Make Your Own Monogrammed Tote

 

It's college acceptance season and as I patiently wait for our friends' kids to announce where they will be attending, I'm scouring the various online fabric stores (moment of silence for Joann) for the right colors of canvas so I can make them each a tote.  

I made these adorable monogrammed tote bags for my nieces for Christmas using my Picnic Tote Sewing Pattern.  My sister reports that the kids LOVE them and I've seen them in action when they come to visit and have their own toys and snacks packed in their bag. 

For these bags I used the mini size dimensions and ended up modifying the pattern a little bit so that the bag will stand up on it's own.  I've updated the pattern instructions to show how to do that, but here's a sneak peek.

For main body of the bag, I used #12 Natural Cotton Duck Fabric from Online Fabric Store.  Since this is a really sturdy canvas, you'll want to use a heavy duty needle.  I used a Universal Needle size 90/14, but a 100/16 or a jeans needle would probably work better.

The main difference in the pattern is that you'll cut the natural canvas to be the full size of the bag front and back and then sew the contrasting band on top rather than sewing them together.

You have to do a little bit of planning in terms of the strap placement and sewing order, but I have added all those instructions to the pattern.  The space between the straps is just about 5 inches, so when you do your letter cut out, you want to be mindful of that.  I sized my letters to about 3.5 inches across.

For the "M" and "P" bags for my nieces, I used Canva as there are a lot more font options than Google Docs.  The only down side is that you can't add a ruler in inches in the free version so you have to do a little trial and error to get the sizing right.  I used size 322 Cabria in case that helps get you started.

There are a lot of different ways you can add the letter but my preferred method is to use Pellon Wonder Under.  It's a wonderful product that basically turns your fabric into an iron-on patch.  

I cut a square of fabric just slightly bigger then the letter, iron the wonder under onto the wrong side, trace and cut my letter with the paper backing still attached, remove the paper and iron the letter into place.  You have to be aware of whether your letter will be backwards or not so you'll want to pay attention to that when you're tracing.  Then I use a narrow zig-zag stitch all the way around.  My machine has speed control which I turn down a little bit as it helps me go more slowly and carefully.

One added advantage to sewing the bag as one solid piece of canvas is that there are fewer seams to finish on the inside.  I serge my seams but you could also encase then in bias tape or even make a simple lining.  There are so many great possibilities for this pattern.

This bag has been my go-to for packing snacks for road trips, the kids track and cross-country meets, book club, you name it!  A college themed bag would make a great gift or even Easter basket. So versatile!!

So what are you waiting for?  Go grab your pattern and get sewing!

Weekend Duffle Bag for the College Girl

 After my daughter saw my recent Cargo Duffle, she put in a request for a duffle bag she could use when she comes home from college for the weekend.  She goes to school close by and will come home for quick one or two-night visit, so doesn't need a huge bag.  And.....though I LOVE my Cargo Duffle, it was quite a project.  

I spent a long time on Etsy looking for a pattern that would be a little less time consuming but still check all the boxes.  This pattern from PNCouture ended up being perfect!  (Pattern is on sale until end of January 2026 - I am not receiving any compensation for promoting this pattern)

The bag came together shockingly quickly and the result is really great.  No exposed seams to bind and it is fully lined.  If you are a beginner sewist, this one might be a little tricky but the shop owner is very responsive and willing to help if needed. 

My daughter's favorite feature is the cute zipper pull.  It's a fun little touch that really makes the bag extra special.  

The finished bag dimensions were spot on to the pattern listing at 17 inches wide, 9 inches deep and 10 inches tall.  I made a matching toiletries bag using my free Boxed Zip Pouch Pattern.  I've been lining my zip pouches with this great lightweight water resistant canvas from Sullivans Trim.  

And just to make sure we're keeping things real, here's Zoe the almost 6 year old puppy needing to get in on the action and check things out.  She approves.

I'll be sending my girl back to school later this week (once we dig ourselves out of nearly 2 feet of snow) and hoping to see her back soon with her new bag.

Happy sewing.

Boxed Pouch FREE Sewing Pattern

After making my version of the Cargo Duffle, I really wanted to make a matching boxed travel pouch.  For some reason, in all my years of sewing I've never made one and I had no idea what a journey it would be conquering this make.  This is how my first try came out!  My brain just couldn't fully comprehend the construction.  

I finally was able to find a tutorial that made sense to me and then tried to optimize the size for what I wanted.  I used a online calculator tool from Sarah Kirsten but her assembly method is a little different so these weren't exactly the size I was looking for.  Though it was super fun pulling out this old Amy Butler (I think?) fabric.  

So, after much trial and error, I was able to make the size I wanted.  I made a couple of these for friends for holiday gifts, but still wasn't totally satisfied.  The interior "wings" were just really bothering me and I felt like there had to be a way to put this bag together without having exposed seams, wings or needing to use bias tape. 

Honestly, I got really stuck on this one.  I spent a lot of time and made A LOT of pouches.  But, the good news is I feel like I really optimized the construction and have put it all together in a FREE tutorial!  The tutorial has dimensions for 3 sizes of pouches and walks you through the assembly, including a video (my first one ever!) showing how to box the corners.  The method is the same for all 3 sizes which includes a small pouch, standard size pouch and a pouch sized for hair tools. 

Download FREE PDF Pattern

 I would love to know what you think of the pattern.  Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @Zaaberry.

Introducing the Picnic Tote - new PDF pattern

I put this pattern together over the summer and had every intention of listing in my Etsy shop before the Fall.  Gad school and life in general got in the way and here it is nearly 6 months later and I'm just getting back to it.  

