I’m so pleased to finally be able to share this make.
Kit Overview
I love Minerva kits because they make everything so easy; all the components you need are there for you (even the needles), so you can just get on with your project . This was especially useful with this make, as it included so many different components and lots of items that I don’t usually use in my everyday dressmaking.
The bag I created is the Oxbow Tote from Noodlehead, and I went for the larger overnight version. It features a convenient front pocket, a sturdy reinforced base, a crossbody strap for extra security, and a spacious interior with a slip pocket, which is just the perfect size for my iPad. The exterior can even be quilted for a polished and chic finish.
I chose Minerva’s Exclusive Woodland Echo organic cotton canvas, which really appealed to me. I love how the bright leaves pop against the black background.
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Process
Having never made a bag before, I was very grateful to have everything provided, as sourcing so many different elements would have been bewildering . Also, I would have worried that I wasn’t getting the right things, although the instructions do offer guidance, which is very reassuring.
After washing my fabrics, my husband cut the pattern pieces for me. My first task was quilting the base, which went surprisingly well. I then moved on to creating the strap, and I was impressed with how well my machine handled the stitching. I used the heavy needle supplied in the kit and took it slowly, which made a big difference. The result surprisingly looked very professional.
I felt the same with every stage of the process—the kit and instructions made it all achievable. Towards the final stage, I decided to attach the shoulder strap using the heavy-duty method with a box stitch. This involved securing the fastener directly to the main body of the bag rather than inserting the webbing into the seam. I opted for this method because I thought that being the larger size bag it may be carrying more weight and I wanted it to be up to the task.
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Challenges
The most challenging part was attaching the shoulder strap, my machine struggled to sew through so many thick layers of fabric. I switched to my vintage Singer sewing machine for this step, which handled it beautifully. If I had used the simpler attachment method, my usual machine would have coped just fine. The instructions offer both methods so you can choose which one you prefer.
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Final Thoughts
I am so proud of this make—I still can’t quite believe I’ve made it!
Although a seasoned bag maker might notice small imperfections, to me it is a triumph. The detailed instructions were easy to follow, and I believe Minerva now even provides a sew-along video to make the process simpler.
I’ve used my Oxbow Tote countless times since completing it, and it’s proved to be such a useful size and definitely not just for overnight trips. Each time I use it, it makes me smile.
If you are a beginner at bag making, I highly recommend trying a Minerva kit—it makes the process so much simpler and so much more enjoyable. I would say to definitely give bag making a go, as it’s incredibly rewarding and creating a professional result is definitely achievable.
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#MinervaKits, #WoodlandEcho, #OxbowTote, #ICanMakeABag, #ILoveBagMaking, #TrySomethingNew
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