Numbers Tote

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.

Crazy Fun Tote

I've done some tidying and purging lately and came across this crazy fun tote that I made so many years ago and it was a kick to make.  I don't think I have the pattern any longer and I don't remember the name of it either.  But if you're of a certain age, you may know or remember the pattern.  I thought it would be fun to share it with you.  It was always great fun using it.

The tote itself I made from Ultrasuede so it's quite durable and barely shows the use it's had.  There are all kinds of useful pockets inside as well.

The crazy legs on these dolls were really fun to make.

At the time I had a specialty sewing machine that stitched ribbons in a bunched up form.  I can't remember the name of it either.  I have enough trouble remembering the important stuff of today let alone what was 30 years ago.  Anyway, it was that machine that helped me create the doll's loopy hair. 

I hope you've enjoyed seeing this fun tote.  I don't think I've seen another tote pattern quite like this one since.  I think it would be hard to top.  I do wish I could remember the pattern name and creator so that I could give credit where credit is due.

Update: The pattern. 

xxx

Annie

Office Supplies Tote

Part of the Christmas gift request is for this:

Now, I love office supplies, so that was pretty fun to shop for.  But the funner part of the gift request was for a tote to carry them all in.  And this is what I came up with for that portion of the gift:

The request was for colorful and not too big.

It measures approx. 8"high, 9-1/2"wide, 4"deep.  (I hope that isn't too big)

I think this clear vinyl zippered pocket will be a fun surprise.

Everything fits!

This was the most unexpected gift wish I would ever have expected.

I did not use a pattern.  I just made the bag up as I went along. 

A lot of experimental guesswork was involved with it's creation.

I sure did have a fun time with it though.

There was a time I would never have considered making something like this without a pattern.  I guess I'm getting brave in my old age or maybe it's just blind wreckless crazy...yeah, probably the later.

Go crazy!  It's fun!

Annie

Linked to Handmade Christmas Linky Party with Melissa at The Polkadot Chair Blog.  There's a lot of inspiration in that linking party...go check it out!