We're finishing up our week (or so!) of bag posts with a bag from Australian designer, For My Little Monster. If you missed any reviews, you can find links to those at the end of this post. But for now, let's catch up with Carrie as she reviews the Everyday Tote for this up and coming designer!

Hi everyone! Carrie here, from Beri Bee Designs, back to share a new pattern from Aussie designer - For My Little Monster. Say hello to the Everyday Tote!

This is such a fun, simple little bag; although I’m using the term little loosely. For me, I would call this a smaller tote, but that could just be that I’m used to larger bags and at 11”x13” this is definitely on the smaller side of what I own. That being said, it's perfect for so much; anything from a quick trip to the library to a daycare bag or even an overnight bag for my daughter to use for sleepovers.

The construction was very straightforward and easy to follow. I will suggest, if you are going to print the directions, do so in color. I tend to follow along on my iPad while I’m sewing and it was very helpful to have the color photos to assist in some of the steps to fully understand the directions. I really love that this had two zippered pockets, especially the one on the outside that allows for quick easy access to items like keys or my phone that I don’t want to get lost in the bottomless pit that most of my bags become. Don’t laugh… I know most of you can relate!

As for fabrics, this would be a great way to use up some larger scraps, which is partly what I did here. The interior was a scrap I had hanging around for awhile. The adorable Country Girls is from Riley Blake and came to me by way of that fabulous Scrap Swap that you may have read about earlier this week. Lastly, the aqua and red mushrooms were another Riley Blake (The Red Riding Hood Collection) that arrived as part of the latest Stitch Box Monthly. Which, if you haven’t yet, you definitely should give that a try! It's so much fun to get a mystery box each month, full of fabrics, patterns, and helpful products or notions!