Valentina Versatile Tote

I'm really thrilled with the way this bag came out. I was lucky to be a tester for The Valentina Tote by CloBird Designs.

This is the perfect pattern for a confident beginner. Karis's pattern is well written and has over 60 photos, perfect for the visual sewer.

I used a grey upholstery fabric for the main bag and a kind of tapestry for the front pocket which is large enough for a tablet or ipad and closes with a magnetic button. I wasn't sure the large print would work on this bag but I'm really happy with it and it's my favourite colour.

The pattern has the option of making an adjustable detachable strap which I didn't make.

Valentina has a recessed zipper to keep everything secure and inside there is a three compartment slip pocket with box pleat, one for a pen, a cell phone and the third for anything else you want to keep separate like keys.

Just lately I've been doing a wavy quilting stitch on my bags I wanted to keep this one simple but couldn't resist the urge to add just a bit of wavy stitching so I used it on the under side of the bag on the gusset.
 

Valentina is just the right size, I don't carry large bags unless I'm going away or if I'm going fabric shopping in which case the bigger the better LOL. This one measures  13"W x 10"H x 3.5" D which is perfect for carrying everything that essential.

If you'd like to buy the Valentina pattern you can go over to CRAFTSY for the pattern and if you're one of those people that like to tweak patterns then this one is perfect, try adding a slip pocket on the back or even a zipper pocket. More pockets can be added to the inside too. You could also leave out the corner accents for a plainer look. So many possibilities with this one that you could make a whole bunch of them and they would all look different.

Well it's nearly the end of January and a busy month it's been. I still have some more things to show you before it finishes so stay tuned.

Happy Sewing

~ Maria ~