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Susan's tote


by Linda Theil

I sewed my second "Clever Core Tote" designed by Diane Spencer-Ogg this weekend. I made this one for my sister-in-law, Susan, who loves a good tote!

I used fabrics from the "Slow Stroll" collection designed by Stephanie Sliwinski of Fancy That Design House for Moda in 2022. For this tote I followed the pattern's two-tone layout using two color iterations of the same print from the collection.

S-O "Clever Core Tote" crafted by L. Theil in "Slow Stroll" by Moda

I added a decorative strip of fabric and D-ring on the front of the tote, omitted from the back.

The "Clever Core" design features an integrated, zippered pouch; and a full-sized, zippered-pocket inside. The bag is roomy at 13x11x4-inches, well-designed, and very sturdy in its construction.
For the strap I used 1.5-inch wide, cotton webbing from Penny Supplies. I preferred the tan webbing, but Susan chose the jauntier blue!


Update: August 25, 2026

I made a bag charm for Susan's tote using the "Bitty Bug Pack" pattern by Carolina Little Stitches that I have made many times before. The charm is approximately 4x4x2-inches in size. I used fabrics to match the tote from the "Slow Stroll" collection designed by Stephanie Sliwinski of Fancy That Design House for Moda in 2022. 
"Bitty Bug Pack" bag charm front

"Bitty Bug Pack" bag charm back

"Bitty Bug Pack" bag charm attached to D-ring on front of  "Clever Core Tote"

Comments

alisa said…
That is really lovely!
8/24/2026
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