Instant digital downloads — no shipping, no waiting. Start sewing today!

Country

  • Log in
  • Cart (0)
  • Checkout
  • SHOP PATTERNS 
    • BESTSELLERS
    • BEGINNER-FRIENDLY PATTERNS
    • SEW BETTER BAGS eBOOK
    • ALL BAG PATTERNS
    • TOTE BAGS
    • POUCHES & ZIPPERED BAGS
    • QUICK & CRAFTY PROJECTS
    • PILLOWS & HOME DECOR
    • QUILT BLOCKS
    • ALL PATTERNS
  • PATTERN BUNDLES
  • FALL SEWING PROJECTS
  • LEARN BAGMAKING 
    • BAGMAKER STARTER KIT
    • BAGMAKING BASICS
    • LEARNING LIBRARY
    • SEW BETTER BAGS eBOOK
    • EBOOK + PATTERN BUNDLES
  • FREE RESOURCES 
    • LEARNING LIBRARY
    • BEGINNER BAGMAKER STARTER KIT
    • BEGINNERS GUIDE TO INTERFACING
    • ESSENTIAL BAGMAKING SUPPLIES
    • READING PILLOW PATTERN
    • DIY PLACEMAT TUTORIAL
    • INSTALL A ZIPPER PULL
    • EASILY INSTALL MAGNETIC SNAPS
  • BLOG + TUTORIALS 
    • BAGMAKING BASICS
    • BAG HANDLES & STRAPS TUTORIALS
    • ZIPPER TUTORIALS
    • SEWING TUTORIALS
    • SEWING PATTERNS
    • SEWING INSPIRATION
  • NEWSLETTER
  • CONTACT US 
    • CONTACT ME
    • CLASSES
    • COLLABORATE 
      • WORKSHOPS & GUILD PRESENTATIONS
      • PATTERN TESTING PORTFOLIO
      • SAMPLE PORTFOLIO
  • ACCOUNT LOGIN
  • Country

  • SHOP PATTERNS 
    • BESTSELLERS
    • BEGINNER-FRIENDLY PATTERNS
    • SEW BETTER BAGS eBOOK
    • ALL BAG PATTERNS
    • TOTE BAGS
    • POUCHES & ZIPPERED BAGS
    • QUICK & CRAFTY PROJECTS
    • PILLOWS & HOME DECOR
    • QUILT BLOCKS
    • ALL PATTERNS
  • PATTERN BUNDLES
  • FALL SEWING PROJECTS
  • LEARN BAGMAKING 
    • BAGMAKER STARTER KIT
    • BAGMAKING BASICS
    • LEARNING LIBRARY
    • SEW BETTER BAGS eBOOK
    • EBOOK + PATTERN BUNDLES
  • FREE RESOURCES 
    • LEARNING LIBRARY
    • BEGINNER BAGMAKER STARTER KIT
    • BEGINNERS GUIDE TO INTERFACING
    • ESSENTIAL BAGMAKING SUPPLIES
    • READING PILLOW PATTERN
    • DIY PLACEMAT TUTORIAL
    • INSTALL A ZIPPER PULL
    • EASILY INSTALL MAGNETIC SNAPS
  • BLOG + TUTORIALS 
    • BAGMAKING BASICS
    • BAG HANDLES & STRAPS TUTORIALS
    • ZIPPER TUTORIALS
    • SEWING TUTORIALS
    • SEWING PATTERNS
    • SEWING INSPIRATION
  • NEWSLETTER
  • CONTACT US 
    • CONTACT ME
    • CLASSES
    • COLLABORATE 
      • WORKSHOPS & GUILD PRESENTATIONS
      • PATTERN TESTING PORTFOLIO
      • SAMPLE PORTFOLIO
  • ACCOUNT LOGIN
  • Country

Sewing Inspiration

A Quilted Tote Inspired by Slow Summer Days

by Amanda Whisman June 29, 2026

A Quilted Tote Inspired by Slow Summer Days

There are some fabric collections that instantly spark an idea.

The moment I saw Picnic Wovens by Suzy Quilts for Art Gallery Fabrics, I knew they were meant to become a Starry Tote.

The cheerful plaids, playful stripes, textured slubs, and soft woven fabrics reminded me of everything I love about summer—fresh flowers from the farmers market, afternoons wandering through local quilt shops, picnics under the trees, and those slower days where you can simply enjoy being outside.

That's exactly the feeling I wanted this tote to capture.


A Tote You'll Reach For Again and Again

Colorful quilted starry tote bag hanging on a bicycle with a picnic setup in a garden.

One of my favorite things about sewing bags is that they don't spend their lives folded on a shelf.

They become part of everyday life.

