First, I need to start out by saying that I wish I had better photos of my finished tote bag to share today, but these last few days have been pretty dark and dreary...and busy. With that said, I do love this bag! The combination of the dark eggplant purple, cool aqua blue, and the bright citron green is such a winner! So much so, that while I was sewing I just couldn't decided what they should become, I just really wanted it to be something good and perfect for how great I felt these colors were together. I asked you all for help here and there, I changed my mind several times, and after all that I am happy with the end result. Hooray!
This bag was made by the Quilting-As-I-Go method, which I am a HUGE fan of!! I have thought about sharing a little how-to, if any of you are interested?? Just say the word! Here are a few shots I took during the making...
When I couldn't decide...
Making my quilt-as-you-go sides...
Up on my make-shift design wall, when I really thought it should be a quilt...
When it started becoming a bag... No going back now!
Once it became a bag, I added lots of little details that were fun for me to do and try -- a variety of quilting stitches, sturdy quilted handles, one of my favorite ceramic buttons, a little twine stitch detail, quilted pockets, pleated sides.
I still think it would have been a really great quilt, but honestly, I needed to finish something quicker than that to get me going again! It worked!! And, now that I am taking my sewing and giving it my all to make it my full-time job, I needed something I could add to my etsy and hopefully sell! Positive thoughts that this works, too!!
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Good Morning MC.. I love the bag and my new MC button !!! I do hope you do a tutorial on it, I have a bunch new fabric and need a bag, my first one I made was ugly, It was my Zakka bag, but I carried it with pride. But now I would like to make something snazzy like this one.
ReplyDeleteI am in love - I love bags - they are my weakness. I admit it:) This bag took my breath away the minute I saw it and once again you inspire me and the button is so awesome. Okay, yes I do hope that there is a tutorial in the works or maybe I can figure out how to make my own, maybe.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you for making me smile this rainy gloomy day:)
Love your new bag ,awesome and yes, I`d love a tutorial too.Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLovely! I for one would appreciate a how-to quilt-as-you-go instructional piece.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly interested in learning how you did this. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI would enjoy a tutorial, especially for this tote, as I wonder about the seams when you assembeled it.
ReplyDeleteIt is inspiring, I can see how it would help shift your creative energy!
thanks,
michelle
I think it's gorgeous and the pictures are fine, you're crazy! =D
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI just followed the link you left to your shop and did not see this bag in there? Is it sold already? If so, I am still curious to learn how much you charged for this item? I am hoping to begin to make things to sell and pricing is always such a challenge for me. I also look forward to that tutorial! it sounds like that might happen after reading the comments above.
Thank you for the inspiration,
Deb
Deb, I haven't listed it yet. :) I need to take a few better photos, including one of the inside pockets and then I plan to list it. I'm not sure about price yet either -- I think that's a tricky part for every one who sells their handmade items!
DeleteGood luck with your shop!!
Love this kind of bag ~ I've got lots and ~ of course ~ need more! Great fabric choices ~ love that it's different on either side!
ReplyDeleteThank you Elsa!! I think it's a great way to try out some quilt block patterns or to experiment with designing your own, without having to make a huge quilt!! They make me happy!
Delete- Maureen
This is great and yes I too would like a tutorial!!! Wonderful job!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam
Thank you Pam!! Oh good! I am planning something for October when things (hopefully) slow down a bit!! I really got myself behind by taking most of August off.
DeleteYour bags remind me of Vera Bradley bags! Great job!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great, I never think to quilt my bags!
ReplyDeleteIt made a perfect bag and I love all the details! I'm glad it got you started again. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your bag together with the colors and yes please I would love a tutorial on this if you would give one as I love quilting as you go too.
ReplyDeletePatti xxx
beautiful colors this tote, love the quilting too
ReplyDeleteI'd love a tutorial. Great tote!
ReplyDeleteYes please share a quilt as you go tute. Love the tote by the way.
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous bag! I've never really understood the quilt as you go method. So glad you got is finished up and feel more inspired. Gosh to have quilting as a full time paid job would be awesome!! =D
ReplyDeleteYes please would love to read what you suggest for quilt as you go!
ReplyDeleteFabulous colours.......great bag shape too.
Yes, please, on the quilt-as-you-go! I looked it up once and came across a version that involved hand-stitching the blocks together...sooo not for me! Do you do it by machine only?
ReplyDeleteI totally LOVE those colors together. I'm feeling so ready for Fall it hurts so I think that may be why :) But there's just enough brightness of summer left with that pop of bright blue! It was the perfect thing to do with this block. Inspiring as always!
ReplyDeleteA tutorial would be great! I would love to learn how to do "quilt as you go" for a change of pace!
ReplyDeleteI would love a tutorial. This bag is so great, Mo. Love the colors you chose!
ReplyDeleteAhh, I love it! I love the quilting! How are you settling now, with the kids at school? xx
ReplyDeleteI love the colors you chose! And the slanted quilting is great. I've got my fingers crossed for you!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love this bag! Plus it looks 'sew' simple. I would also love a tutorial on the bag and the quilt as you go method. I drive a bus and sit at a lot of ballgames so this would be a great thing for me when I'm sitting there doing nothing. Thank you so much for your beautiful projects and the inspiration you give us all.
ReplyDeleteit really is a great bag! love it! xo and i am so so glad you had a quick finish to get you going! i love that! xo
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE a quilt as you go tutorial!
ReplyDeleteWould love a tutorial, I barely know what QAYG means
ReplyDeleteI love your tote and the fabric. A tutorial, wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Judith, Texas
ReplyDeleteThis bag is so lovely, please tell us how to make it!
ReplyDeleteAdorable, beautiful bag!
ReplyDeleteGreat work!
Hugs,
Tatyana
this is beautiful, I totally love it!!!!!
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ReplyDeleteGreat bag, great colors and one I would love to make! So...we need a tutorial!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful bag! I think it will sell fast!! Looking forward to the tuto...
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