I’ve sewn a thing!
My thing is a tote bag. Man-O-Man has it been a long time since I’ve sewn a tote! Back then they were all very simple. This one also was (should have been) simple, but it seems I wanted to sew everything from finish to start rather than from start to finish! I also tried new things.
Slowest thing about it coming together is that I made it up as I went along. Which means it is riddled with mess-ups and made-up fixes. That works for me!
I went to a quilt show last weekend and caught a huge sewing bug! I bought all kinds of new fabrics and patterns and went home and decided to sew with a fabric I already had. I can’t explain how that happened.
I couldn’t resist buying this Tim Holtz numbers fabric. I love numbers. Of course it had to be a one-way print. Why ever would I choose something that could go either way for a tote. Because I am my own worse enemy, that’s why.
I hardly ever buy fabric for a purpose. 99% of my fabric purchases are because I love the print. Then I buy yardage according to how much I think I love the print. I do not usually buy more than a yard. But the number fabric I REALLY LOVED and bought 1 and a half yards.
That lining was an ancient purchase of a half yard. There isn’t much left. That means there is an open spot for a new piece of fabric to lie in wait.
Rather than batting and for durability, I stitched a strip of ultra suede inside the shoulder straps.
Sewing the straps gave me a new inspiration that I’ll be stitching up soon.
Inside the tote.
I have a Dymo label maker and wanted to try some iron-on tape. It ironed on but I don’t trust it so I added stitching.
I also thought I’d like to corral my water bottle. However, I don’t think that was the best plan. I have my doubts that I will like it. Not a problem, easy to chop out if I decide to.
It’s pretty roomy inside. When it goes to the next quilt show, I’m fairly certain I will run out of money before I run out of room to add purchases to it.
There are extra wide selvedges on this fabric. I decided to add some wordy interest to the numbers print by stitching the selvedges along the side seams.
I also seemed to have had a need to add my love of cycling for a bit of added interest. No other rhyme or reason.
Another selvedge section from a bicycle theme print.
I found these leather Hand Made labels so added that also for a bit of interest. From a distance you might think this is a designer bag with a big name on it. NOT.
That’s the “thing” I’ve sewn.
Sadly, I have nothing coming up to use it! Sad face.
9 comments:
Hi Annie wow what a great tote i love the pocket for your drink bottle,thats a great idea,well done my friend xx
:) I'm sure the occasion to use your new tote will come around soon! My favorite parts are the little cyclist and the Hand Made label--they are such charming touches!
😯😮❤ Oh my! This totem is amazing!!!!♡♡♡ first off, I love love love the fabrics you used!!!! Then you went above and beyond by adding extra details throughout... that boy on the bike!♡ and love the salvage pieces!!! Also I think the water bottle addition is amazing... I always carry mine with me, so that's a great idea!!! It looks like it's just perfect. As for an occasional, I say carry that bad boy everywhere and show it off!!!!
Wow you are to much. I have yet to sew anything from my purchases!! I think my son's pillowcase might get made today. I so glad you came with us. At last someone who finds more that I at a quilt show. I should go though my Tom Holtz fabrics. I really really do love your bag. Hope to see you again soon.
I love your "thing", the fabrics inside and outside and all the additions. I shop like you do, I go to the quilt shop for something I need and something always calls my name. I have also purchased bag patterns and then made up my own. Making something from finish to start sounds like something I would do. No matter, your end product is wonderful
Awesome bag! Great job on it, too. Really like your “make it up as you go” results!
I love your tote! It is amazing! You are so talented. Love the added details: the boy on the bike, the selvages on the sides, the hand made labels, the bottle pocket. I liked the suede in the handles. What a great idea. And of course, the numbers fabric is fantastic. I've never seen it before. It would be a must-have for me too! Great job!
Looks brilliant to me Annie and I love the place for your bottle. Lots of interesting touches and great use of the selvedge. xx
Oh boy. what a great post. All the photographs and details!
So where to start?
I love, love the little bicycling patch, it just sits there as if it was always there.
Love the pockets and the amount of space you have created in the bag.
Amusing that you bought all that fabric and then used something you already had.
It's a great fabric too. It really likes being a tote bag, I can see that.
It's a good idea to keep your water bottle upright. I am always worried that it will do something leaky when it is rolling about the bottom of a bag.
I agree with you about the tape, I wouldn't trust iron on anything for durability, sewing on as well is the only option.
Great how you have quilting round the numbers, looks really good and does the necessary quilting thing perfectly.
Great photographs and words and I enjoyed it all so much.
Oh and I like the way you have photographed it hanging on the wooden chest of drawers.
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