Mama's Got a New Bag

Hi Knitters,

How are your flowers doing this summer? Mine seem to be flourishing lately with the wet and warm weather we are having. My yard is a mess of truck and tractor tracks and mud, however, I still have a few remaining pots filled with flowers which makes me happy.
Well, I spent an afternoon sewing the other day. I made a new tote bag that is already spoken for. It is going to be a gift.
I used a natural lightweight cotton canvas fabric. The entire bag, every piece, is lined with fusible interfacing. I love that stuff. It gives such shape and body. I cut out fabric circles and left the edges raw so with wear and tear the edges will fray. I like the look of fraying edges but the edges won't fray too much because I ran straight stitch quilting lines vertically and horizontally on the bag to hold the circles. The quilting lines are in a butter yellow and are subtle but they give interest and texture to the outer layer of the bag.
I lined the inside with the same canvas and included two lined pockets. Gotta have pockets. The bottom of the bag has rounded gussets. Your bag always needs to sit on its own, right?
The quilting lines were done continuously. So I'd stitch one line, turn the corner and then I'd head back the other direction. The lines are done in different widths apart, I didn't measure. Some lines are closer than others. The straps are skinny and easily fit over the shoulder.
This was really fun to stitch up. I am loving the sewing. I can only fit it in on occasion. The canvas bag is sturdy but also has a delicate feeling. It is light as a feather and I'd love to keep it for myself but it will go.

I also whipped up a fun skirt for The Collector in recent days. I'll get some photos to share. This skirt is the first clothing item I have ever made. It actually fit and she loves it. That's a great feeling.
Who doesn't love a good tote? You always need one and to have one that is handmade is all the better in my eyes.

What are you whipping up this summer? I'd love to hear about it.

best, susie

P.s. Here is a link on quilt binding tutorials I need to check out. And here is an adorable pouch tutorial I got from Jaime's blog. I want to make some zippered pouches like this.