Downton Abbey Tote

Confession, I’ve never seen the show.  I know, I know…I can’t believe it myself.  We don’t watch much PBS in this house (like none) and if I were to start watching, I’d have to buy the entire series, all 7 or 8 years of it, and go from start to finish.  I have hundreds of books written in this era and I swear I was there in a former life.  I snagged this kit a couple of years ago from the Fat Quarter Shop and it’s been waiting patiently for me to get with the program.

I used the Pink Sands Beach Designs Tuscany  pattern that came in the kit and it was SO easy to follow.  I really like these patterns because inside, she has these great arrows that point to which fabric is what.  I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve used patterns where I was like “Is this fabric 2 or 3?” and “Where the heck does this go?”  Not a problem with these patterns.

This tote has a lots of inner pockets and if I had to do it over again, I’d of skipped a couple of seams that divide the pockets to double the pocket space by making two into one larger spot.  But otherwise, this tote is great.

I fussy cut the fabric as best I could to make sure the Downton Abbey was center in the outside accent piece and the directional print was right-side up for the lining.

I love that these patterns use a really stiff bottom so they don’t flop over or sag.  And I’m a real stickler for side seams that match.  Nothing screams “home made” more than mismatched side seams.

I’ve got the Riveria Pink Sands Beach Designs pattern with a zipper top that I’m going to use for my next tote.  I scooped up this adorable Loralie panel on a recent shop hop and it’s demanding to be shown off.  Can’t wait!  What are your favorite patterns and do you have a recent favorite tote you’ve done?  I’d love to see.  🙂