Transit Tote PDF Sewing Pattern

I've been working on this Transit Tote pattern for over a week! My brain is fried!

I ended up making six of these. When designing a pattern the first step is to focus on the big problems (measuring and design flaws). Then each subsequent one allowed me to fine-tune and focus on the minor problems (like technique and removing bulk). During this time, I post pictures on a private/secret FB group and get feedback.

Here's the front. I included a tutorial for adding two zippers rather than one long one. I used a version of my Inside-Out Zipper technique so you don't really "birth" the bag - and you don't have raw edges anywhere!
 

The mesh pockets are made with the mesh from a laundry bag!








The final size is 6 1/2" x 9 1/2" x 6" (tall).

The pattern includes this little Jewelry Valet. It unsnaps and folds flat so it will fit in your luggage. 

It's 4 3/4" x 4 3/4".

You'll also get the pattern for this little zippered mesh bag. It's 4" x 8".










 



The project looks more complicated than it really is. It took me about 3 hours to make the last one (and that includes jotting down pattern changes and new ideas). The technique that I created is unconventional, so read through the entire pattern before starting! Have fun!

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And here are some behind-the-scenes from my "photo shoot" this morning.

My sewing room - getting ready. I think it's a lot like me...looks better in person. Really, it looks messier than it actually seems!











 

My photo studio. This is my screened-in porch. Those are "cat" shelves that my cats ignore. They prefer the carpet-covered kitty condo that's been moved to another part of my house.

I taped up white paper to make the background neutral.









Here's my design assistant. It was a bit chilly, so I donned my Mansfield University sweatpants and my ...uhm...25 year-old Penn State sweatshirt and headed out with my high-tech Canon camera. Really, it's not high-tech. It's a point-and-shoot that fits in my pocket. 

So nothing fancy here. I really love this tote which made doing this a lot of fun. But I had trouble stopping - I couldn't stop with the Transit Tote...I had to make the mesh bag...and the jewelry valet. Why? I head back to work next week (I teach college) and once classes start, I'm down for the count! 

I hope you enjoy sewing this tote! Happy travels!