Florida Gem Tote A Bag Makeover Inspiration by Nancy Zieman

Clover Needlecraft

12 years ago

Welcome to my fourth installment in Clover’s Bag Makeovers Series. This time with the Trace ‘n Create Bag Templates—Florida Tote Collection gets a makeover.

First introduced in 2010, the two templates included in the package can be used to make six style options. The bag featured below is the original Florida Key West Plus Tote. Whether you’re vacationing or running errands—this roomy tote is just the right fit, all while merging function and style.

Florida Gem Tote Makeover features

Don’t be limited by the six options given in the instructions—there’s more, much more. The center panel of the tote is an ideal palette to showcase fabric or an embellishment. It’s a “gem” of a tote style that provides great design potential.

Updated Fabrics: For this makeover, I’ve selected the Verona fabric collection by Riley Blake Designs.
Center Patchwork Panel: The focal point of this bag is the 10” x 13” quilted center panel created with Clover’s Trace ‘n Create Quilt Template-Dresden Collection.

Florida Gem Tote Makeover Steps

Start with Clover’s Trace ‘n Create Bag Templates—the Florida Tote Collection: Key West Plus Style B. Gather the fabric and notions listed on the package back.

For additional designer touches, I added:

– Clover’s Fuse ‘N Bind

– Four coordinating fat quarters for center Dresden panels

– 1/2 yd. coordinating fabric for piping, binding, and straps

– 1/2 yd. Pellon® Fleece

– 1 yd. Pellon® Peltex® Ultra Firm Sew-in Stabilizer

Follow the Florida Tote Collection instructions: Press interfacing the outer bag sides and side pocket fabrics, trace the templates, and then cut out the Key West Plus Bag—Style B. The instructions will guide you through the easy steps of bag assembly. Note: Do not cut outer bag center panels or outer bag center pocket.

Create the center panels: Measure 10-3/4” from bottom of Dresden Wedge—Template A. Mark a cutting placement line on the template with piece of tape.

Trace and cut four Dresden wedges from each of three coordinating fat quarters. Cut two Dresden wedges from the one remaining fat quarter.

Assemble and stitch seven Dresden wedges for the bag front center patchwork panel. Alternate Dresden shape to create a parallelogram shape. Repeat for the back.
Place a layer of Pellon® Fleece behind center patchwork panels.

For a designer touch, topstitch or “quilt” each Dresden wedge, 1/4” from seams. The unique look of hand quilting was created with Baby Lock’s Sashiko 2 machine.

Position Florida Tote Template A to center panel, trace and trim. Baste layers together close to edge. Repeat for the back.
Follow the Florida Tote Collection instructions for easy assembly of side panels and side pockets. Bind the top edges of the pocket for additional style. Use Clover’s Fuse ‘N Bind Cut a 2” x 30” fabric strip and press Fuse ‘N Bind to center of strip.

Follow the instructions on the Fuse ‘N Bind package and attach binding to pocket top edges.

Give your bag body. Cut a layer of Pellon® Peltex® Ultra Firm Sew-in Stabilizer. Cut two center panels and four side panels.

“Pin” the layers together with Clover’s Wonder Clips. The clips are easy to use yet securely hold multiple layers together.

Use Clover’s 3/16” Wrap ‘n Fuse Piping to add a designer touch between the center patchwork panels and bag sides.

Follow the Florida Tote Collection instructions to stitch center panels to sides. Then stitch lower seam.
Add additional support to the bottom of the bag or tote. Cut a layer of Clover’s Shape ‘n Create I use Clover’s Double Sided Basting tape to “baste” the layers together before stitching.

Add a designer touch to your bag with Clover’s 9/16” Glossy Nickel Bag Feet. Convenient Bag Feet placement markings are included on the Florida Tote template!

Add an “inner” snap to the lining. This is a technique I developed after the Trace ‘n Create Bag Templates—Florida Tote Collection was released.

Cut two 1” x 2” Rectangles Clover’s Shape ‘n Create to use as a backing for the magnetic snap.
Stitch Shape ‘n Create rectangles to lining wrong side at center/top front and center/top back.

Follow the instructions in the packaging and attach Clover’s Magnetic Snap Closure 1-1/2” from top

Follow the Florida Tote Collection instructions to stitch lining side seams, lower seam, and gussets.
After inserting the lining and basting the layers together, finish the top edge with Clover’s Fuse ‘N Bind. Cut a 2” x 42” fabric strip and press Fuse ‘N Bind to center of strip.

Follow the instructions on the Fuse ‘N Bind package and attach binding to bag top edge.

Press 1” Create-a-Strap to two 2” x 44/45” fabric strips.

Add a designer touch with contrasting strap lining. Cut 1-1/2” strips, thread them through Clover’s 3/4” Bias Tape Maker, and press. Instant trim to accent your bag straps and strap connectors!

Cut two shoulder straps 24” to 28”—I prefer the 28” length. Cut four 4-1/2” strap connectors from remaining strap. Slide Clover’s 1-5/8” O-Rings onto one end of strap connectors.

Press under 1/2” at strap connector end and stitch O-Ring securely in place. This is another technique I developed, after the Florida Tote Template was introduced. It works great when binding the bag top.