Tote Two Ways

Ansonia, the latest collection from Denyse Schmidt, is a celebration of contrasts. The grand, old-world glamour of a graceful waltz meets the wild bohemian charm of tango. The Ansonia Bags represents a mix of art and industry, historic elegance and trend-setting unconventionality. The green tote (Bag A) features patchwork on the upper portion of the bag. The pink tote (Bag B) uses the large plaid print instead of patchwork.

Materials

Green Bag featuring FreeSpirit Ansonia by Denyse Schmidt

• 1/3 yd. (.25m )PWDS059.MOSSY
• 1/4 yd (.23m) PWDS062.MOSSY
• 1/8 yd (.12m) PWDS062.ONYX
• 3/8 yd.(.33m ) PWDS064.MOSSY
• 1/4 yd (.23m) PWDS065.MOSSY
• 1/2 yd (.36cm) PWDS066.MOSSY
• 1/8 yd (.12m) PWDS068.TURQU
• 5/8 yd (.58m) PWDS069.MOSSY

Pink Bag featuring FreeSpirit Ansonia by Denyse Schmidt

• 1/3 yd (.25m ) PWDS059.MUSHR
• 3/8 yd (.33m ) PWDS062.ONYX
• 3/8 yd (.33m) PWDS065.MUSHR
• 1/8 yd (.12m) PWDS068.MAGEN
• 1/3 yd (.25m) PWDS068.ONYX
• 5/8 yd (.58m) PWDS069.MUSHR

For Both Bags

• Coordinating Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP® all-purpose
• thread
• Fusible fleece approx. 21” x 36”(53.3 x 91.4cm)

Instructions

Note: Seam allowances are 1/4” (.635cm) unless stated otherwise. WOF means Width of Fabric.

1. For Bag A, prepare patchwork by following the guide in Diagram 1. Treat each patchwork section single piece for bag assembly. (One patchwork piece is upper bag front, the other is upper bag back.)

2. Sew upper front and upper back to bag bottom as shown in Diagram 2.

3. Following manufacturer’s instructions, apply fusible fleece to wrong side of bag. Quilt as desired.
    
4. Right sides together, sew both side seams. Box each of the sides 2” (5cm) from end. See Diagram 3.

5. Sew the two 2” (5cm) x WOF pieces together, end to end. Press seam open. Fold down each edge 1/4” (.635cm) and press. Pin this “trim” piece around bag, covering the seam joining upper bag pieces to bottom. Be sure to keep the top edge of the trim equal distance from the top as you pin around the bag. Edgestitch along both sides to secure.
    
6. Fold pocket piece in half with right sides together. (Pocket now measures 6” high x 9 1/2” wide (15.24cm x 24.13cm).) Sew along sides, leaving a gap of approximately 3” (7.62cm) for turning. Clip corners. Turn inside out and press. Slip stitch opening closed. Topstitch along folded edge.
    
7. On right side of lining, mark bag back 4” (10.2cm) from top edge. Place top edge of pocket at mark, centering across piece. Sew in place along sides and bottom.
    
8. Sew lining, right sides together, along each each side. Box sides 2” (5cm) from end as shown in Diagram 3.
    
9. To make handles, fold each 6” x WOF (15.24cm x WOF) strip in half lengthwise and gently press a crease. Open the strip up and bring each side to the center, marked by the crease, wrong sides together. Press. Bring folded edges together to make a handle approximately 1 1/2” (3.8cm) wide. Press. Edgestitch along each folded edge. Cut each strip to 32” (81.28 cm) length.
    
10. Place outside edge of straps 4 1/2” (11.43cm) from side seam with end of strap even with bag top. Stitch in place using a scant 1/4” ).635cm) seam allowance. Repeat for other side. See Diagram 4.

11. Place bag inside lining, right sides together. Sew around top edge leaving a gap along back approximately 5”(12.7cm) for turning. Turn inside and press. Slipstitch opening closed. Edgestitch along top edge of bag.