I like the idea that, during the hockey season, my friend could display one side of her bag and, in the off-season, she could turn it inside out and enjoy the lush Balinesia print. I could not be happier with the final result. The bag is just as lovely as I had hoped it would be.

This tote is perfect for carrying shopping or on road trips but it is equally suitable for use inside the home. I envision it with wool and needles for a knitting project, swim or gym wear, reading material, or carrying a baguette and cheese.

The story attached to the black and white tote is just as special to me. It was made for a woman who was recently widowed.  I was asked to line each of the pockets with a fabric that would be especially significant for her. I have never revealed anything about the pocket linings but the entire tote was planned around those two unrelated fabrics. I wanted a neutral “background” for the bag and then to find colors for the exterior pockets that would coordinate with the secret linings and tie everything together.

In the Reversible Box Tote Gallery –

The black and white Reversible Box Tote was made with fabrics from the Simply Neutral collection by Deborah Edwards of Northcott Fabrics. The yellow and salmon pockets were made with quilt cotton from Windham Fabrics.  Each of the pockets is lined with a fabric that has special significance to the lady who was given the bag.

The blue and green Reversible Box Tote was made with blue twill, Vancouver Canucks quilt cotton, and “Balinesia” by Dover Hill for Benartex 

Pricing is determined by fabric choices and customization.

The post Reversible Box Tote appeared first on Bespoke Bags Steveston.

Many customizations are available with this bag. It can be made with or without hardware (strap connectors). The top of this tote can be left open or it can be closed with a magnet or a zipper. The Bespoke Ethel Totes pictured here have each been paired with a clip-on pouch for a small bottle of hand sanitizer or, in the case of the cassette bag, a phone. The pouches can be clipped to a strap connector or to a ring added specifically for this purpose.

Please contact me  to discuss a custom Bespoke Ethel Tote for yourself or someone you love.

In the Ethel Tote Gallery –

The spectacular hummingbird fabric is Morning Glory Shimmer by Deborah Edwards for Northcott. I paired it with a lime green Spradling vinyl and I made a coordinating Hand Sanitizer Bottle Pouch that clips onto the bag.

The gorgeous exterior accent fabric of the blue floral bag is “Rock Garden” by Teresa Ascone for PB Textiles.  I coordinated it with sapphire vinyl from Spradling Vinyl and gold-finish hardware. The pretty lining is “Unusual Garden” by Jason Yenter for  In The Beginning Fabrics.

The feature exterior print for the “cork” bag pockets is “Vineyard Classics” designed by Maria Kalinowski for Kanvas Studio of Benartex Fabrics. I used gunmetal finish rectangular rings to attach the straps to this bag. The main bag is upholstery/home decor fabric.

The custom-made “Cassette” bag and cell phone holder feature two delightful and colorful Rebel Girl fabrics designed by Lysa Flower for PBS Fabrics. I used one for the exterior pockets and the other for the bag lining. The bag itself is made with black canvas. I also custom-made a small pouch, especially for a phone. The pouch attaches to a ring on the tote with a swivel hook.

The taupe Ethel has many modifications including changing the handles to an adjustable crossbody strap and adding a zipper closure to the top. I used a durable Sunbrella fabric in “Linen Stone” for the exterior and quilt cottons in the interior.

The pattern for Ethel Tote was designed by Swoon Sewing Patterns.

Pricing is determined by fabric choices and customization.

The post Ethel Tote Bag appeared first on Bespoke Bags Steveston.

This handcrafted bag is a wonderful showcase for beautiful fabric. I made myself one for a summer road trip and paired it with a Clematis Wristlet. Next, I was asked to make one as a Christmas gift for a bird lover. My third Clydebank Tote was made for a lovely lady who wanted to celebrate snow.

Pretty, cut-out handles, zipper pockets in the bag interior, and an optional, recessed zipper closure are features of this classic bag. If made as designed,  this bag does not require hardware.

In the Clydebank Tote Gallery –

The lovely, gleaming snow and chickadee fabric is “First Snowfall” by Hoffman Fabrics. 

The beautiful, shimmery snowflake fabric is “Blue Holidays” by Paintbrush Studio.

The fun roadtrip-theme Clydebank Tote fabric is by Dan DiPaolo for Clothworks.

Pricing is determined by fabric choices and customization.

The post Clydebank Tote appeared first on Bespoke Bags Steveston.

More than once, I made zipper pouches to coordinate with a Sheridan Tote, to keep sunglasses, keys, and wallets protected and close at hand. This tote can be handcrafted with or without hardware (strap connectors, rivets, rings, etc.) It has one exterior slip pocket and one interior slip pocket. The tote lining is visible at the top of the bag and can be a fun opportunity to feature a second beautiful print. Often, I add a ring to the top seam. Clip your keys, sunglasses, reading glasses or a phone to the ring and make it super easy to find it, even when the tote is fully loaded.

This tote is well-suited to a variety of fabrics including canvas, home decor fabrics, quilt cotton and outdoor, sun tolerant fabrics. Please contact me to discuss the possibilities!

In the Sheridan Tote Gallery –

The Last Vegas-theme totes are made with a gorgeous, rich home decor fabric. The fun print features photographs of iconic Las Vegas scenes including New York, New York Casino, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, El Cortez, Joe’s, The Horseshoe, Golden Nugget and more. I lined the first tote with a white and black stripe. The second tote was lined with Michael Miller Fabric’s Glitz Bars.  I had fun adding lots of rivets to both the tote and the coordinating zipper pouch. After all, glitz and glamour are synonymous with the city.

The black doglover totes both feature a colorful print called, “Must Love Dogs” by Ginger Oliphant for  Studio E Fabrics. For one of the totes, I also made a coordinating Clematis Wristlet. Both of the totes are made with black canvas and a lovely, dog-lover lining called “Dog Gone Fun!” created by Annie Troe for Blank Quilting Corporation.

The Flower Power tote bag features lime green, turquoise, and pink blooms on a white background. This fabric was designed and printed for Joann Fabric and Craft Stores. I made a coordinating key ring wristlet for this tote.

The charcoal grey and taupe tote and zipper pouch are made with a beautiful Sunbrella fabric. The dotty lining fabric is Korean Cotton designed by Rudia Collection Ltd.

Pricing is determined by fabric choices and customization.

The post Sheridan Tote appeared first on Bespoke Bags Steveston.