More Christmas sewing (I'm glad it's still January ... I look bad, but it could be worse). This bag is for my teenaged niece who loves lime green.

This bag is the All-Day tote from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing.

I am not a pattern person and don't do well following written directions (I need visuals). Most of the things I sew come from my head, with plenty of trial and error. I was a little nervous about making this bag because of the number of instructions and the fact that the description said it'd take two days or so to complete. Well, the directions aren't extensive, just thorough, and it didn't take two days at all ... I think it took as much time to measure and cut the fabrics (I added interfacing and and a muslin lining to the outside fabrics) as it did to sew the bag. Overall, very simple and the end result is terrific.

The bag calls for heavy home-decorating weight fabric but I used regular weight cottons. I should have lined it with stiff interfacing as the bag really flops when set down. I am going to add a stiff covered base to the bottom to keep that flatter.

There are two outside pockets, one inside pocket, and a key holder. I'll add more inside pockets next time and probably an outside pocket on the end that doesn't have one.

My model M. is wearing a sweater, long sleeved shirt, and jeans ... very appropriate for the 55' weather we're having. The bare feet ... not appropriate for the weather, but very appropriate for a Florida girl.