Pattern Review ~ Eco Market Tote
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From Beth: We knew we could count on Lina to whip up a lovely version of the roomy Eco Market Tote from Favorite Things! Learn more about Lina in her introduction and be sure to check out her pattern review for this handy tote below. |
| Pattern | |||
| Eco Market Tote from Favorite Things | |||
| Description | |||
| Shop responsibly with the reusable shopping tote. There are two versions, basic and detailed. Both of which are lined with the option of fabric or web handles. The detailed tote has a roomy outside pocket and two small inside pockets for a cell phone and glasses.
Eco Market Tote by Lina, Linaloo |
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| Fabric Recommendations | |||
| The pattern recommends cottons, linen and other medium weight fabrics that wash and wear well. I chose a medium weight cotton print from Ikea for the bag and a shock of orange cotton twill for the lining. Depending on the desired look the pattern also suggests using interlining and spray adhesive. I used a very lightweight iron-on interfacing as my fabric was already reasonably sturdy. The pattern includes instructions for making fabric handles, but you may also use webbing as I opted to. | |||
| Materials | |||
| The detailed tote requires: 3 yards of cotton belt webbing 1 large button, 2/3 yards of fabric for the tote 2/3 yards fabric for the lining 2/3 yards fabric for the outside pocket Optional: |
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| Overall Design | |||
| A functional yet attractive design with cute details like the front pocket and the curved edges. |
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| Written Instructions | |||
| I found the instructions clear but someone new to bag making would probably benefit from more detailed, basic instructions. |
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| Diagrams / Images | |||
| Generally helpful. |
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| Pattern Pieces | |||
| These were very straightforward although there were no layout guidelines for cutting fabric which would be helpful for beginners. |
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| Overall Level of Difficulty | Advanced beginner/Intermediate |
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| Like some people are scared of zippers, I’ve managed to avoid dealing with buttonholes thus far in my sewing endeavors. I was surprised to find out it how easy it was! |
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| Modifications + Tips |
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| I didn’t do this but I think the front pocket would benefit from being lined for a more professional looking finish. Also some kind of snap press/closure for the main bag would have been useful also.
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| Conclusion | |||
| It’s a stylish, easy bag to add to your repertoire – much roomier than your average tote. I’d definitely make this again and think it would make an excellent beach bag. | |||
[tags]sewing pattern review, Eco Market Tote pattern review, tote pattern review, bag pattern review, Favorite Things pattern, Favorite Things Eco Market Tote pattern, Favorite Things bag pattern review[/tags]
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29 Responses to “Pattern Review ~ Eco Market Tote”
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Beautiful choices of fabric, I’ve been eyeing this pattern for a while now.
Looks like a lovely pattern!
Great fabric choices!!
Excellent review Lina! I ordered the Eco Market Tote pattern from Sew Mama Sew, and received it last week. I really look forward to making this bag. Your review was very helpful, and your bag is beautiful!
your fabric choices for this tote (especially with the orange lining) made this bag much more appealing to me. I am putting on my to do list.
Thanks. I just purchased this pattern, now I’m really looking forward to making it. Love the bold fabric choices!
Great review and I love the fabric choices for your tote…I’m going to add this to my wishlist!
Love the fabrics and I’m so glad to see a review of this pattern. I have been wondering about it. It looks really practical, but the shape is fun. Thanks!
Love the fabric that was used, especially with the orange lining offsetting it.
Thanks for the concise review, it was very helpful. (Another person who is hooked on making bags…I was never a bag person before I started sewing..)
love that color combination.
Would love to make a tote like this, need to improve my skills a bit first!
Great idea for next year’s gift season!
Gosh! I REALLY need to learn how to sew something besides pillows! Great style, great fabric, LOVE it ALL!
How pretty!! I’ve crocheted a few mesh bags, but I think I’ll have to try one of these.
Thanks for the review! Now I just have to decide which fabrics to use!
I just made the Eco Market Tote this weekend, too. It was pretty easy and came together quickly. She’s right, being relatively new to sewing the pattern directions were a little bit confusing. I also forgot to look at my list of things to get at the fabric store and forgot the webbing, so I had to make the handles. Not a big problem, but the pattern told me to cut 6 and sew them together-to make 3 lengths, however when it came time to put the handles on it said I only needed 51 inches for each handle-quite a bit less than I had made. Oh well, my bag turned out cute either way. Next time i’ll get the webbing and save myself some time.
I love the fabric that Lina chose. I can’t wait to make my next one!
Great review, thank you! I love your choice of fabrics. I’ve been looking for a nice reusable shopping bag pattern.
Hi to you all. I like the width of this bag and I have to say that I appreciate a review on the pattern. I liked to be informed like this before I make a purchase. So hard sometimes when it’s on the internet to get a clear picture of what it will be.
Thanks again,
I come to this site often for creative inspiration.
It’s nice to see patterns that are actually made and to see what they look like in a real pictures. I love the fabric and I’ve been eyeing this pattern for a while. Thanks for review!
I love the fabric from Ikea. This bag is sharp!
I can see this bag working as a diaper bag or library tote
very nice!
I have been eyeing this pattern for awhile now as well. I was wondering, how long does it take to make this bag? Also, if you are making a bag to use at the grocery store, there is probably no need to put any kind of closure on it. I use canvas bags that I have collected from various events as grocery bags and having to unsnap it would just get in the way. Also, if it takes a long time to make, it would only be worth it to make one, but if it’s fast (or gets faster after the first time) then it would be great to make several to really use at the store. I don’t know about you, but when I go to the grocery store I try to buy enough groceries for about two weeks. That means about six or seven bags. Just my opnion. Thanks for the review!! Also, using fusible fleece for lining if you can find it makes life so much easier! I have made several totes and I love to use fusible fleece.
Gorgeous bag and great review! Thank you, Lina!
I visit your blog everyday and I mean everyday! It is so encouraging to me to know there are those who love sewing and creating as much as I do. I may not always have the time to sew, but I do love to get ideas and get those tutorials for when I do.
Elaine
This bag is adorable and the fabric is fabulous! I work part time at a lady’s clothes store and I’ve noticed how popular the updated large graphic type flower print is! I love it!
Keep up the good work
Wow– inspired choice of fabrics. I must get myself to Ikea soon
Gorgeous bag! Fabric at Ikea?? I’m missing out on so much!
Well done – and great choices of fabrc!
I am such a bag Woman… If I could have One Of EVERY bag I would be so happy! I love this bag so cute!!!
I’ve never been to your site before. Boy have I been missing out on a lot of great ideas. I too love making bags. All my friends call me the bag lady. Keep up the good work. Will be checking you out all the time now. Thanks, Pam