My tote bag

By Christie On July 19, 2011 · 7 Comments · In Bags, Tutorials Found

So today I thought I’d share another of my not-sew-perfect projects. I think I am going to start blaming my lack of skills on my ultra cheap sewing machine. A piece of it actually fell off yesterday. I didn’t know what that knob did anyway! I think maybe it’s time to start looking for a new one, so if you have any suggestions for a machine that’s not that complicated or expensive, is reliable, and suited for someone with medium level skills, please let me know!

I wanted to make a tote bag as a gift for my mother-in-law. It just so happens that Randi (Fresh Squeezed Fabrics) recently had a “sew along” on her blog, I have to say…. Her tutorials are always very easy to follow and since I didn’t have a pattern in mind, I gave it a whirl.

I did a few things differently, some on purpose, some by mistake! I used home decor weight fabric instead of quilting fabric because I wanted some weight to it. I used fusible fleece instead of batting because it’s what I had in my closet.

I tried to find webbing for the straps, but it was either too white, too beige, to narrow, or too purple. So I decided to just make the straps from the lining fabric. Which was not a problem…except that the 44″ wide fabric wasn’t going to give me enough length for Randi’s dimensions and the straps would be too short.

My panels were already pieced when I realized this, so I decided to just cut an inch off the bottom, hoping that would work. And it did. But I must have measured wrong somehow when I adjusted the size of the lining because once it was all sewn together and I turned them right side out, the lining was longer than the outside. I sort of liked it though. I liked how it made it look like piping at the top and that it might have been intentional. So I went with it!

I used a couple of scraps from the striped fabric and turned them sideways for the inside pocket.

To finish it off I used an iron-on monogram for the front (no, I didn’t use M for mother-in-law!). And voila!

Visit I have to say… for the great tutorial and learn how to make it the right way…or not! Lol!

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Tagged with: bag • i have to say • tote • tutorial

7 Responses to My tote bag

Dana says:

July 23, 2011 at 4:29 pm

I have a Janome 8077 and love it. It’s a good solid easy machine to use. It lives on a boat with me and has been through all sorts of abuse so I can honestly say I don’t think you’ll lose any knobs. It’s more expensive than the brother above but I got mine on sale a few years ago. When I decided I wanted a new machine I went into a quilting store and they sent me to Hancock Fabrics to buy this one on sale and I’ve been happy ever since.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CBSQ0G/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=svn04-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002CBSQ0G

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Denny says:

July 20, 2011 at 3:19 pm

I LOVE your tote. Your “design changes” came out just right!

I’m a Bernina person, too. They are good quality, so take a look at the Series 3 machines.

Sewing classes are a good idea, too. You get some free classes when you buy your Bernina, but they go by so fast . . . A sewing class, either in a class setting or even an hour or two of a one on one class, teaches you so much about your machine while you’re learning more about how to sew a project. Lots more confidence! Go for it!

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Erin says:

July 19, 2011 at 9:46 pm

I love my Janome. I taught myself to sew on it and love it.

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Aubrey says:

July 19, 2011 at 8:12 pm

I own a top of the line Viking, a mid-range singer, and one of the “newer” Brother machines. My mom actually bought the same Brother one first because it got good reviews and she wanted a 2nd machine so we could sew together when I visited. However, she did not want to spend an arm and a leg to do so.

After sewing on it for a few hours we started fighting over who should sew on the Brother! Too funny!

This is the line: http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Affordable-60-Stitch-Computerized-Free-Arm/dp/B000JQM1DE/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1311120438&sr=1-2

It is ridiculously fun and works very well for such a low price. I have been a sewing machine “snob” for many years. But I have to say that after a year I am still loving this machine! I figure if it only lasts 2 years it was totally worth it.

If you get one I would love to hear if you enjoy it as much as I have!

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- Christie says:
  
  July 19, 2011 at 8:20 pm
  
  This is actually the one I was looking at. I realize it’s not top of the line and the average of the reviews are much in it’s favor. Maybe if I choose it I’ll buy it very locally so if it’s one that doesn’t work well I can return it!
  
  Thanks so much for the recommendation!
  
  Reply
Belinda says:

July 19, 2011 at 3:08 pm

I’m a Bernina person so I would point you in that direction – I hear goods things about their Bernette line or the series 3 machines.
Many folks swear by Janome. They have a nice price point and get nice reviews. Purchase the dealer as well as the machine so you have ready access to service & lessons. Good luck!

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- Christie says:
  
  July 19, 2011 at 8:19 pm
  
  Ugh..looking at the Bernina and Janome machines make me realize how much I don’t know! I need to take a sewing class, lol!
  
  Thanks Belinda!
  
  Reply