Tuesday, August 11, 2009

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.

14 comments:

Betz White said...

Cute! I can't believe you were able to make a WHITE tote with all of that construction dust flying around your poor house. Good job!

Love that zip-pouch link, must make one. I know the perfect fabric for it too. :)

Anonymous said...

Aren't frayed edges great? They give a well-worn look to a piece, like you've had it forever. Nice work, Susan!

Jaime said...

Super cute bag!

I use Heather Bailey's tutorial for quilt binding - it's perfect.
http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/photos/continuous_quiltbinding/index.html

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

Great tote Susan! I keep seeing all these great tote bags all over the web - I might need to pull out the sewing machine again. I've been spending a lot of time spinning and knitting lately.

Kathleen said...

Susan..I, too, have taken a brief hiatus from knitting to re-discover sewing...check out my summer projects. I think you'll find we both love the Birdie Sling and also a cute hat knit from your book...

tburtner said...

Susan, I love the tote...you are so creative!!!! I want to make me a tote soon...have to slow down though! Wanted to let you know I look forward to your blog every morning, it brightens my day. I recently made the upside down daisy hat and it was all the rave with my friends...thanks for creating the pattern and helping make me look so talented.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE that bag! I love that bag.

What's the pattern? did you already mention it at a former time?

Christine

gardnwestATaolDOTcom

Rachel said...

Bags are so wonderful, aren't they! I use them all the time and prefer them actually to my purse.

I sometimes throw my purse INTO my bags...LOL

Very cute--LOVE IT!

Jaime said...

Susie!
I love this bag! And I'm dying to see the skirt you made for the Collector! Thanks for the link - you always send fun traffic my way! More fun projects to come!
Love you,
Jaime

janelle said...

amazing totes! love it!

right now it's cloth pocket diapers, fitted prefolds, knitted wool soakers, newborn sized cardigans and hats, baby afghans, booties.... aaaaaah! the list will never end! and i only have less than 3 months now. lol.

peaknits said...

Cool bag! I love the pouch link - thank you!

Zenitude said...

I want that bag! I love the white fabric and the shape of the bag. I just might get to the sewing machine this weekend. Thanks for sharing.

Bette's Bags said...

Just found your blog today. I really enjoy it....I'll be stalking you daily!

Stefanie said...

Amazing how you're so multi-talented! I'm currently learning how to sew too.