So I wanted a sturdy but decent-looking tote with pockets that would allow me to carry around all of my Summer junk – camera, various gadgets, and the usual purse stuff. I had a pile of these Polka Dot Creations tote bags in the basement, and I didn’t like using them because they had an outdated logo. (I know, I know. Crazy.) Still, they’re really nice heavy duty totes and it’s stupid of me to let them go to waste like that.
Enter the ticking stripe.
I covered up the front logo and the back logo with pockets. The first pocket I made was more of a 3-pocket system – one large pocket with a shorter divided pocket on the outside of it. I attempted to make the second large pocket for the other side be gusseted, or at least, expandable in some way. It’s for my camera.
Then I made the outside of the bag, which was essentially a sleeve for the original tote. The tote would be turned inside-out, so that the pockets were on the inside of the bag, and the ticking would be sewn to the outside.
Like so.
Here are the pockets.
And the self-made polymer button I added on for fun. It’s not functional – there’s a snap underneath it that does the real work. Pay no mind to the messy stitching – by the time I got to this section, I was more interested in finishing than in making it perfect…
I’ve been carrying around this bag for a week now, and I do like it, however I’ve got some notes for next time (and why shouldn’t there be a next time, if I’ve got so many of these tote bags in the basement doing nothing?):
- I should add a backing to the pockets. When I open and use a pocket, it reveals the logo behind it, and I really don’t want to see that.
- The pockets feel flimsy compared to the canvas of the bag. I should either interface them, use heavier fabric, or cut up a second tote bag for the pockets.
Essentially, my biggest complaints are related to the pockets, but since big, functional, and numerous pockets were the whole point of this experiment, I can’t really ignore the fact that they don’t feel right to me.
Still, I like it. And I particularly like that it’s not obvious where it came from (at least, until you look inside a pocket!).
I heart your tote makeover!! Too cool. I bet you could sell those easily!!
Well, thank you! As for selling them, though, it really looks better than it functions… the pockets definitely need to be re-worked. If I manage to make it work better, I will definitely consider putting some in my shop 🙂
i love the makeover- super smart. i did one and added sides to make it a bit bigger. making it like a sleeve is perfect.
I like that idea of adding extra to the sides. That, actually, might make a great spot to slide a camera into 🙂
Great advice! I love the finished tote and I love making something no one else will have!
Me, too. I enjoy being unique!
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