At some point in late 2015, a darling colleague – Kylie from Little Moo Designs to be exact – and I came up with this crazy idea of planning and running a Bag Fanatics Retreat here in Australia. There has never been a sewing retreat specifically for bags in Australia before so we pondered (albeit briefly) and decided to take the plunge…. Part of running the retreat would be offering a brand new pattern each to the attendees (which would then be available to the public after the retreat had finished).
I had wanted to have a play with pleating on a bag for a little while, so figured this was the perfect opportunity to get my ideas down on paper – and then in fabric – and after a bit of a play around, I arrived at the Sew Compleat Shoulder Tote (aptly named by our lovely retreat testing team).
The pleating is completely optional, and you can choose from either a wide centre pleat, or a narrow centre pleat, giving you flexibility in featuring just the right scrap of fabric that you’ve been hoarding since forever. Coupled with piping, a single shoulder strap and a magnetic snap closure and she’s quite a gorgeous wee bag (if I do say so myself!). Enjoy!
You can find the Sew Compleat Shoulder Tote here.
This classically styled tote was made by Alison from Bobbin Girl!
Loving this version made by Charlotte from Les envies de Charlotte!
Jane from S’more House made this awesome one!
This stunner was made by Stacey from All Sewn Up by Stacey!
Check out this orange-themed one by Rachael from Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow!
Loving this beauty by Liz from Bitter Candy Handmade!
This gorgeous one was made by Kristina from Harley B!
Bec from Not Made in China made this funky one!
You can find the Sew Compleat Shoulder Tote here.
Happy pleating! Lisa x