PATTERN REVIEW: Nikki Tote Bag

I purchased the Nikki Tote Bag from Paisley Pear Quilts several months ago.  I fell in love with the design of the bag the second I saw it, sadly it took me until now to make it!

I knew I would love this bag because of it's size.  With two little ones I need a large bag to carry around all their stuff.  This bag more than meets this need! 

Between the gussets and pleats, this bag is very reminiscent of the Amy Butler Birdie Sling which I love so much, but truth be told, the design of the Nikki Tote is even better (sorry Amy).  Why?  Well, for one, the bag opening is much wider.  You can open this up nice and wide to find all the stuff that can get easily lost in a bag of this size.  The other thing that makes this bag are the decorative buttons.  It not only adds some interest to the bag, but really allows you to put your signature on the bag.

Now that I have gushed over the design of the bag, let me get to the pattern.

Between the simple construction and well-written instructions, this bag is a win-win.  The hardest part of making this bag is taping the pattern pieces together (it is a pdf pattern) and turning the handles.  It takes longer to cut all the pieces (which all require interfacing to create the structure) than to sew the bag.  Once you get all the pieces cut and prepped, you can complete this bag in under 2 hours.

TIPS & SUGGESTIONS
Interior Pockets
The pattern offers two interior pockets, a large split-seam one and a smaller one. 

Since the bag does not have a closure (which works well on this type of bag), you may want to replace one of those pockets with a more secure zipper pocket.

Instead of the small pocket, I put this zippered one in.  I used 9" zipper and placed it about 1.5" down from the band.  Perfect. 

Buttons
Here is where you get to be creative.  This bag screams for fun, creative, LARGE buttons.  I can't tell you how long and hard I searched for buttons.  It is not easy to find great buttons that measure 2".  I had actually finished the bag and let it sit in my studio un-adorned for about 2 weeks while I hunted for the perfect buttons.  I FINALLY found them on Etsy.

I ran across the Button Barn shop listing for these buttons....

The listing picture

I immediately knew my search was over.  I contacted the owner Megan and requested a custom set in ivory and teal - I was unsure what color I wanted.  She was a pleasure to work with and not only were the buttons perfect, but she got them to me quickly. 

These are the blue buttons I ordered

All of her buttons are made from polymer clay which makes them very light.  They have a very unique feel and the fact that they are handmade makes each one a bit different adding to the individuality of the bag.  Button Barn is a brand new shop and I highly recommend a visit if you are looking for some custom buttons.

Would I Recommend It?
Well, what do you think?

YES!  I'm seriously in love with this bag.  I can't tell you how many compliments I've received and it fits everything and anything I need it to.  The other day I even filled it with both my daughter's bathing suits and mine for a quick change to go to the pool after a gym trip and it fit it all and still closed.  LOVE!

My Bag Details:
I used home decor weight fabrics from the Ty Pennington Impressions line for the exterior.  I used a light-weight interfacing on those fabrics.  (If using cotton, I would recommend using a medium weight interfacing). 

For the interior I used Full Moon Polkadot in Camel from Amy Butler, with medium weight interfacing.  If looking for a variety of colored zippers, I recommend purchasing from ZipIt on Etsy. 

REMINDER:  Have you entered my fabric roll up contest?