includes plenty of pictures to help you out.  And, if you really get stuck, you can reach out on her Facebook page – Janelle and her many fans are always willing to help.

Totes top zipper

There is a lot of hardware for this bag – two zippers, a magnetic snap, 4 grommets, 4 buckles, twelve eyelets, and six feet!  Luckily, Janelle offers a hardware package on her website.  She also has the best zipper pulls and bag labels around!

Totes hardware

At 12” tall, and 17” wide at the top, this is a great size bag!  It has a 3 inside pockets:  one zippered, one divided slip pocket, and one large pocket with a magnetic snap to hold it closed.  I might add an outside zippered pocket next time I make this bag, but, that’s just me.  The trim on the sides of the bag (I think of them as racing stripes) are very easy to attach.  And, I love that the bottom of the bag is made with Peltex and has 6 feet.  No saggy bottoms here!

Totes bottom

I can see making this bag again, with only minor changes.  Because the shoulder straps and buckle straps are folded in quarters, I would use a much lighter interfacing (or none at all if you are using something heavier than quilting cotton).  Sewing through these layers wasn’t an issue – I used a size 80/12 titanium coated top stitch needle, and my Bernina went through all of the layers easily.  It was adding the eyelets that became the issue for me.  Another option would be to purchase leather handles that already have the holes punched.

Totes side

Thank you, Sara, for inviting me to take part in Purse Palooza again this year!  Once again, there are so many great bags being reviewed.  I can’t wait to see the rest!

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12 thoughts on “Purse Palooza :: Pattern Review : Emmaline Bags Totes Ma Tote

  1. lovemyboxers says:

    Beautiful! I have been eyeing this pattern..all though I still don’t quite have the skills for it (determined to get there). These reviews help me know what I’ll be able to handle until then. A big thank you to everyone involved with these reviews..they sure help!

  2. Kristahis says:

    The “racing stripe” on this pattern is really cool. I think this pattern is destined to be a classic because it’s one of those bags in which every version looks great!

    DeeAnn, I REALLY like your fabric! I love the uniqueness of it–great choice for this pattern!

  3. Teresa Linscott says:

    Absolutely devine bag! I love this fabric and your work is exceptional.

  4. Susie says:

    Awesome bag! Love the fabrics and hardware details

  5. Gorgeous bag. Wonderful fabric choices!

  6. Janelle MacKay says:

    Just a gorgeous bag, the fabric choices are just stunning. I love it! Thank you so much for the very generous review. Love it!

  7. Tami says:

    Great job! I’m making this bag right now love how its turning out.

  8. Dee says:

    Thanks for the review. I like to hear what tips others have and also see their choice of fabrics

  9. Patti says:

    Being a fan if Janelle’s patterns, it’s always so nice to see that so many others agree! Her labels and zipper pulls are also spectacular!

  10. SonJa says:

    I love Janelles patterns! And the fabric you chose is totally spectacular!

  11. DeeAnn…LOVE the fabric !! Do you know what its called ???

  12. Sally P. says:

    This bag is really gorgeous! I love the prints that you used. Your version makes me want to make this bag 🙂

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