Friday, September 16, 2011

Another 241 Tote

Back in May I made myself a Noodlehead 241 Tote for my birthday. Every time I've seen my mother since then she has talked about the bag and shown it to anyone who would look at it. I think she may have been trying to tell me something :) With her birthday coming up next week, I decided to sew one up for her.


I did a couple of things differently this time. I made the bag larger by adding about 2.5" to the width of the center panels. I wish I had done this on my bag, so I thought I'd go ahead and see how it worked out this time around. I had no problems at all; everything fit together just right. I also used home dec weight fabric for the center panels, pockets, handle, and lining. I figured this would give the bag a little more structure. The only quilting cotton I used was for the side panels. And just like last time I used fusible fleece interfacing on all of the exterior pieces.

I made the interior pockets the same way that I did on my bag, but I moved them up closer to the snap closure this time. I've found that I put mine too low on my last bag, so things in the very bottom of the pocket get stuck underneath everything else in the bag.


I really like this pattern and this bag. I've been singing its praises ever since I made the first one. I have seriously carried mine with me every single day since I made it four months ago. The only problem I have with it is that I carry too much stuff around and need a larger one. And now that I've tried making it in a larger size, I'm going to make myself another one... right after I try out Anna's newest pattern, the Go Anywhere Bag :)

Thanks for stopping by today, and have a great weekend!

19 comments:

KJ@letsgoflyakite said...

Beautiful bag Gwen! Love the colour combo, that is the perfect gift for your mum - I am sure she enjoys it. Enjoy your weekend too!

Impera Magna said...

Lovely, lovely bag... I generally alter bag/tote patterns (the pockets on the inside) to suit me... I'm glad making the bag larger worked out so well! I'm very tempted to make a bag like this...

Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane said...

Very cute- 241 is definitely on my to-do list!

chris said...

I agree, this is a fabulous pattern. I adore mine. The mix of fabrics you chose are just lovely, Gwen. I'm sure your mom will just love it.

PinkGranny said...

What a very cute bag! I like the pocket detail too!

Simone de Klerk said...

Mothers can be very clever ;o) And daughters know what they are saying without saying it LOL
It was with this bag, that I 'met' you (o: Off to take a look at Anna's new bag.
PS: The bag you made is lovely!

Anna said...

beautiful gwen, love that you made alterations to it to make it work! :)

Tasha said...

Oh, I love it!! I love bags

Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

I find I have the same problem with bags- I always fill them up. ;) Now I try to keep the bag small so I am forced to leave the kitchen sink at home. :)
xoxo,
Amy

Tanya said...

What a great gift! I've had this pattern for ages now and still haven't made one for myself. Think I'll follow your cue and make one for my birthday in a couple weeks.

Erica {B is for Boy} said...

It turned out so cute! I love the fabrics you used! I hope she likes it :)

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I think you'll *always* need another one!!! I'm always wishing any bag I carry was just that little bit bigger!!! But when your bags are this lovely, who needs an excuse to make another one!! Go, Gwenny, go!!

Sarahx

Andi said...

Your mom will love this!! the colors are so pretty! I may have to add this to my Christmas list to myself :)

Unknown said...

have I told you how fond I am of this bag! it's lovely is what it is. that Anna is the queen of bag patterns I think!

Maureen Cracknell Handmade said...

Great colors, it's wonderful!!!

Valerie said...

I love that blue!! I have this pattern but haven't made mine yet --- the fabric is picked out, but no time. Ugh! In your modifications, did you happen to shorten the shoulder strap?

measles mcgoozerton said...

Oh man what a simple and great way to make the Noodlehead 241 more perfect... I love the design but I've been uber stumped about the best (and easiest) way to make it a little bigger. Another crafter photocopied the pattern at 125% to upsize it. But expanding the center panel should simplify things for me considerably! Thanks for sharing your creative light bulb.

Kelley Elizabeth McDonald said...

I have followed your lead and am making my batch of bags to sell to raise my money for a mission trip next month just a bit wider. Is that center panel piece and lining the only one I have to alter? All of the pockets and side panels are still the right size?

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

@Kelley Elizabeth McDonald - Yes, the center panel and lining are all that need to be modified to make the bag wider. Everything else stays the same. Good luck!

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