I had a bad experience with bias tape about 18 months ago and ever since, I've avoided it at all costs. I loved Ali Foster's Reversible Tote pattern, but was terrified of the bias tape component. After a few emails with Ali, she promised me there was no hand sewing and encouraged me to conquer my aversion for this essential sewing skill. Since she also walked me through my zipper troubles, I knew I could trust her once again.
I chose to use vintage fabrics because I am hoping to consign these totes at store near me. (More on that soon.) The pink floral was a large vintage piece of fabric that I picked up at an estate sale. I seriously have about 7 yards of this (I paid $3 for it!) so I will be using this print until the cows come home. The brown diagonal plaid was a vintage pillowcase from the thrift store I realized after cutting that the seam of the pillowcase would be down the middle. I should have adjusted my cutting to shift the seam to the sides, but hey, that's how you learn! :)
Ali's pattern instructs you to use two packages of bias tape, but I was able to make it with just one. I used every single inch of the three-yard package, but nonetheless, it was only one package.
This bag has two layers of interfacing making it stiff enough to stand alone but still soft enough to carry as a purse. Not only is this a wonderful shopping bag, but you could use these in lieu of paper gift bags or as organizing bins in any room of your home.
All in all, this is an easy project that can be done in about two hours or less. The color combination possibilities are endless and I see many more reversible totes in my future.
Very cute!
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