The Nellie Tote - Pattern Test
Recently I had a chance to pattern test The Nellie Tote by Mims of Square Stories. The pattern includes two sizes - XL and Jumbo. This bag is BIG! In the best way! It is perfect for a weekend overnight bag - or it would easily fit a quilt and extras for a lovely picnic!
This tote bag is made using quilted panels for the front and back. I spent so much time considering what I wanted to do for my front panel and finally settled on economy blocks. They're one of my absolute favorite traditional quilt blocks because you can mix and match fabrics and include a cute little fussy cut right in the center. Each block feels like it's own tiny quilt!
(Economy blocks for the front panel)
I made some small adjustments to the bag sizing in order to accommodate a grid of 3x3 6" economy blocks.
In case you would like to make economy blocks for this project - or any project - my favorite tutorial is by Diary of a Quilter. She provides measurements and instructions for several different sizes of the block with beautiful photos!
You can also use Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) to make economy blocks. I have pre-printed FPP papers in my shop for the 6" Economy Block (and other blocks too) in case you prefer not to have to measure and cut each fabric. I actually don't mind it but I know for some folks, FPP can make things faster and simpler and requires a little less brainpower, which can go a long way.
(It's Sew Emma Foundation Paper - 6" Economy Block)
My standard go-to plan when I make a front panel that is detailed, tedious, and honestly, glorious... then I usually juts use a single fabric for the back. After all of the time and effort put into choosing the perfect fabrics for my front panel economy blocks, the side panels, pockets, and findings, I was kind of spent creatively. So I just chose one of the fabrics from the front panel and used it for the back. I chose Mousy Floral in Pasture from Heather Ross by Hand and I love how it turned out.
Once the panels were completed, it was time to make the side pockets along with the little key clip. I love these extra little details and think they make such a big difference in the aesthetic and functionality of a bag! For such a large bag, I'm also happy that it has both handles and an adjustable strap. I didn't have the matching hardware needed to use triangle rings on both sides of the bag so on one side, I sewed a tab with the triangle ring, and on the other side I sewed the strap directly into the bag seam. Inside the bag is a zippered pocket. I kept the lining pretty simple with a Swiss dot fabric and on all the sides and a scrap piece from the blocks for the bottom. Assembly was quick and easy and ta-da!! It's done!
Here are some photos of the finished projet...
I hope you've enjoyed hearing more about my pattern test of The Nellie Tote by Square Stories. You can find the pattern SquareStories on Etsy and Instagram @squarestories_slowmade.