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Sunday, February 2, 2014

A great tote for...use your imagination!!

This was so much fun!  Cindy from Live a Colorful Life has a wonderful little tote she uses for her knitting and crocheting and I just fell in love with it.  I asked her if I could look inside and she graciously said I could.  Well, I came home and immediately started drawing a pattern.  I gathered up all the items needed to make it and got started.


See what I mean!?!?!  This could be used for a lunch bucket if you used laminate for your lining,  notions tote, you name it!



This is how I figure out my patterns.  Lots and lots of scribbles.


Two layers of interfacing on the sides.  Light weight and fusible batting.  That filthy piece under the iron is my pressing cloth!  Yuck!

 
The bottom has 3 layers of interfacing.  Light weight, ultra firm and fusible batting. 
 


It took almost as long to prep the pieces for sewing as it did to sew this tote!


 This is the handle.  I didn't use interfacing here because there are 4 layers of fabric for the handle.



This is the bottom of the outside fabric.  Not hard, just tricky.  Just take your time, and it will go together well!


Stringing the cord through for the drawstrings.


I'm sorry that I didn't put purse feet on the bottom.  Next time!


Love the buttons on the handles.  These allow the handle to drop to the sides.



This shows how the handle drops down.


I added the pockets all wound the inside. 

Had to share this photo bomb!  This is Daisy!

Facts:

8 in. across the bottom
10 in. high
7 in. handle drop

**if anyone is interested in more detailed info,
    you can email quiltersmission@gmail.com
    or leave a comment.

Linking to Anything Goes Monday with MamaNene at Serger Pepper!  Please, go by to see what everyone is working on.  Anything Goes Tuesday! at Blossom Heart Quilts!

23 comments:

  1. You really are the 'Queen of Totes', Vicki. This tote is adorable...love the fabric choice...and that button; 'tis very cute!!

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  2. I marvel at the skill involved in being able to draft your own pattern after seeing something made by someone else! Do you think Daisy was impressed? I do!

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  3. Ohhh such a lovely bag. Would love to talk you out of it, as my sewing skills are just not up to snuff. Maybe some day I will be able to sew like that. Thanks for sharing your project with us step by step.

    Have a lovely day, Erika

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  4. What a beautiful tote!! You are very cleaver to figure that out - I would probably need a pattern. Great job!

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  5. I just love tote bags, and making them. Almost go to the Nat'l Book Festival just for the tote bags, hee hee. Thanks for the detes.
    LeeAnna Paylor
    lapaylor.blogspot.com

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  6. Wow, super useful bag. I love the photo of the pins and wonder clips!

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  7. Amazing; so easy to follow your instructions. PS I love the kitty

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  8. I would love to learn more of how you made this beautiful bag.

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  9. This really IS a great looking tote, and very versatile. Thanks for showing the interior with the nifty pockets all around ... a nice detail. Wendy x

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  10. You always make it seem so easy! You are truly talented, another beautiful tote.

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  11. I love that IKEA fabric with the butterflies... I think I've got some somewhere...thanks for the inspiration!

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  12. Fabulous tote and I love the fabric.
    valspierssews

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  13. Perfect finish! I love the colors. I love the inside pockets. I especially love the big flower button. It will be so fun to use!

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  14. such a fab bag! it looks quite similar to the one Ayumi Mills has a tutorial for which IS a lunch bag, great minds!

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  15. Another great tote, Vicki! Your creativity amazes me. Thanks for sharing the peek inside. Love all those little pocket compartments! Great job!

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