Reversible Bow Tote

A number of years ago I discontinued the Lickety Split Bag, which had been one of the very first sewing patterns I sold in my online shop when I began my business back in 2009. The concept had been based on a tote that I designed as a stroller bag when my kiddos were tiny and none of our diaper bags or totes had straps that fit over/across the handles of our stroller. Anyway, at some point we discontinued a few of the bag patterns that felt a little campy or outdated and Lickety Split got the axe (fun fact though: You can still purchase my discontinued digital patterns at Backstitch UK)

Earlier this year, I was teaching at the library and — as is frequently the case — we had a number of total beginners who were learning to use the machines. One of them (hi Heather!) emailed me a few days later with a photo of a gingham tote bag that had handles tied into a huge bow, and naturally I thought “I could make that if I just lengthened the Lickety Split Bag!

Flash forward to me purchasing this cute Merchant and Mills gingham from Marengo on opening day, and subsequently fiddling around with the Lickety Split template to create this reversible Bow Tote. I decided to use the same fabric on the inside, but it would also be fun to use a contrast fabric on the inside.

We’ve had a couple of people at the shop ask if they could purchase the pattern for it, and I don’t have a pattern ready for it (yet? we’ll see!), but I’m teaching a class on it at Marengo this week on Wednesday and Friday. Should you be in Ann Arbor this week with a few hours free, there are still a few spots open in both classes. Sign up and more details here!