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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

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Two Beginner-Friendly Sewing Projects for Handmade Gift Giving
Two Beginner-Friendly Sewing Projects for Handmade Gift Giving

by Amanda Whisman June 03, 2026

Looking for beginner-friendly sewing projects that make thoughtful handmade gifts? See how I used Poppie Cotton's Smitten Chicken fabric collection to create a charming farmhouse-inspired gift set featuring the Gifted Stitches Basket and Grapeful Tote sewing patterns.

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A Cozy Quilt Pillow You Can Make in a Weekend
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by Amanda Whisman December 13, 2025

A quilt pillow is a simple way to turn a favorite block into handmade home décor. This project highlights thoughtful fabric choices, intentional placement, and how a bold star quilt block was transformed into a cozy pillow using a binding finish for the back.

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3 Stylish bags with Benartex fabric showcasing colorful designs and patterns for sewing enthusiasts
3 Stylish Bags with Benartex Fabric You Can Sew Today

by Amanda Whisman June 07, 2025

Benartex Ambassador Project: 3 Must-Sew Bags with Farmers’ Market Fabric
Looking for bag projects that are as functional as they are beautiful? In this post, Amanda shares three beginner-friendly sewing patterns—the Sunset Zipper Pouch, Starry Tote Bag, and Let’s Eat Lunchbox—made with the cheerful Farmers’ Market fabric collection by Benartex. Get inspired to sew something useful, giftable, and totally handmade.

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