The Essential Market Tote!
I’m always very excited when I finish a new bag. I can never wait to go out and use it (which is difficult at the moment). At least in the mean time I get to tell you all about it! This week I finished sewing the Costermonger market tote by Merchant and Mills. I’ve only recently come across Merchant and Mills and I just love their store. They are based in the UK and sell a lovely range of fabrics and notions, as well as their own pattern designs. Luckily for us they have an online store which ships internationally. And their patterns are also now available on PDF. I’ve already started my pattern collection! They do have a very unique style so it’s well worth checking out their website.
It’s worth noting that at the moment they are only opening their online store one day at a time due to COVID-19. But if you sign up for their newsletter they let you know which day it will be open.
The Costermonger pattern is very easy to follow and all the instructions have detailed drawings. It is also a very easy pattern/bag to construct. If you are a beginner to sewing bags this is definitely one you should try out. Unlike more complicated bags, which have a full lining, this one has a facing instead. So you don’t need to try and get your head around turning the exterior and lining right sides out. But you do need to make sure you finish off the side seams with an overlocking stitch so you fabric doesn’t unravel. It will also make the inside of the bag look neater as well. The construction of the Costermonger is more like sewing clothing. There are no zips or complicated pockets, but you will need to install rivets .
Because the Costermonger doesn’t have a lining it really requires you to use heavier fabric. Merchant and Mills suggest using a denim or oilskin/waxed canvas. I made my first one with just a normal canvas fabric which was a bit too light for the design. Maybe if I had used some interfacing it would have given the bag a bit of structure. So for my second one I decided to use a dry oilskin I purchased from Merchant and Mills called ‘Prince of Wales Check’. Yes, I know, it’s the same fabric they used for their sample Costermonger. But I just loved it so much that I had to make one for myself.
The Costermonger is the first pattern I’ve tried by Merchant and Mills and I just love it. I think it’s going to be really useful on shopping (when I can go again). Particularly since there is the option of carrying it over the shoulder or as a backpack. And who doesn’t love options! I’ve also purchased Merchant and Mills’ RTR Rucksack and Factory dress patterns. I’m hoping these two won’t wait too long on my to-do pile!
