Monday, August 05, 2013

Two-Toned Fabric Tote and some Tips...


Generally I make my own patterns when I sew, but lately I've whipped up some projects {241 Tote and Little Girl Purse} where I've used patterns created by other talented ladies. I have to admit it has been a pleasure to merely follow a pattern and not have to create it from scratch! A couple of weeks ago Ashley, from the blog "Make It & Love It," posted the pattern and tutorial for a Two-Tone Fabric Tote where she featured two variations made from the same cute pattern. I decided I had to have one, so last week I created one for myself...


This is a generous bag with lots of room to store all the things that seem to be necessities in my life! The finished tote measurements are 17 inches wide by about 15 inches tall.
 

Like Ashley, I used fabrics bought at Hobby Lobby. {Love the chevron and polka-dot combo!} The "burlap" ribbon was also purchase at Hobby Lobby, and I made the cute sunflower from my fabric flower pattern that I sell in my Etsy Shop


I also purchased an orange flower at Hobby Lobby that I'll interchange with the sunflower depending upon my mood.


I'm occasionally asked why my totes and purses look more "substantial" or "sturdy" than other home-sewn purses. I'll let you in on some secrets...


I always attach fusible fleece to the outside fabric of my totes. The chevron fabric was already a heavier weight fabric {duck cloth}, but I still chose to adhere the fusible fleece to the wrong side of the fabric to give it even more body. In addition, I attach a heavy weight fusible interfacing to the lining. These two additions ensure a sturdy, well-crafted bag...


And here's another really, really important tip... When I make a bag like this with boxed corners, I always add a foam board base to the bag for support. I simply cut a piece of foam board the measurements of the bottom of the bag...


Then I take a piece of the lining fabric and cover the foam board. I use duck tape to tack the fabric down on the backside of the foam board... {very professional}... {{not}}.


You'll probably never know that ol' duck tape is there...


I place the support into the bottom of my tote, making sure the corners of the support are tucked into the bottom corners of the tote...

  
By including that step, the tote holds it's shape when you start filling it with essentials. So nice.


The other little changes that I made to the pattern were just personal preference. I love pockets in a bag. Pure and simple, the more the better, so I added two into the lining of this tote. I also added a snap closure to the lining.


I adore this bag. I appreciate Ashley sharing her pattern. It takes a lot of time and effort to create new patterns and tutorials, and I appreciate the fact that this pattern is available to us all without cost!
 

My sewing machine has been in the "sewing-machine-hospital" for a few days now. She's supposed to be released sometime next week. I'm missing her.