The Totes Ma Tote by Emmaline Bags…on Steroids!
The Totes Ma Tote by Emmaline Bags is one of my favorite tote patterns out there. It has great pocket storage with a magnetic closure and a nicely designed hidden zipper panel. If you have sewn this pattern you know how the fabric selection can take this tote to a business room, or to the beach! I have a customized Totes Ma Tote in my Etsy shop right now that I love. It’s slightly smaller than the original and I modified the handles a bit. But it got me thinking. What would it look like supersized?
Well, here she is. I dub thee “Totes Mamma Jamma Ma Tote”. Or Big Bertha. The original TMT measures:
- Width at Top: 17” , Bottom: 13, Height: 12”, Depth: 4”
My modified was enlarged 25%, so my finished TMT Measures:
- Width at Top: 20″, Bottom: 16″, Height: 15″, Depth: 5″
So what exactly did I modify? Not much, just a general printing enlargement which looks to be about 3″ in additional bag space. The interior pockets I enlarged as well to keep it in style with the new size. The hidden zipper panels were kept the same size in height, but I made them longer to account for a longer zipper.
If you remember in the original pattern there are adjustable handles and oval grommets to attach it to the bag. I left those off the Mamma Jamma because I didn’t feel that a bag of this size could handle smaller or even larger grommets. For my straps, I custom cut 1 1/4″ veg tanned leather straps from a hide in my studio and used my walking foot machine to secure them on with bonded nylon thread. So it’s nice and secure and looks awesome!
Besides the strap change up, I also used Pellon SF101 on the exterior and interior fabrics. In addition, I used Bosal Foam behind the exterior Pellon to quilt every 2″ or so.
I am so happy I tried this bag in a larger size. If you go to the pool, beach or parks often and need a sytlish tote that can fit a lot, try enlarging this pattern at 25% (or 3″). I think I may make a few more of these for the summer season and add them to the shop! Stay tuned.
