Figuring Finish

 This is the back view of the tote stitched to a batting and inside fabric. Notice the odd shape. This is a great way to make a tote that won't hurt when slung over the shoulder. 

Here's the handle attached - back view. 

And here's the front view. 

Fronting & Figuring

I love designing things from quilts to jackets to totes. So when I recently entered a Bible study group I decided to make a tote to carry all my stuff. I began to write what I wanted on the tote then began pulling scraps and digging for threads. 

I figured out what the front should look like and got out my trusty Steam-a-Seam.  Did I mention that I love that stuff!

Here's what I have so far.

 The center piece was made separately then stitched on after I sewed to radiating strips on.

This front panel measures 12 1/2 inches.  I haven't "figured" out what I want to do for the back, sides and handle. That's for another day. But I will definitely have a pocket or two on the inside for pens, highlighters and such. For now, I'm off to do house work...... Sigh!

Tote It - Baker's Dozen Give Away Reminder #2

In my original post , 13 fat quarters were involved in the give away. In the Reminder post, 2 more fat quarters were added to the give away, making a total of 15 fat quarters.

This is another tote I've just made. I used my project from the Stay At Home Robin.

 Don't worry about the white part on the above photo.  It's hiding the name of the person who will receive this tote.  It's a surprise for her so .... ssshhhhhhhhhhh!   LOL

.

This baby will hold all sorts of groceries and those long loaves of french bread. Perfect
Remember, the give away deadline is May 20th.  Leave a comment and tell me about the tote you've made.  If you are a "FOLLOWER" of my blog, you get 2 chances!!!! Good luck.

Tote It - Baker's Dozen Give Away Reminder

Some of you may remember this tote I made for a contest the other year.  It has come in handy many times at the grocery store.
This is a reminder of the Baker's Dozen Fat Quarter give away I'm hosting.  All you have to do is make a tote, share the process of how you made it and leave a comment at this link .  It's just that easy.  If you are a FOLLOWER of my blog, you will get 2 chances. May 20th is the deadline!!!
News Flash...... I've just added a couple of more FQs to the give away..... I can't believe that I bought the same FQs twice..... I know that's never happened to anyone else......  LOL 

Tote It - Baker's Dozen Give Away

I haven't done a give away in a long while so I thought it was time.

I've recently gotten into totes to carry to the grocery store ...... no more plastic bags for me.

I needed plenty of scraps for this project ....... no problem.  I went with my own design, two 16 1/2 inch squares for the front and back; one approx. 6 1/2 by 48 1/2 strip; and  one 3 by 72 inch strip for the continual handle meaning it will loop under and around the body of the tote. 

So, where does the "give away" come in????? 

Make a tote of your own.

Blog about the steps that went into making your tote

and add photos of the outcome.

Leave a comment on this post to have a chance at the

13 fat quarters below.  I'd love to see what you come up with.

Deadline: May 20th!

If you've a FOLLOWER of my blog and you participate in the

Tote It challenge, you will get two chances at the fat quarters.

But anyone is welcome to participate to have a try at those 13 fat quarters.

I'll remind everyone a few days before.

Have fun and good luck everyone!!!

Tote It!

Paula over at Coffee Time challenged anyone who wanted to join in, to a holiday tote swap.  The neat thing about this swap was that everybody knew what was going on, who their swap partner was, what preference, etc.  I was so excited, I jumped on it.  My swap person was Mary who loves snowmen.  So, of course, her wish came true with the tote viewed from the front and back.

The next picture is on the great tote and goodies I received from Tudy....she really nailed it with the chocolates...hehehehehehehe......I'll be taking my tote grocery shopping very soon.  I also received 2 Fat Quarters, a pin cushion and a wonderful needle holder.  Thanks Tudy!!

Help Me Out!

Greetings everyone!
I have a big favor to ask of you........I entered a "tote" challenge over at Bertina Studio where you had a make a tote to take with you when shopping for groceries......I'd like your vote, please.  Click on the Bertina link, scan down to the beautiful totes , take a look at all that talent but please vote for me.....it only take a couple of minutes and you can only vote once........!

My First Tote

Here's a sneak peek of my first tote ever.  I know, you're asking yourself why I haven't made a tote before and to tell you the truth, I just hadn't gotten around to even attempting this kind of project.  I am not a seamstress, as I often tell my mother (long story...not for this post).   I'm using a gray heavy cotton fabric for the outer part of the tote.  Since I'll be taking this tote with me when I grocery shop, I'm appliqueing colorful fruit on the front and maybe on the back.....(hadn't gotten that far yet).  Of course I'm using my favorite technique....Steam-a-Seam everything then stitch around the edges. It fast and easy.

For the inside, I've chosen a fabric that I bought in a weak moment.....I might have been blink at the time.....(what was I thinking????)......This was way back when I was into Stack and Whack..........BTW, that's where our group name originated from that little one day retreat.  We were so whacked out after that the name "WackyPac Quilters" just stuck.  These toucans are so cute but never went with any of my usual fabrics.  Trust me, the fabric is even uglier in person but after looking at it awhile, it grows on you.......NOT!  Hopefully, I'll have this ready for my next trip to town.