Ruffled Library Tote

This little Miss Pinkapotamus

didn't like my Big Tote Bag  (it was too boyish!) so I made her her own ruffled pink one!

You can make one for your little Pinkapotamus too with this super fun tutorial!

First I gave my girl free access to the craft room fabric store where she picked these fun prints combined with a heavy pink canvas.

Next I cut two pieces of my Pink canvas into a 16" x 16" square with 2" squares cut from the bottom corners.

Then I cut my ruffle strips which were 36" x 5", one in each color.

Then I ironed the bottom seam to prevent fraying 

and sewed.

Next I turned the tension on the machine up to a 9 and used that to create my ruffle.

Once the fabric was ruffled I pinned it to the front of one piece of the canvas fabric

then sewed it into place.

I repeated these steps until the front of the bag was fully ruffled.

Next I put the right sides of the canvas fabric together and pinned it, 

then sewed the sides and bottom leaving the small squares open.

Then I pushed the square corners together 

and sewed them closed.

Now it's time to make your handles!

I cut my canvas fabric and fancy fabrics into 32" x 3" strips.

Next I ironed the canvas strip in half,

then unfolded it and ironed the two ends

 into the middle.

Next I did the same for the fancy fabric

 except I ironed it into thirds so that it would be a smaller strip.

Next I pinned it to the top of the canvas strip so that it covered the folds

and sewed it together on both sides. 

Once both handles were made, I flipped the top of the bag down and pinned the handles to the inside 3 1/2" apart. 

Then I sewed them into place.

Then I flipped the handles up and repinned them and rolled the raw edges under

turned the bag right side out and sewed them down.

Now my little lady has a fancy new 

library tote all her own!

And she couldn't be happier

as you can see!

I am sharing with these fun parties

Love, 

Amie @  Pinkapotamus