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!