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Sunday 28 August 2016

UFO update and A Holiday Tote


I thought it was about time that I got on with another UFO project and going through my box I came across these shibori fabrics that I dyed a few years ago. There are six fat quarters and as I did not know what I was going to do with them - but definitely not a quilt - I left them on the dining room table for a few days waiting for inspiration to strike.

Reading through my blog list I came across this post on s.o.t.a.k handmade - thirty three tote bag tutorials, what a lot of choice! When I saw this market bag pattern I thought it would be perfect for my fabrics. Here is the original bag using Tula Pink fabrics which are stunning.


The design is free with just one download for the shaped pocket. 

This was it! So I had a look through my stash for a suitable lining fabric and came up with this which I am really pleased with.


So off I went. No in progress shots - sorry. I have tweaked the pattern a little. I didn't use the shaped outer pocket but just a plain one as I wanted to make them different sizes. Also, piping and me do not get on so I did a sort of faux piping on the pocket tops. Inside I added an extra, extra large pocket as I want to use this as a holiday tote and I always need somewhere to store ticket and hotel reservation printouts. The handles are my own method too as I like sturdy handles. So here is my finished tote.

 Two pockets on one side for sketchbook and paints.

 Three inside pockets

 A large pocket on the other side for essential holiday reading and two smaller pockets - one will hold a ruler and the other pens.


Inside view
 
 
I am very pleased with this pattern - the positioning of the outside pockets means that the bag sits nicely and the front and back of the main bag  use two pieces of 18"x18" fabric which cuts down on waste/scraps. I have one fat quarter left over and a few oddments so I feel a zippy pouch is on the cards.

Have a great week - it looks like it is going to be hot and dry again here!


16 comments:

  1. A great success, useful and pleasing to the eye - well done!

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  2. It's great and I love the fabric. I'm like you I love loads of pockets

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  3. It looks wonderful and very practical. Your fabrics are beautiful. I am glad you found a good use for them.

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  4. Very pretty tote! Love all its extra pockets. Perfect for the holidays.

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  5. Oh, Lin, I love it! The fabrics are gorgeous first of all, and your lining is the perfect thing for them. But the bag - wow, just what anyone would want. Great job, not surprisingly. =)

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  6. A zippy pouch would be the perfect addition to this project, making it an 'ensemble"! It's just lovely and will be an extra special treat to use! XO

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  7. Great bag. I absolutely love the fabric. That lining fabric could not be more perfect. Don't cha LOVE making bags!!
    xx, Carol

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  8. I love the fabrics...beautiful. That is an amazing bag for anytime use :)

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  9. Your bag turned out just perfectly, Lin! I love it! Beautiful fabrics too.

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  10. I love your bag and it looks a perfect size.... your fabrics are so fun
    Hugz

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  11. Lovely bag. Pockets are a good idea to keep pencils separate from other things!

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  12. hi Lin ooooo! love the bag and love the fabrics. What a nice little project. x:)

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  13. Gorgeous fabric and bag, one can never have to many pockets!!!!

    Thank you for sharing.

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  14. I love your shibori fabrics and what an awesome way to showcase them!! Lovely bag and I like how you customized it for your own use.

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  15. Your bag is lovely - and looks so handy too! And thanks for the link for all the bag tutorials, too :-)

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  16. Wonderful finish and your dyed fabrics are beautiful. I love it!

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