We have a cross-country trip coming up in less than a month, so I’ve had packing on the brain. I have to carry my laptop on the plane so I will be able to work nights during the trip (freelancers get no vacation pay!), and I’ll have stuff for baby and I as well. But what bag to use?

I fell in love with Kokopax’s Samantha Tote diaper bag in their gray and white “flutter” print. So pretty! I love gray and white together. When I first found it, it was on sale for $62 but I didn’t have the money. My heart sank when it went up to $98. All hope was lost when it went up to $158 (!!) What’s a crafty girl to do? Make her own!

Since I wanted something big enough to put my laptop in, hold baby items and be a purse, I decided on a weekender-sized tote. I want a separate, matching laptop sleeve and a zippered pouch that can come out. I’d had troubles sewing my own bags in the past, so I was leaning towards a pattern. When nothing fit the bill, I read 1,004,572 tutorials and decided to just design my own.

The tote is done! I was only able to sew 15 minutes at a time here and there over a week, but it didn’t take long at all. I still need to do the padded laptop sleeve and zippered pouch out of my leftover fabric.

     

The tote is fully lined with fusable fleece. The outside is home decor weight fabric by Dwell Studio. I splurged on 1 yard when it was on sale for 50% off. It was the only fabric I liked and is much stronger than quilter’s cotton. The straps have fusable fleece in them as well, and they are reinforced for strength where they are attached.

 

Inside, one side has a row of open pockets up high for my cell phone, pocket camera, etc.. The other side has diaper bag style elastic pockets down low to hold diapers/wipes, sunglasses case and more. I added two D rings on ribbons because I like to clip my keys and some anti-bac to the top of my bag.

I love it! I made the tote long enough that my laptop will be a few inches below the top of the bag when on its end. There is plenty of room for sweaters (we are flying from VA to CA in November – big climate difference!) or a blanket, but its soft structure will fold up under an airplane seat. I don’t know if I will carry it as a daily bag, yet. It may be too big for that when loaded. I can certainly make a second bag this winter that is shorter for daily use.

I’ve been on the fence about putting a magnetic snap on the bag since a computer will be in there. What do you think? (Please excuse the pj’s and messy hair! It was one of those days…)