Finished Trail Tote

I finally finished another bag!

I've wanted to make Noodlehead's trail tote for a while now. I actually started it back in March (it was on my 2015 FAL list for 2nd Quarter), and took much longer to finish than I expected! The tote itself was easy enough to make, just took a while to get around to it.

I have gotten used to using smaller bags and carrying fewer items around with me all day, so the small size of this tote is perfect for me. It's just big enough to hold my wallet, phone and kindle.

The tutorial was easy to follow, and everything came together fairly easily (as with all of the Noodlehead tutorials and patterns I've tried). I have made a few bags this year, so I am getting more and more comfortable with them. I did have a bit of trouble with the strap, and the slider. I've never used a slider and "o" rings before, so I wasn't quite sure how to attach everything. I figured it out eventually though.

This was also my first time making piping. I think the piping I chose is a little too big for this size bag, but it's not too bad. I have some leftover, and I think it would be the right size for the large version of this tote.

I would definitely make another one of these. It's nice to have something crossed off of my to do list. This is my first posted finish of the quarter...and it's the end of May already! I've been doing a lot of sewing lately, just not a lot of photo taking and blogging.

Happy Saturday!

My Art Student Tote

I have another finished tote to share!

Last fall, when Priory Square came out, I know I wanted to make a tote bag out of the Sunday Clippings print. I love the flowers and the birds, it's large scale--so perfect for a tote bag.

When we were in Denver @ Fancy Tiger Crafts, I found some, along with the Art Student Tote pattern by AMH. My husband ended up getting me both for Christmas.

At first glance, I found the pattern to be very confusing, especially the pockets. But I must have been overthinking it--after I put it down for a couple months, I was able to put it all together in a weekend. This pattern is definitely doable for a beginner, but it does take some patience. I also used a glue stick to baste the straps and keep everything in place while top stitching--I don't think I could have put it together without using a bit of glue.
 

I really like this tote because it has so many pockets! I also like the straps on the outside, and the extension panel. It makes the bag seem more complex, and a little less hand-made, which I like. I made version C, which is the largest size. I ended up making that extension panel a bit shorter than in the pattern (only 5"), but I do like having a zipper on the top.

I also ended up using heavy-weight interfacing on the entire bag. Because it is a larger bag, I wanted it to be able to stand up. I thought the zippers and d-rings might be too heavy with a lightweight interfacing. I haven't made a lot of bags, so I'm not sure if this was the right choice yet, but so far I'm happy with it.

I was able to measure the inside drop pockets, so they're able to fit everything I need--Kindle, wallet, pens, and lots of other things I don't even have :) I love having extra pockets. This bag is quite large, so I will be able to use it as a carry-on. Back when I used to use giant bags every day, this would have been right up my alley, but now I usually use a smaller bag from day to day.



Pardon the slightly blurry photo, I think I'll blame my photographer, who doesn't know how to use my old camera

We do have a trip coming up in May, so I'm looking forward to using this for my carry-on. I think it'll also be useful for those days when I'm running errands, and carrying around more than usual.

I am happy to have finish # 6 done for the Quarter 1 Finish Along, (here's my original list) I think I'll make another bag soon, but I'm thinking of something smaller. I may make the smaller version of this pattern, as I do like the details and pockets on it, but I haven't decided yet.

 Any suggestions?

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 :) 

My Latest Adventures in Bag Making

Hello again blogging friends.

I hope everyone has enjoyed a nice holiday season. I can't believe my 4 day weekend is already over, and I'm back to work tomorrow. I didn't do much holiday sewing, and it's been pretty quiet around here, so I've gotten a lot of sewing done (I've also eaten a lot of chocolate and cheese).

Now that I've gotten more experience under my belt, I've decided I want to try making bags. My first bag attempt was earlier this fall. I made Noodlehead's Cargo Duffle to use as my new carry-on/overnight bag.

 

I really love this bag. It's the perfect size and shape for me to use as a weekend bag or a carry-on -- not too big, not too small. I'm able to hold two changes of clothes, and my makeup bag for a long weekend. As a carry-on I can fit a jacket, my tablet, a snack and my EPP supplies. The front pockets are very handy for smaller things, like my phone or wallet.

 

I would highly recommend this free tutorial, it was great for a beginner like me. I think her patterns are very clear and easy to understand. Now that I know a little more about bag making, I think I would add a few extra pockets to the inside if I made it again.

 

I also learned to make a boxy pouch last week. This one was a pattern I got from an older issue of Love Patchwork and Quilting.

 



I was able to make this one in about an hour and a half--which is pretty quick for me. Now that I've done one, I think I could make the next in less than an hour. I ended up using this one as a Secret Santa gift at work, and filled it with chocolate. Pouches are very useful though, I'm sure I'll go back to this pattern again!

Now that I'm getting the hang of inserting zippers, I think I'm ready to make something a little more complicated. I got a couple of patterns for Christmas, and I'm anxious to open them and make things. Do any of you have a favorite bag or pouch pattern that you'd recommend?

Happy Sunday!

This week I'll link up with Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story,  NTT Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation, Finish it up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts and the Weekly Inspiration Linky Party at Nini and The Sea