The Starry Tote is the kind of bag you grab on your way out the door. It's roomy enough for a quilt shop haul, fresh produce from the farmers market, a library visit, or a picnic in the park. Every time you carry it, you're reminded that you made it yourself.

That's one of the best parts of handmade.

If you've ever wanted to combine quilting with a practical project you'll actually use, the Starry Tote is exactly that.

👉 Explore the Starry Tote Collection


Why Picnic Wovens Was the Perfect Match

One of the things I love most about working with woven fabrics is the texture they bring to a project.

The slubs, plaids, and stripes in Picnic Wovens give this quilt block extra depth without competing with the design itself. Every fabric adds its own personality while letting the star remain the focal point.

The soft lavender bird print frames the quilt block beautifully, while the rainbow plaid handles add a playful pop of color that makes the tote feel unmistakably summery.

It's a combination that feels relaxed, colorful, and timeless.


Designed for Makers Who Love to Quilt and Sew Bags

The Starry Tote includes two quilt block variations, giving you the freedom to create a look that's uniquely yours.

Choose the traditional block for a classic finish, or mix things up with the scrappy variation to showcase your favorite fabric combinations.

Because fabric selection changes the entire personality of the bag, no two Starry Totes ever look exactly alike—and that's one of my favorite parts of seeing your finished projects.


Beautiful Inside and Out

interior lining of Starry Tote Bag with magnetic snap and 3 pockets

The outside may be what catches your eye, but I believe the inside should be just as enjoyable.

This quilted bag pattern features three roomy interior slip pockets to help keep everyday essentials organized, along with a magnetic snap closure for quick and easy access.

It's those thoughtful little details that turn a pretty tote into one you'll carry every chance you get.


Featured in the Picnic Wovens Lookbook

Colorful quilted starry tote bag with star pattern hanging on a wooden fence in a garden.

I'm honored that this Starry Tote Quilted Bag Pattern was selected to be featured in the Picnic Wovens Lookbook from Art Gallery Fabrics.

Collaborating with Art Gallery Fabrics is always a joy, and this collection felt like it was made for a project that celebrates slowing down, making something beautiful, and enjoying the little moments that make summer memorable.

I hope this tote inspires you to pull out your favorite fabrics and create something you'll love carrying for years to come.


Ready to Make Your Own?

Whether you're heading to the farmers market, your favorite quilt shop, or packing for a picnic in the park, the Starry Tote is designed to become part of your everyday adventures.

If you've been looking for a project that combines quilting with beginner-friendly bagmaking techniques, I'd love to help you make one.

👉 Shop the Starry Tote Pattern


You May Also Enjoy

If you're enjoying quilt-inspired bagmaking, here are a few more projects you might love:

  • Kathy Tote Pattern

  • Joanna Tote Pattern

  • Beginner Bagmaker Starter Kit

  • Essential Bagmaking Tools Blog

Happy Sewing,

Amanda



Amanda Whisman
Amanda Whisman

Author

Tweet Share Pin It Email

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Sewing Inspiration

A Little Homegrown Preserves Sewing Inspiration
A Little Homegrown Preserves Sewing Inspiration

by Amanda Whisman September 17, 2026

A little sewing inspiration featuring Homegrown Preserves by Poppie Cotton. See how I mixed the fruity prints throughout a brand-new drawstring tote, from fabric overlay handles to five interior pockets.

Continue Reading

Sewing a Diaper Bag with Poppie Cotton Primrose & Parsley
Sewing a Diaper Bag with Poppie Cotton Primrose & Parsley

by Amanda Whisman September 17, 2026

I used three sweet country-inspired prints from Poppie Cotton's Primrose & Parsley collection to sew a roomy zip-top diaper bag with six interior pockets. Take a closer look at my fabric choices and get a first peek at the upcoming Mae Zipper Tote pattern.

Continue Reading

Always Handmade: Wedding Gift Wine Totes in Belle Brunner’s Always Fabric
Always Handmade: Wedding Gift Wine Totes in Belle Brunner’s Always Fabric

by Amanda Whisman August 17, 2026

Belle Brunner’s Always fabric collection inspired two Grapeful Wine Bottle Totes made for weddings, anniversaries, and the people we love. See the prints, pearlescent details, coordinating linings, and the handmade gift idea behind them.

Continue Reading

Subscribe

Join the Be Mandy Things community and grab your free bagmaker starter kit—plus bagmaking tips, resources & subscriber-only perks!


  • Search
  • FAQ
  • About Us
  • Contact me
  • Return Policy
  • Returns & Cancellations
  • Shipping Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Terms of Service

Country

© 2026 Be Mandy Things.

American Express Apple Pay BLIK Diners Club Discover EPS Google Pay JCB Maestro Mastercard Multibanco MobilePay PayPal Przelewy24 Shop Pay Twint Union Pay Visa