Pattern Review: Super Tote
You may just find yourself saying super quite often while making this.
The details are what makes this bag super.
There is a pleated gusset, zipper closure, multiple elasticized, segmented inside pockets and a giant outside pocket with a magnetic closure. Sounds like a lot of work but this bag is pretty straight forward to put together. 
Most of the details are optional if you are looking for a basic, nice shaped bag. The large outer pieces do offer the opportunity to highlight a nice big print if that is your style. I was trying to make a not too girlie version of this bag. I could see it being a good mid sized diaper bag.
The main challenge of mine before starting this project was picking the right weight of fabric. The directions recommend that if you are using quilting weight fabric to add a layer of canvas between the inner and outer pieces. If one uses a heavy weight fabric on the outside no need for the extra layer. I did eventually just pick what I liked and did not worry about the weights. I went with a heavier option for the gusset and half of my straps. The outer pocket, shown above I originally had planned on using a quilting weight. I made a mistake somewhere in cutting, the layout was tight. I ended up using a scrap from my other fabric to make it work. A happy accident!
I mixed weights of fabric. The heavy weight fabric is a crosshatch from Alexander Henry. The quilting weight fabric is from Parson Grey’s Vagabond line, called “Souk” in a night sky color way. The lining I would call a medium weight it is a crossweave from Moda.
The pattern also gives some suggestions for interfacing. As per usual I opted to use stacey shapeflex as my main interfacing. I also wanted to try out craft fuse (the pattern calls for either or). I used craft fuse for the gusset in the lining piece. I really had a hard time working with it because it was so stiff. Looking back the craft fuse really helped this bag keep it’s shape. I would opt to interface a few pieces of the lining that were not called for in the pattern if I were to make it again, and mix weights of fabric.
Stop in, check it out and make your own super tote!