Well, I made a major mistake. I did not understand the directions. ( I am a visual learner) So after reading very encouraging words on this board, I decided to just get started one step at a time. Well I put the outside fabric and fusible fleece and lining fabric together like a sandwhich and quilt as desired, was just about to trim them down to their size and then wondered just how does this actually go together? After rereading the directions again I finally figured out that I should have quilted the outside fabric with one layer of batting and the the lining with the batting separately. NOW WHAT????
Any suggestions????
I believe I will need to sleep on this before trying to figure out a solution to this mess!!!!
I posted this on the main section but this side seems to have more traffice, I am hoping it is okay to post it here as well.

The first time I did one I had the same problem. The front and batting get quilted separate from the lining and batting. I do not quilt the lining. You will need to redo that part. Here is a short tute on the bow tucks bag.
http://justenoughtime.wordpress.com/...6/01/ladybugs/

Unfortunately I think you are going to have to unsew as you need the two pieces separate to be able to finish the top with the handles properly :( Sorry ....

Rachel

I did this exact same thing with my first bag I made (different pattern). It was a larger bag so I just sewed it up on the three sides to make it look like a regular tote. It looks rather terrible because I also messed up on a few other things, but I just chalked it up to a learning experience. I still use it to carry books in or other items here and there. It doesn't look too bad from the outside and I seem to be the only one that notices. Sorry, I hope you can fix yours, but you need to pull out the quilted stitching and separate the lining from the outside.

Thank you for the quick replies, I thought I would have to unstitch or just try to make it in a tote as is, will think it over and then post a photo after I get it done.

Why can't you just ignore the lining, and treat the front and batting as if you never added the lining already? Cut different lining pieces and go on with the pattern :D:D:D

I like the way you think Amma. That would be the easiest way.

Then just finish with french seams...sounds like a great idea to me Amma..
K

Sew the sides and the bottom then finish the seams with a binding similar to a quilt binding. Make sure the raw edges to be bound are on the inside of the bag.

I still want to make one of those bags, but it seems like by reading this thread can be difficult

This is a good idea, except it would make things really bulky. When you sew over the handles for the top stitching, you are already trying to sew through almost 12 layers and it's not super easy, adding more layers may make that harder especially for someone who has never made one before.

Rachel

Amma, I took your advise and just added another lining piece. Not too bad for my first try, but without a tutorial took way longer than I ever imagined it would. Now that I have one under my belt the next one should be easy!! Thanks for all of the suggestions and help.

You did a great job on it. That has given me the encouragement to try to one.

I am so glad it worked out!! You did a great job!!!

Cheers!
Rachel

looks great!!

Glad it worked out ok. Looks great.

If you had not told us we would not know. You did a great job. Pat your self on the back for not giving up..

Great save!!

Oh, it turned out GREAT!

Yes, I am pleased that I finished it. Encouraging words were very helpful.