Purple Batiks and a Norwegian Pattern

As most of my blog followers know, I love using Norwegian patterns, I love making bags and I love batiks - so what better combination to make a special gift!! These batiks have been in my stash for WAY too long and they were just perfect for the project that I had in mind. I used one of my favourite patterns "Mathilde's Sommerveske" by the Norwegian designer AnnAKa, and set to work.....

.....inside it has a zipper pocket and a slip pocket too (I used a tutorial from a pattern by Elizabeth Hartman for this pocket panel - I make all my bag linings like this now). And there is a tab for keys to clip onto, and finished it off with one of my labels stitched into the side seam of the lining.....

.....this bag is quite roomy, and also has two pockets on the front with a flap - I have sewn magnetic fasteners to these, to keep the contents secure.....

.....the handles are  made with a variety of the batiks for a scrappy look, and are a bit longer so this tote bag can be worn over your shoulder. This one is for my mum for her birthday next week so please don't tell her and spoil the surprise!