I had that "I can make that" moment when grocery shopping and was enticed to buy a bunch of mini-totes at my favorite grocery store.

The mini totes are my go to for bringing snacks to the kids' cross country meets, book club, or just running errands. 

The pattern has instructions for 2 sizes.  You can do the handles with fabric or with a pretty one and a half inch webbing making it an even quicker sew.  

Easy download in my SHOP.

Hope you'll check it out and tell me what you think.

Tag me on IG if you make and share //  @zaaberry

Cargo Duffle Again!

A good pattern is one that stands the test of time, and the Cargo Duffle for me is one of those patterns. Anna from Noodlehead partnered with Robert Kaufman fabrics in 2013 and published this free pattern.  I made my own version back in 2015 and then a kids size version later that year.  Here I am 10 years later going back to the same pattern with my own modifications.  

This time around I invested the time in the quilting and the result absolutely was worth all the effort.  I also added end tabs so I can attach a shoulder strap if I want.  

I made my verison a bit wider  so my bottom gusset was 8in x 30.5in and my zipper gusset was 4in x 30.5 in.  

With zipper by the yard being so readily available, it was easy to add a two way zipper.  If you haven't discovered zipper by the yard, I highly recommend it.  I'm slowly working my way through all my sized zippers and will eventually transition to cutting all my zippers to size by project.  

I made the bottom with a vegan leather for added durability and made a drop-in canvas lining.  I added Peltex  to the bottom and side panels below the zipper for added structure.  

Though I made quite a few modifications to this bag, including leaving off the cargo pockets, I still mainly followed the pattern and it was my primary inspiration.  I'm already planning my next bag that I'll likely make to donate to a local fundraiser auction.  This one I'm keeping for myself and can't wait to use it on my next trip.  

Noodlehead Quarry Tote

 

The Quarry Tote by Noodlehead is another one of my recent favorite patterns.  It comes together fairly quickly and the step by step sewalong video Anna has posted on her YouTube channel is really helpful.  

I made this one with this cute cat fabric from Ruby Star Society.  This friend loves cats and loves to knit and crochet and the Quarry Tote makes a great project bag.  

I added a grommet on the side that you can thread the yarn through.  I wasn't sure if this would be a nice feature or not and though I haven't tried it personally, my friend seems to like it for her projects. 

I didn't have the netting that the pattern called for so I used a clear vinyl instead and I think it woks just as well.  Overall, another great pattern by Noodlehead.

Noodlehead Range Backpack + Mini Version

 Earlier this year, I came across the Range Backpack by Noodlehead.  I wanted to make something to donate to a charity auction and I thought this would be perfect.  I joined the Noodlehead Sewing Patterns Facebook group and got a lot of ideas and inspiration, in particular the zippered top.  

It was fairly easy to figure out and essentially I put together the front and back and then attached each to the zipper leaving an opening at the bottom of the lining then turned the whole thing right side out.  

As much as I like this bag and pattern I found it to be a little big for my taste, so I made my own mini version.  I wanted something that was just big enough for my computer, water bottle and a few extra odds and ends.  

The finished size is about 13 inches tall, 11 inches wide and 3 inches deep.  

I put together a PDF of the modifications I made HERE.  You will need to purchase the pattern from Noodlehead in order to make the bag.  

Let me know if you make a mini version....tag me on IG #zaaberry.

I'm Back!

Hard to believe my last blog post was nearly 10 years ago!  It feels like yesterday...  I'm not sure what exactly prompted me to want to start posting again, but here goes.   

That little girl that inspired my blog and business name graduated high school and is studying Marketing.  My son is a Junior in high school and starting the college search process.  Crazy that in a few short years, the house will be a little quieter.

My lab research position came to end in 2019 and after bouncing around a bit I've landed back in the Higher Ed world using my science background to support facility renovations.  It's been a great learning experience and I really enjoy being back on a college campus.  I also decided I wanted to go back to school and enrolled in a Master's in Business Analytics program.  

In 2020, like many people, we added a fur baby to our family and she has been my new inspiration.  From doggy toys to Halloween costumes, much of my sewing in recent years has been for her.  So much so that when she hears my sewing machine, she comes running hoping for a new toy.  

That's the update for now.  I have some ideas for posts and hopefully will keep up some level of momentum.  I really enjoy blogging even if nobody is listening.  It's my own personal journal. 

XO Ruby

Baby Swimsuit

I'm no stranger to sewing swimwear.  In the past I've drafted my own pattern from store bought suits.  Recently I came across Patsy Aiken Designs and fell in love with this adorable swim set.  I have a little baby niece and let's face it, sewing for babies is so much fun! 

 Though I've sewn quite a few suits for my daughter you can see HERE and HERE, I can never leave well enough alone.  I feel pretty comfortable using my coverstitch machine for most things, but have not had success with swimwear. 

 So like the crazy lady I am, I spent all weekend conquering my machine and all this spandex.  After much trial and error, I finally got it to work, though I'm not positive I could do it again.  The striped suit came out great, but my first one was a bit of a disaster.

 This flower print fabric is heavier than the stripes, and I used a thicker elastic.  Not sure if that was the problem, but my machine did not like it.  I kept getting skipped and uneven stitches.  It looks cute if you don't look too close.

 Ultimately I put in new stretch needles, went with a thinner clear elastic, a lighter fabric and it worked much better.

This pattern is very cute, but be forewarned, the instructions are all words, hardly any pictures.  If you've never sewn swimwear before, you'll need to have your computer closeby for help.

Can't wait to see this suit on my little baby niece!