Tote 4 Me

I really wanted a new purse. My old one really needed a wash, and there were a few things that really bugged me about it.  I have been eyeing Anna's 241 Tote for a while, and finally bought my pattern and made one. I actually made it before we moved, but like many things, I forgot to blog about it!
Here it is from the back:

My sister-in-law gave me the fun polka dot twill fabric.  It matched some left over chambray I had from Dolly's skirt.  The teal came from a giveaway I won. I think they work well together!  The lining is a light blue Kona cotton.  I already had the zippers, snap, and findings on hand.  I added two snap clips into seams.  The first in an outer pocket to hang onto my keys.

The second I tucked just inside the strap to hang onto my cell phone cozy.

I did add some reinforcement in the lining where the magnetic snap would go. On my last purse attempt, the fabric puckered around the snap, and it really annoyed me. I actually interfaced a piece of fabric, and then stitched it in place.

I also made a small pocket to hold business cards.  Here is the cell phone cozy.  I used my tutorial HERE.  For some reason, this did not come together easily at all.  I think I picked it out and resewed it at least twice.

I really loved Anna's pattern.  My favorite part?  The strap doesn't slide off my shoulder.  I have funky shoulders where everything slides off, including my bra strap.   Bottom line, if you're in the market for a great purse/tote pattern, try Anna's.  Sometimes you need to get in a little selfish sewing.

Sharing with Creation Corner, Just a Girl, Freckled Laundry, and KoJoDesigns.