Today is my last post in the Field study tote sew-along with Betz White, and I can finally show you my finished bag! It's been years since I made a handbag, and I had forgotten that it's totally worth all the time and effort. If you take the time to reinforce and not cut corners in the construction, you will end up with a bag that's surprisingly sturdy.So... here she is!

This is a large and roomy bag, like the name suggests. The bag hardware is nickel plated, and really pops against the navy. I had to piece my strap from several smaller pieces, as I was really running out material on that corduroy, but Betz's suggestion to join on the bias, (one I wouldn't have thought of) takes all the bulk out of the joins, and you can hardly notice them. Just make sure if you're using corduroy to match up the nap as you go along...

I also decided to modify the handles by folding them in half and stitching them again, mostly because I have small hands, and this makes less bulk for me once again. I really like the effect too.Here's the inside of the bag, showing the internal pockets...

And here she is with the strap attached to the alternate D-rings and folded over, making a smaller bag, and a nice variation, modeled of course on my favourite aqua chair!

If you've been following along on instagram, using the #fieldstudytotesewalong tag, you can see the other lovely bags that have been made, and oohh and aahh over all the colour combinations!Thanks again to Betz for organising this, it's been a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to trying out some of her other patterns!