Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A Quilt-as-you-go Tote : :

Quilted Bag

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!

Quilted Tote Bag

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...

Update -- add sides, line it, handle and make a tote bag -- Or keep going for a quilt?? hmn?

Making my quilt-as-you-go sides...

Quilt-as-you-goTote Bag

Up on my make-shift design wall, when I really thought it should be a quilt...

On the wall -- when I thought it should become a quilt

When it started becoming a bag... No going back now!

Becoming a Bag

Becoming a Bag

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

Quilted Bag

Quilted Handles

Quilt-as-you-goTote Bag

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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44 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. I 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.

    Thank you, thank you for making me smile this rainy gloomy day:)

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  3. Love your new bag ,awesome and yes, I`d love a tutorial too.Thanks!

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  4. Lovely! I for one would appreciate a how-to quilt-as-you-go instructional piece.

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  5. I'm certainly interested in learning how you did this. Thanks.

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  6. I would enjoy a tutorial, especially for this tote, as I wonder about the seams when you assembeled it.
    It is inspiring, I can see how it would help shift your creative energy!

    thanks,
    michelle

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  7. I think it's gorgeous and the pictures are fine, you're crazy! =D

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  8. Hi Maureen,

    I 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

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    1. 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!

      Good luck with your shop!!

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  9. 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!

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    1. Thank 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!

      - Maureen

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  10. This is great and yes I too would like a tutorial!!! Wonderful job!!
    Thanks, Pam

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    1. 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.

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  11. Your bags remind me of Vera Bradley bags! Great job!!

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  12. This looks great, I never think to quilt my bags!

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  13. It made a perfect bag and I love all the details! I'm glad it got you started again. :)

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  14. Love 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.
    Patti xxx

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  15. beautiful colors this tote, love the quilting too

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  16. I'd love a tutorial. Great tote!

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  17. Yes please share a quilt as you go tute. Love the tote by the way.

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  18. Such 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

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  19. Yes please would love to read what you suggest for quilt as you go!
    Fabulous colours.......great bag shape too.

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  20. 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?

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  21. I 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!

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  22. A tutorial would be great! I would love to learn how to do "quilt as you go" for a change of pace!

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  23. I would love a tutorial. This bag is so great, Mo. Love the colors you chose!

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  24. Ahh, I love it! I love the quilting! How are you settling now, with the kids at school? xx

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  25. I love the colors you chose! And the slanted quilting is great. I've got my fingers crossed for you!! xoxo

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  26. I 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.

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  27. it 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

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  28. I would LOVE a quilt as you go tutorial!

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  29. Would love a tutorial, I barely know what QAYG means

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  30. I love your tote and the fabric. A tutorial, wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Judith, Texas

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  31. This bag is so lovely, please tell us how to make it!

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  32. Adorable, beautiful bag!
    Great work!

    Hugs,
    Tatyana

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  33. this is beautiful, I totally love it!!!!!

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  35. Great bag, great colors and one I would love to make! So...we need a tutorial!

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  36. It is a beautiful bag! I think it will sell fast!! Looking forward to the tuto...

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