Lotta Tote

I first saw this book at Disdressed and then Caroline got a copy and I just loved the look of her tote, my finger was still hovering over the order button at that point and then the tote appeared again here and that was that. I am sure there is no need to add my review to the others out there, Liesl in particular gives a very thorough review. I will just say that the book is beautifully presented and the projects simple but clever and easy to adapt or build upon.

I quickly made up the hat. It was very straightforward and such a handy pattern to have to hand given the rate at which my children lose hats.
I have already messed with the pattern to create a couple of other versions and it was very easy to adjust to child size.
As others have said, I am not sure this book is ideal for complete beginners, the instructions are a little lacking in detail at some points although to be honest this suits me in the same way that I like working from the Japanese pattern books, I think it frees me up to stop panicking about the fussy bits and just get on with it, finding solutions as I go and learning a lot on the job so to speak. Having read Caroline and Wise Craft's accounts I opted to use interfacing, a very stiff sew in interfacing in the bottom of the bag, the same sort I used for the Weekend Bag and a heavyweight iron-on interfacing for the rest of the bag as I anticipate it getting a lot of use. The interfacing also helped with the problem of linen fraying easily at the seams. Afterwards I wished I had used a magnetic closure but I will add button and loop closure as soon as I work out how to do the loop however on the whole I am very pleased with the bag and foresee this tote and I spending a long and happy future together.


Comments

Twelfthknit said…
I bought the book, too and although I am a real beginner, managed the hat ok - yay!
The door stop is next on my list - my two little devils, that masquerade as cats, keep getting into my yarn - this'll stop 'em, I hope.
India
yvette said…
Cute hats and your tote looks fab.
Anonymous said…
Your projects from this book turned out great, sounds like you made just the right adjustments to improve upon the instructions in the book.
Ali said…
I've still got the book on my wish list. You lovely bag and hats are tipping me over the edge though.
Anonymous said…
I love it! That sideways pocket is very clever and attractive. I so admire all of you sewers. I have always meant to tell you how great your weekender back came out. Inspiring.
Anonymous said…
Looks like you are working your way through that book with great skill. Think I might need to take a look at it myself, very inspiring work.
Anonymous said…
The bag is divine! You're certainly making some beautiful things lately...
The bag is so simply chic, and the hats are cute!
handknit168 said…
I haven't sewn a hat. Yours are very beautiful.
alltangledup said…
such a pretty bag. I love that it's colourful inside and plain on the outside.
Krawuggl said…
This bag is absolutely great, I love the style and the shape so much. Thanks for the link to the book, I especially like the apron with the round neckline. So you really have tempted me to order this book soon, just thinking about what else I could order to save shipping. - And the hats are so cute, beautiful fabrics!
Anonymous said…
Its lovely! I love the hats too! You'll be all ready when the sun decides to come out for good....
MRS MJW said…
I love the tote! Boy, you are really on a role with that linen. Wink. I can't wait to see the embroidery on your daughter's dress. You probably would have loved to see the loom I saw yesterday at a house we were considering buying. The house was built in the fifties. The house had not been lived in in a year but had tons of needlepoint wool in boxes and a very large old wooden needlepoint loom. I wish I had a picture to share.

I could use a nice hat...wink wink...nudge nudge! :-)
Anonymous said…
As usual your sewing is stunning. Wonderful.
Sue said…
The bag is lovely, and I love the hats. Did you make them all by yourself, wish I could make those too for summertime. They look really nice in those fabrics too.
Anonymous said…
Wow, you are on a roll!
I love the hats and tote!
I second Nora.
Anonymous said…
Great hat and fabulous tote. I agree - it is a lovely book.
Briana E. said…
Great bag!

I love your blog. And I'm green with envy that you live in Wales, it's so beautiful.
Tami said…
This is the first I am seeing of the book, thanks so much for the write up and finished projects using the book.

I am sold on the hat and want to make some too. I added the book to my wishlist.
Stephanie said…
I am loving that hat, and the bag is gorgeous too...beautifully subtle on the outside, and fabulously fun on the inside!
Concha said…
I'm thinking about buying that book too! Since I've read the "reviews" it sits at my wishlist at Amazon... Anyway, love the bag you've made!!
Anonymous said…
Ooh I love all of those projects! I had been thinking of converting that hat into baby-size and you've totally inspired me to get cutting!
MRS MJW said…
Eh...someone came in and put a full asking price offer on the house :-( ...but thanks for the very nice comments!
Anonymous said…
that's it, now I'm convinced. I've got the book... now I need the time...
oh, I want that book! I really MUST get it! :)
Such lovely things you have created!
I quickly made up the hat. It was very straightforward and such a handy pattern to have to hand given the rate at which my children lose hats.
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