Two Finished Totes

One of my goals this year has to been to learn to make new things, like clothes and bags. I thought tote bags would be really challenging, especially because I like a lot of pockets in my totes, but I've been pleasantly surprised.

My first tote from this year was the 241 tote by Noodlehead. I asked my husband for the pattern for Christmas, and I've wanted to make this tote for a long time. I love the different shape, and the side pockets.

I don't really have any great photos of this one, but I have been using it every day. I am happy to say I made this all from my stash. I do have another one planned, in more solids, but I am happy with how it turned out--I'm also glad I had coordinating fabrics and a zipper on hand.

My second bag is one of my 2015 FAL goals. I made a beach tote for my mom and sister to take on their cruise last month.

I made this one up as I went along, and I was relieved it turned out as well as it did. This was another one I made completely from my stash. I do wish I'd bought a matching zipper for the front pocket, but I don't think they notice as much as I do.

 

 

I made this bag with some quilter's linen and charm squares from Zen Chic's Barcelona. I added an external zipper pocket along with a drop pocket on the inside.

I also learned how to do a ladder stitch to close up the lining. I've been really lazy with all of my bag linings so far, but I'm glad I took the time to figure out how to do a ladder stitch, because it's really a lot easier than I thought it would be.

I am happy to say that this bag did survive their 10 day cruise, and I hope they do get a lot of use out of it this year. My 16 year old sister told me both of my bags are very 'high tech' because they have zippers, magnetic snaps, and pockets in them. It's lucky she feels that way, as I predict that she'll be getting another one of these 'high tech' totes for her next birthday. I also think I'm ready to start my Art Student tote next week.

Hope everyone is surviving the winter! It's been colder here than usual, but 'cold' here is around 60 degrees, so I can't complain. I am looking for some warmer weather and barbecues this spring!

This is another one of my finishes for the 2015 FAL...(list here) I think I've shared three so far...just 6 more to go :)