My daughter, Emily, likes all things navy — especially anchors — so last year I started collecting navy-related vintage fabrics on ebay to make a tote bag for her. I found a couple of cute vintage twill fabrics and a feedsack piece that were perfect for the shell, straps and pocket. I purchased new fabric for the lining. This is a Vogue pattern (7563) that I have used many times for barkcloth totes — it’s pretty big and can be used as a gym bag (in Emily’s case) or something to hold a big old quilt you’re working on (in my case). The directions do not include a lining (just a little facing around the top), but it’s easy to add a lining and some cute pockets on the inside. She was a good sport to model the bag, even though it was freezing outside.
That Emily sure has good taste! The bag is gorgeous, Martha! Love the sweet flowery trimmings.