The essential Tote

I remade the Essential Tote bag project from 'The School of Sewing' book as a demonstration for my beginner sewing class but I did a few things differently this time.

I always felt this bag needed a closure. So I borrowed an idea from a bag in 'Simply Stylish Bags'. I made a loop closure with button and used a self cover button from a packet I  purchased a while ago when I had seen them on sale.
For the inside pocket I used the patch pocket from 'The Better Bag Maker' book. Also from this book I borrowed the method for securing the lining inside the bag by stitching the base seam allowance of the bag and lining together. This by far is my favourite method to hold the lining inside the bag.