Very nice.

I Like!!

Great tote!

Very nice. I have many patterns to make totes but am apprehensive for some reason. Are these quick and easy to make?

I'm finding I like the new designer fabric much better than the dark prints, marbly, tone on tone or batiks. The new fabrics and colors seem so fresh.

That is so pretty! You've just got me motivated again!...I just havent been able to get myself into sewing for several weeks...I dont really know why,but I think tomorrow I may make a start on a couple of totes!....wish me luck!

Karen xx

good luck!

totes are super easy to make.

its kinda like making a pillow case but it has straps.

this one - i just took some scraps from the bin and sewed them together.

then i fussy cut the shape i wanted. it started as a 15 inch square and then i cut a small angle into it so the bottom was smaller.

then you sew the fabric right side together just like a pillow case. make 2 of these 1 is the outside of the tote and the other is the inside of the tote (i used solid sage green).

then square the bottom - i like to square my bags at about 4-5 inches across so a checkbook size wallet and sit nicely in the bottom.

then turn the hem for the tops at 1/2 inch, put the lining inside the outside part of the tote, pin in the straps and pin the tote all across the top and topstitch across the entire tote.

wow, klue, I'm such a tote lover. Yours is way cute. love the fabric. :D

for tote bags i've always preferred the designer fabrics and Amy Butler is great for making bags because she typically puts a stripe or some sort of dot fabric in each new line she come out with.

for quilting i prefer batiks, ombre, gradations - i pretty much avoid all novelty fabrics in my quilts - unless its for a child. i am a sucker for paula nadlestern fabric though.

my stash is separated in the closet - one section is my quilting fabric and one section is my handbag fabric.