New here with 2 questions...

Hello! I am new to this forum and have a couple of questions. I just printed out the fabulous tutorial on the Classic Tote and after reading through the instructions I am wondering what a 'French Seam' and 'Triple Stitch' are. I am not an accomplished seamstress but I do some sewing here and there. I can't wait to make one (or more) of these totes for myself as well as some for gifts!

Any help will be much appreciated!

~Melissia

A french seam is where the seam is sewn twice.  The first time will be with the fabric wrong sides together...so the seam will be facing with raw edges out.  This will be sewn narrowly.  Then, you will turn the bag inside out and sew a larger seam that encloses the first.  The right sides of the fabric will be together...like when you normally sew.  This is a way of finishing the seam so that the raw edges are protected and don't fray.

Thanks for the French Seam explanation Wondermommy.  And as for the tipple stitch, it's a stitch option that is on most sewing machines.  Take a look in your manual to see if your machine has the option.  If not, you can easily accomplish the same thing by sewing the seam twice which will result in a strong seam. 
With the French Seams and the triple stitch, you will have a strong and sturdy bag to haul all you need again and again. 
Let me know if there's any other questions.   

Thank you both for your help! Can't wait to find my fabric now!

~M

I have a book called "Simple Sewing with a French Twist" by Celine Dupuy and, besides lots of great eye candy, it has nice drawings and instructions for doing a French seam.  I had not heard of this until I bought this book and I've found it to be really lovely when I've used it.