I got the tote making bug from you guys. Here are some pics of the first ones I've made.

and another

Ohhh those are AWESOME!! Even I'd carry one of those, and I hate carrying a bag!! Usually just me and my billfold that I need to replace LOLOL

Thanks Lisa. I have having lots of fun making them.

Those are really cool. For your first bags you did good :thumbup:

Thanks Pam. The material I used is from my stash. I have fabric picked out to make 6 more. Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas?>

Great bags!

Oh man, I'm jealous. You gals on here are sure putting out some beautiful totes. I want one....... LOL :cry:

Nice job, I have been making the crayon totes that someone here posted I'll be posting some in a couple of days. hehehe And those are fun but I'm still looking for a free tote pattern that I like having no luck. Keep up the good work and lets see the rest.

Very nice!! But you guys are really making me want to do one now, and I already have too many things on "The List" You are not playing fair!!! :lol: :lol:

Deb, your bags are great and what a wonderful Xmas gift, I'll take one :lol: :lol:

Thanks for the kind words. I would sure like to make one for each of you. You never know what Santa may have up his sleeve. :D

I also have this on my very long to do list, but if you wanted to send me one for Christmas or my Bday (in March) I'd love it. :D :D
You did an amazing job of them. Keep it up.

Deb - your totes are great! Great gift idea.

Judith

Where did you get your pattern ? Those look like a good size . All the ones I've seen are huge ! I didn't want a suitcase ! Annie

Those are called Bow Tucks bags. I sent for the pattern. I really like the style, they have built in pockets all around the inside. And no, it's not a huge bag. I would call it a medium size purse. I got my pattern from Calico corners, because they ship to Canada for a very reasonable fee. I think they may be in Canada, but if you type in Bow Tucks bag. You will get a list of sites that sell the pattern. I paid nine dollars for mine. And believe me, it's really nice directions and easy to follow.

Great totes! The tote bug has bit this board. Everyone has been making some beauties! Make more!

:D They are beeeuuutiful. Are you in Canada? Aren't these fabrics a little wild for Canada?

judee

Beautiful!! I want one!!!

Deb those are great! :D Very cute! They look pretty yet well made and sturdy! You must have a great stash because I would have had that fabric pegged as better than fabric store quality. :D

I have this pattern and was reading thru it tonight. It says to use fusible fleece. Does anyone know where I would find this fusible fleece. If I can find some of this fusible fleece I might try to start on one soon. Thanks

ccbear. You will usually find the fusible fleece in the same place that you find the rolls of batting , wonder under, and the like. When I have bought it, it has always come off of a bolt.
I use thin polyester fleece everywhere that I can get away with. Like the handles. the inside pockets, and outside pocket. I use the fusible fleece for the body of the purse and the inside lining. It gives it a certain stiffness, so that it will sit up. But, the fusible fleece is a bit pricey, so try to use a coupon or watch for a sale if you can.

You caught the "tote bug" really well. They are all so cute. Great fabric combinations

Wow! those are awesome! The first one is my fave. :thumbup:

The hibiscus fabric is sooooooooooooosooooooooo cool.

I love your totes! I know how addicting they are to make. I started making them and now I've got like 25 of them under my belt. My mom's got about 25.

They are great gifts. I gave a lot of people totes for Christmas.

Beautiful Bow Tucks bags!!!! I have made some also and the results are stunning. Penny Sturges does a great job of explaining how to make the entire unit and the interior pockets are so handy.

I have even made the unit taller for a more traditional tote. Isn't it fun to find the pattern and techniques that flow so smoothly with various fabrics from your stash?!

Keep up the marvelous work and thanks for sharing pictures. We love pictures.

Piecefully yours,
Kay Susan

Just had another brainstorm. .......

When I was window shopping Thursday evening, I saw some purses and totes made out of corduroy fabrics with printed designs. I am thinking
about making something out of a corduroy jacket - unlined - which is too small. Do you think the fusible fleece would give this enough body. I guess I would have to have the right side of the corduroy on top of a terrycloth towel and lightly fuse the batting from the wrong side.

Any suggestions???

Piecefully yours,
Kay Susan

Great job!
Really pretty!!

Wow you have been busy, they are all so good looking. I love to make totes and everyone in my family and all my non quilting friends have them. I made 25 of them one year. So I know what you say when you are hooked on making them. There are so many neat patterns out there. You can keep very busy for weeks just making new patterns all the time. Keep up the great work. :)

Oh these are just great! Ok, the tote bug is biting me lol lol :)

I've been bitten too... :D waiting on the pattern...and then the time... :D Nice job!!

Deb they are tooo cute!!!! tote bags are addictive to make!!!

Thanks, they sure are addictive and I've sold my first three and made three more. Never hurts to make a little extra money to spend on more material, does it?

Yes they are!
I've sold a couple more. They were actually special orders, so I charged a bit more for them.
I should be finishing the Sunbonnet Sue quilts and I need to start one for a wedding gift. The wedding is Aug 8, but there is no way I will get it done by then. But, I do need to go and get fabric for it and decide what pattern I am going to use.
Any suggestions? Needs to be queen size.......

Oh, and it needs to be on the easy side, don't want to stress over it.

great totes-you have been busy

Beautiful totes, great job!

awesome idea!!!!! corduroy makes a good bag!!! especially with the Fall season around the corner! They will make a great fashion statement!

Hi Terri, Sounds like you are quite the world traveler. I've been living vicariously through your posts about Guam, Hawaii, Japan. You've had some great adventures, eh?
I'm not sure if you saw my post about my Big Block quilt. It went to together quickly and easily and was really a pleasure to make. That might work for your queen size quilt. I posted the magazine where I got the pattern, which I still have of course. I would be glad to share it with you, but would have to send snail mail, as printer, scanner is a thing of the past. It hasn't worked for a couple of months and just haven't replaced the thing yet. Anyway, you can let me know.

That's a great idea, about using cordurouy. I've never worked with that fabric before, but I'm guessing it wouldn't be that much different than cotton.
I love working with the fusible fleece. It really gives your purse or tote some structure and it's a nice purse that will stand up when you set it down.