New, Blue and Bold

I posted a version of this tote in pink a couple of posts ago, but decided to make one for myself in blue. The main fabric and couple of others used in this project were thrifting finds. Each time I use this pattern I play with the finishing details a bit and love that it allows so many creative opportunities to use a variety of fabric. It really is a stashbusting project.
For this one, I free hand machine quilted around the flowers in the main fabric in a variegated thread, to add a bit of playfulness and extra detail. The quilting layers also give more structure to the tote's design, which I'm liking.
I strip pieced the band that covers the top portion of the front pocket and added in some gimp trim in white to jazz it up even more.
A peek at the inside shows the pocket I added to help organize the interior of the tote. I hate having to fish around for the smaller items I like to carry. The best part about this design for me, has been that I can wear the tote as a backpack which I like for shopping. I've already transferred the contents from the tote I had been using into this new beauty. Time for me to take it out on a test run. ;o)