Tote-ally Cool

First, I'd like to apologize for the quality of the pictures in this post. I was in a bit of a hurry, and the room was dark, and I'm an amateur, etc. etc.! But, I wanted to show you the beach tote I made for a friend who's getting married soon!

Since she loves France, I tried to find a fabric that reminded me of that. Amy Butler's Love fabric line spoke French to me!



I decided to make the tote simple and functional. Basically, the bride can take it on her honeymoon and carry her sunscreen and towels.



The tote is different on each side! I love doing that for some reason. I think it makes it seem like two bags in one!

I also added gussets on the sides because I think it helps to give the bag shape.



Have a great weekend. You know what we'll be doing! Yes...biking!

Spring tote

I'm so excited about my most recent project, which is for sale in my ETSY shop now! It's a beautiful tote done in gorgeous spring colors from the Amy Butler Midwest Modern fabric line! Oh, I love Amy Butler fabrics. They are so beautiful!

This tote has a large outside pocket, which is great for keeping items like your cell phone and keys for quick access.

The inside is lined with coordinating fabric (matches the handles).

A thank you gift

A friend gave me a box of sewing goodies that she found when she cleaned out her parents' house. It was so thoughtful of her to share her mom's things with me. Inside the box were old spools, miscellaneous ribbon, patterns, and fabric remnants. I was like a kid in a candy store! Here's a pic of the inside of the box!

Well, I wanted to do something to thank her for sharing these beautiful things with me. So, I started looking through the fabric remnants and had an idea. I decided I'd make her a tote bag out of the fabric in the box. That way she could have a special memory. I left the fabric as it was...you could even see a little yellowing from age. I thought that would mean even more. She can always wash that away later, but for now it can stay.

So, here was the result...

And, a closeup...

I think this fabric was maybe from an old tablecloth. It was so beautiful. I gave it to her yesterday. Here was the box I put the bag in, which I altered a bit with gesso. I added a giant paper bow, which I made from old sheet music and vintage lace. I think it turned out great! I may just have to make more of these bows! They are so fun to make!

Of course, here are two closeups for you! I had to add glitter!

Happy Wednesday!

October is coming soon!

Shortly it will be October, which is one of my favorite months. You know why? Well, because Halloween is one of my most favorite holidays!!! It's just so much fun to dress up. The colors are so spookalicious!!! Purple, orange, green, black...almost any color can become spooky! I was so excited to find an awesome fat quarter bundle at a quilt shop the other day. It was full of beautiful Halloween prints. Is it really possible to say that Halloween prints are beautiful? Well, to me, yes! I just had to buy the bundle! I've been diligently working on little projects ever since. I'll share more projects as the month goes on.

In anticipation of October, I decided that I wanted to make myself a little tote bag for the month! I carry a tote to work everyday with my junk in it. I have lunch, magazines, books, and other stuff. So, thinking of that criteria, I created my own pattern and got to work! It's super easy to make these totes and really fun. The longest part for me is always cutting out the material. Here is side 1 of the bag!

 A closeup of side 1 here (I just love those spiders don't you?)...

And, here's side 2...

I just loved the big green dots! All the dots make your eyes go crazy huh? How fun!!!
And, for the handles and lining (I always line my bags because it gives them a nice finished look) I used some white dots from my clown costume material from last year!

Happy Tuesday!