MAKE IT CUTE

We know that the gym is a place to get your sweat on and not care about what you look like, but that doesn't mean you can't still be stylish as you strut your way through the locker room. That's where this mega-cool carry-all tote from Simplicity comes into play. The bag is big enough to fit your gym clothes, sneaks, headphones, water bottle and any other other accessories you need!

What's even better? This bag doesn't *just* belong at the gym. You can swap it in for your boring backpack at school, the plain-Jane purse you use at the mall and your dusty duffel you always take to your bestie's house for sleepovers. It's the best bag to use no matter where you're going. Not only that, it's also the perfect way to show off your sewing skills. Yep, that's right—you can DIY this! The tote (which comes in three sizes) is a must on your list of craft projects. Making this yourself is not only super fun, it also means you'll have a completely customized, one-of-a-kind bag. The fabric combos are endless, too. You can choose to use the colors of your fave sports team, your school's colors to show your spirit or even do a take on your fave fall trend, like we did here with this gorge metallic silver. With Simplicity's straightforward pattern, it's easier to make than any fail-prone project you'll find on Pinterest—yes, even for you sewing beginners.

What are you waiting for? To make your super chic tote, you'll need...

Lightweight to medium weight woven fabrics, such as: broadcloth, canvas, chino, cottons, denim, linens, pinwale corduroy, pique, poplin or twill. Of those fabrics, you'll need...

+ 1 1/8 yard of 45" or 60" fabric for the front and back and side panel
+ 1 3/8 yard of 45" or 60" fabric for the side pocket, front and back lining
+ 1 3/4 yard of 20" or 25" lightweight fusible, such as Pellon 808, for the interfacing
+ 2" square remnant for the fusible fleece
+ 3 3/8 yard of 1 1/4 fabric for the wide webbing
+ 7/8 yard of 1/2" wide elastic for notions
+ 1 magnetic closure

For instructions, grab the delightfully simple Simplicity pattern 1338 right HERE.

But wait—you can't craft your handmade bag without these amazingly cute and useful accessories...

Sweet scissors for cutting out each and every piece of fabric.

An amazing mat for any measuring or flat lay cutting.

A novelty necklace to look the part while you're making your bag, of course.

Terrific tape to hold your pieces in place

Seriously cool stamps for a signature seal, so that everyone knows *you* made this boss bag.

An adorable, petite pincushion for all of your equally adorable pins.

Simplicity's 1338 tote bag pattern is available right HERE!

What's your biggest DIY victory? Will you try out this super cool Simplicity sewing project? Share your thoughts in the comments.

by Sydney Adamson | 9/24/2016