That's How I Roll Tote

Right now I have five quilt tops that need to be put together and quilted.  But somehow I just keep finding quick short projects that give me instant gratification...I'm sure you can relate!  Here is a quick tote in Anna Maria Horner's Honor Roll line.  I got it as a kit from Craftsy on sale a few weeks ago.  I just love the colors and the beautiful patterns on the fabric.  It's a larger size tote, so it's great for packing all your summer essentials. 

The pattern is actually a FREE pattern on the Make it Coats website, so you can download the pdf now if you like the tote. Their website is not that easy to navigate, but I've found a few patterns from kits on Craftsy are actually free patterns on that website, so check there if you like the pattern but want to use your own fabric. 

From past bag making experience I did use Pellon Shape Flex 101 on the handle fabric to make it more sturdy.  I find the handles a little long at 32 inches, so you may want to shorten them a little.  The pattern calls for cutting the handles WOF, but you really could cut at 32 inches or less and have some leftover fabric.  The instructions call for a 1/4 inch seam for everything, which is fine for piecing the strips, but I used a 1/2 inch for the rest of the bag so I could easily open the seams to match them on the sides when I put the bag together.  I used fusible fleece for the batting, but you could use Soft and Stable if you wanted a more structured bag. 

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts!