Manchester Metallics Tote with Sew Mama Sew

Have you seen the Manchester Metallic by Robert Kaufman yet? They are DREAMY. While at Quilt Market, I took a peak at these beauties, and walked away with some sample. So, when Sew Mama Sew asked me to be apart of the Manchester Metallic Summer Bag Challenge, is was a perfect fit.

I chose two of the fabrics from the collection: Midnight & Rafia.

They are a lightweight, woven fabric with metallic threads woven throughout.

For my bag, I decided to make a simple summer tote. I’m always looking for an easy bag to throw snacks, and a few essentials when heading to the pool or park with my littles. I followed the Railroad Tote Tutorial by Purl Soho. I’m a sucker for a good tote.

Because this fabric is so lightweight, I used a heavy fusible interfacing and ironed it on to the backside of the back. To hide the interfacing I made a lining to insert into my tote. I also skipped the first step of finishing the top edge of the tote, I finished it at the end with a lining. I also left 1/2″ seam allowance from the cotton webbing (I picked mine up at Joann’s) and the top raw edge of my tote, in order to have enough room to sew the lining on.

I used this lining tutorial as a guide. I basically cut out two bag fronts and backs. I sewed the lining together just the same as the bag front & back pieces, but I left a 3″ hole in the bottom. Pinned the lining to the bag RST, with the lining on the outside of the bag. Sew the two top pieces together around the top of the bag at 1/2″. Pull the pieces right sides out, pushing the lining into the bag, and iron the lining down around the top edge. Sew the opening at the bottom of the lining closed, and top stitch around the top of your tote. All done!

See how pretty it is in the sun!?