My First Make of 2026: The Josephine Tote Bag

My first make of 2026 felt like the most natural choice. I went back to one of my own designs that I know, trust, and truly love: the Josephine tote bag.

It is a pattern I developed a while ago, yet I am still loving it just as much today. Over time, it has quietly become one of those pieces that lives beyond my sewing room. I gifted one for Christmas, made one for my sister, and another for a friend who requested one for her birthday. I have given them to family and friends, and every single time, the feedback is the same. They love it, they use it constantly, and it becomes part of their everyday life.

Working with Suede

For this version, I chose suede fabric. It was only my second time working with suede, the first being a skirt made from the same material. It is a beautiful fabric, but also quite demanding. Thick, heavy, and not the easiest to handle, yet I managed to sew the entire bag on my domestic sewing machine.
It went surprisingly well, even if it required a little extra patience and confidence.

I almost ran out of fabric. Literally, I used every centimeter I had. Because of that, I had to make the straps just a tiny bit smaller than planned. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I treated it as an opportunity to experiment.

A Decorative Detail I Almost Skipped

I decided to add a decorative wavy stitch along the straps and on both sides of the front pocket.

I hesitated before committing. Decorative stitches can feel risky, especially on suede where every stitch is permanent. But once it was done, I knew it was the right decision.
It turned out really beautifully. Subtle, but special, and it gave the bag even more character.

If anything, this project made me want to explore decorative topstitching more often.

Falling in Love with Topstitching

I created a small guide with all the topstitches available on my sewing machine and pinned it on my mood board in my office. Seeing them laid out like that has been unexpectedly inspiring.
Such a simple way to customize a design and truly make it your own.

It made me realize how playful sewing can be. Sometimes, you do not need to change the pattern at all. A different stitch can be enough to transform a piece. As I grow more confident, I know more decorative topstitching will slowly find its way into my future projects.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Starting the year with the Josephine tote bag feels symbolic. It reflects what I want 2026 to be about.

My goal this year is to make clothes I will actually wear, again and again. Pieces I truly love and reach for naturally. I want to focus on using the fabrics I already have and sewing with intention rather than urgency.

I also have a wedding coming up this year, which I am really looking forward to, and I cannot wait to make my own dress for it. But more than anything, my priority is simple:
to make things that feel right, that last, and that become part of my everyday life.

This suede Josephine tote bag feels like a gentle and confident start to the year. Familiar, slightly challenging, and deeply satisfying.
Sometimes, returning to what you already love is the best way forward.

Happy sewing,

Karolina