My obsession with yellow and gray continues as I whipped up a tote bag today. Way back in November when I went fabric shopping I found some pretty ones that, at the time, I knew would make a nice bag. Finally, almost three months later I got it done!

It’s quite large with very thick straps because I wanted one to take to uni that would be comfortable to carry books in. A lot of other totes I’ve found have slim straps which are not at all comfortable when carting heavy textbooks all over campus. Some days my shoulders used to ache so badly from them.

Technical Stuff:

• I reinforced the straps and body with a medium interfacing and used double fabric for the pockets so they’re strong and pretty on the inside.
• The lining and inner pocket are a plain white fabric.
• Initially I was going to make the tote reversible, but because I sewed across the inside bottom at each end, to make a flat bottom, there are two triangle flaps which make it less pretty (even though I stitched the flaps to the bag bottom).
• I might add some Velcro to the outside pocket and some sort of fastener for the bag opening.

Sources: Deer from WC Sold Out A Bta font and pattern from PuglyPixel.

Yes, I am preparing for winter by making winter accessories now, such as hats. The latest in my crochet accessory collection is a neck warmer/cowl, the idea of which came from Holly’s guest D.I.Y at A Beautiful Mess. I’m a scarf girl and would wear them all year round if it wasn’t so hot during summer, so I when I saw this idea I knew I’d love it!

It took me a little while to get the hang of making ‘granny squares’ and I ended up resorting to YouTube as I found most written instructions a bit confusing. I learn better by seeing someone do something anyway, and following along as necessary. Once I figured it out, they were a breeze to make. I will definitely being adding my cowl collection and crocheting some colourful ones!

Please excuse my tired looking self. I woke up before 5am this morning, naturally, so instead of going back to sleep and waking to my alarm at seven, I decided to get up and do some yoga instead. I love waking up early without an alarm because I always feel like I’ve had a much better sleep and so I feel fresh and ready to start the day. Alarms are evil! If only I could rely on my body to wake up naturally early.

Have a lovely Monday (or Sunday if it still is in your part of the world)!