McCall's 3136 Bag Pattern

Do you have a tool bag?  Or do you have your own set of tools? Having tools at hand without requiring an archeological dig in someone else's space is so nice! My tools are in a closet (much lie Monica's closet in Friends) in a really drab but sturdy tool bag. Wanting to add happiness and joy to everything in my life (when I was digging into my bag looking for my hammer) I knew what had to be done!

I made a bag using the McCall's Fashion Accessories pattern 3136. While this pattern is not written specifically as a tool bag, I decided to be extra (my kids have told me I am the poster child for team EXTRA) and create an over the top Go- Go tool bag. Isn't it the PERFECT !!!!!????!!!!!

The pattern was from 2001 and was found deep in the archives of patterns that reside in my sewing room. While it cannot be purchased in shops (don't fret), it can be found in the usual sources for vintage patterns (Etsy, Ebay, and thrift shops). 

It has 8 bag options from totes to duffle bags providing something for everyone! There are many ways you can take the basics and create a more personalized bag by adding hardware, ribbon, or dropping in a recessed zipper. 

For my tool bag, I chose to make option F. The middle bag in the blue box. It has the features that lend itself to be perfect for a variety of tools and a few other odds and ends. 

The amazing print fabric is Alexander Henry Sewing Woes.  This fab find was at my local Joann Fabrics when it was on sale for 40% off. I had to go in for an emergency pin run (I keep loosing or bending mine) and this had caught my eye on my way out to the check out. The vintage styled cartoon filled with real life woes of every person that sews was too good to pass up. So, I didn't! 

The accent fabric is a buttery metallic faux leather from Sew Hungry Hippie. If you are usually frightened by new fabrics, don't allow that to be the case with this one! It is easy to cut, There were no changes to tension required, and just used my usual universal needle. If you are on the hunt for exciting new things to try, Natalie's shop is the place where new adventures await! Not certain she has this color on hand currently but she does have other colors that will work in place of this one.

The only changes to the pattern were shortening the handles. Tool bags do not require long handles since they are mostly a quick grab & go. Also, to give the bag more body and oompf for the weight of the tools I used Bonsal In-R-Form Single Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer. The fusible foam is easy to use without having to tug and put extra pressure on your fingers while sewing. I also used a proper two pull purse zipper. The pattern called for a simple single pull zipper. There is no pocket inside but adding one would be quite easy.

I cannot be more delighted by the outcome for this fun tool bag. Without my appliquéing my name on the outside of a basic bag, it still screams Go-Go Kim!!!!! Even if you were not to use MaCall's 3136 to make your tool bag, I do hope you will find ways to add more of your personality and joy in general to even what can be mundane.