Sponsors
Sponsors
Nancy Zieman Florida Tote Collection (South Beach Converible Tote) Review
Review has 1 Helpful ratings
Posted 2025-01-18 13:20:46. 96 Views.
1 more reviews
| savitar
|
|
| United States | |
| Member since 7/10/07 | |
| 20 Reviews (patterns: 20) | |
| Skill: Intermediate | |
| Favored by 3 people | |
Pattern Description:
Sew 6 different large bags using Nancy Zieman's sewing templates from her Florida Tote Collection. Mix and match these templates to come up with more than 6 large bag patterns! Featured are the following styles, with directions in English, Spanish, French and German:
* Key West
* Key West Plus
* Key West Convertible
* South Beach
* South Beach Plus
* South Beach Convertible
To make your bags, all you need to do is trace around the plastic templates, then follow the clear instructions included in the package. Instructions are illustrated, and a notions list is provided for each bag. It couldn't be easier!
This bag: South Beach convertible
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. They are more minimal, perhaps, than newer patterns by indie designers - more akin to typical Big 4. As there are several options, you do have to pay attention to which version you are making.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Pros:
This comes with an acrylic template, and it has a lot of options on the template.
Large, roomy, but one option comes with side magnets to fold in the sides and make it more typical "handbag" size. Of course, that depends on how large your handbags are, I suppose.
Cons:
Finishing off the top with binding - that's not my favorite. If you look at the Nancy Zieman blog, though, there are other options presented.
Fabric Used:
Outer fabric: Floral tapestry from the Maruca Designs factory outlet.
Lining fabric: Waterproof canvas from Sullivan's Trims. Color: stonewash, not dark navy as the photo appears.
Webbing: can't recall the source; there are directions for fabric webbing.
Piping: pre-made piping, also from the Maruca Designs factory outlet. This piping has a hard core center, not a soft cotton cord, so it's quite stiff and difficult to sew through. But it makes a nice, firm edge and helps keep the bag standing upright.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I chose the South Beach "convertible" option, with the side magnets. I also added magnet tab in the center for use when the side magnets are not in use.
I added piping to the top.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, and Yes. Would probably add interior pockets next time, but I had plenty of outer fabric left, and instead made small zipper pouches to go inside.
Conclusion:
I like the idea of templates, especially one with so many options. I need to learn to use a rotary cutter better, as the templates would be especially helpful with a cutter.
Sew 6 different large bags using Nancy Zieman's sewing templates from her Florida Tote Collection. Mix and match these templates to come up with more than 6 large bag patterns! Featured are the following styles, with directions in English, Spanish, French and German:
* Key West
* Key West Plus
* Key West Convertible
* South Beach
* South Beach Plus
* South Beach Convertible
To make your bags, all you need to do is trace around the plastic templates, then follow the clear instructions included in the package. Instructions are illustrated, and a notions list is provided for each bag. It couldn't be easier!
This bag: South Beach convertible
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. They are more minimal, perhaps, than newer patterns by indie designers - more akin to typical Big 4. As there are several options, you do have to pay attention to which version you are making.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Pros:
This comes with an acrylic template, and it has a lot of options on the template.
Large, roomy, but one option comes with side magnets to fold in the sides and make it more typical "handbag" size. Of course, that depends on how large your handbags are, I suppose.
Cons:
Finishing off the top with binding - that's not my favorite. If you look at the Nancy Zieman blog, though, there are other options presented.
Fabric Used:
Outer fabric: Floral tapestry from the Maruca Designs factory outlet.
Lining fabric: Waterproof canvas from Sullivan's Trims. Color: stonewash, not dark navy as the photo appears.
Webbing: can't recall the source; there are directions for fabric webbing.
Piping: pre-made piping, also from the Maruca Designs factory outlet. This piping has a hard core center, not a soft cotton cord, so it's quite stiff and difficult to sew through. But it makes a nice, firm edge and helps keep the bag standing upright.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I chose the South Beach "convertible" option, with the side magnets. I also added magnet tab in the center for use when the side magnets are not in use.
I added piping to the top.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, and Yes. Would probably add interior pockets next time, but I had plenty of outer fabric left, and instead made small zipper pouches to go inside.
Conclusion:
I like the idea of templates, especially one with so many options. I need to learn to use a rotary cutter better, as the templates would be especially helpful with a cutter.
Sort by First
8 Comments
LoveLilacs said...(1/19/25 3:56 PM ET)
Great looking tote. Absolutely love the fabrics.
  Nannerl said...(1/19/25 11:38 AM ET)
A really handsome tote! Your construction looks fantastic!
  JEF said...(1/19/25 11:34 AM ET)
Really good looking
  Camerio said...(1/19/25 9:31 AM ET)
Nice choice of fabrics.
  DTsewingstories said...(1/18/25 6:15 PM ET)
Very successful make! lovely.
  jmp4cat said...(1/18/25 3:20 PM ET)
Beautiful! Where did you purchase the templates and pattern?
  jmp4cat replied...(1/19/25 5:58 AM ET)
Thank you!
savitar replied...(1/18/25 9:50 PM ET)
The pattern in included with the templates, and I think it was World Weidner, an oddly named sewing store. Nancy Zieman online has a different bag pattern/template set on sale. You can also find this template set on Ebay.
Any registered trademarks mentioned on this page are the property of their respective owner. Valid and accurate reviews and comments are the responsibility of their posters. As per its Terms and Conditions, PatternReview.com is not responsible for and does not validate or verify the accuracy of these statements. Posters you are responsible for your comments so please ensure that these are substantiated.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns






