Bag Lady – Reviewing The Costa Tote From Helen’s Closet

Today’s sewing pattern review is the Costa Tote from Helen's Closet Pattern and all you have to do is sign up for her email list to get your free downloadable copy of this essential pattern.

I used a few pieces of scrap fabric to make this bag, so I love that there's a scrap-busting element to this make. I used a leftover piece of lightweight chambray for the solid outside, and two different linen fabric scraps for the inside (although, this bag is totally reversible). The lightweight fabrics made this the perfect project bag to store my knitting works-in-progress! However, I think this pattern sewn up in heavier weight denim or canvas material would make for a sturdier market bag capable of holding more produce items. I can just imagine carrying a piece like that around my local farmer's market, filled to the brim with fresh flowers and locally sourced jars of honey!

You can make this bag with or without the pockets, but I say- the more pockets the better! I made this version specifically to hold my knitting and crochet projects as there’s plenty of compartments for my tools, patterns, yarn, working pieces and completed pieces waiting to be sewn up for bigger projects like sweaters or granny square blankets.

And since you can (in my opinion) never have too many totes, I think this project would be fantastic to batch sew over a weekend to make a whole fleet for gifts for the upcoming holidays. Bonus- you could store other little presents inside so this tote could work as the gift bag as well!

It's also a straightforward and super speedy sew! That makes it perfect for sewing newbies or anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon. I finished mine in about half an hour! I love sewing projects you can create from start to finish by the end of the day!

What kind of bag would you make using this pattern? Project bag, market bag, or gift bag? As for me, I plan to make all three!

Happy Making!

-XO-

C