Tote-able

I've had this book on how to make purses for FOREVER! Ive been wanting to get it out and make something since I got it but, alas, too many other projects have come first.

Well, this last weekend while Jeff and his dad went to an LSU football game, Barbara decided to go to Hobby Lobby. I took this chance to get out the dusty old book and make a tote.

I started it Sunday afternoon and couldn't put it down! I had all of the fabric cut, interfaced, and the zipper sewn in all before bed. It's Wednesday afternoon and I just finished it. I absolutely love it and cant wait to fill it up!!

Here's a front view. It was a little complicated because the sides taper in so they are triangular instead of just straight up and down. Also, the handles called for clear 1/4" tubing for stability but I have not been able to find it so I used some cording for now. It's already beginning to unravel so it will need to be replaced very soon.

Here's a pic of the lining and zipper. I haven't made anything that required a zipper in years, so Barbara had to give me a refresher over lunch, lol. I added a pocket on the inside for my keys, phone, ipod, etc.

The book suggests making a label/tag for yourself to put on your creations. So, I brainstormed a bit, and decided that I should do a Paisley since that is my current design element favorite. I made this one out of french knots. I really like it, but I need some work on making my knots more uniform in size. My mom knows a technique that she said works beautifully, so I might have to remake my label. {It also looks like I need to go back and erase my pencil marks, lol ;)}

All in all, mistakes aside, I think it turned out really cute and it wont be my last purse/bag to make!

Pillow Shams In Progress

I finally got my fabric out to make the pillow shams I talked about. This was fun! It was so quick and easy to do. I got the top done and then decided that I wanted to get them top quilted just like the quilt itself, so the rest of the progress will have to wait. I think I am going to have to wait until after Christmas to take everything into the quilter since it is SO expensive! Anyways, I can't wait to make the final post and show the completed project :)

I decided to go with 6 squares in the center instead of 4. This way they were more "square" than rectangle and I could use more fabrics.

Here, the sham is flat so you can see the colors and layout.

Here, I laid it over a pillow to show what it will look like finished.