Maker's Tote

I was very impressed at the Simply Solids retreat by the gorgeous Maker's Totes that a number of people had made. I've made shopping totes before but not anything resembling a 'proper ' bag, so I thought I'd give one ago.  Here is the result:

The only fabric I had enough of was this Cotton and Steel fabric that originally I was going to use for  a Place for everything bag. I still want to make one of these, so I'll have to order some more fabric.

This was the first time I'd inserted this type of zip for the concealed pocket. I found it reasonably straight forward, though tricky to roll the edge inside with the thickness of the Bosal ( some trimming was required). I decided to omit the front pocket as I'd never use it.

 It was also the first time I'd put a top zipper in like this with zipper tapes. Again, it was reasonably straight forward.

The most difficult parts of the construction were inserting the gussets and attaching the binding  round the curves. Somehow I managed it, but it was tricky.

It's a very roomy bag and I'm pleased with it. If I make another one, I'll use a thicker/stiffer interlining in the gusset and also make the handles into shoulder straps. I much prefer to carry bags on my shoulder rather than with handles. I may even change the handles on this one if I can be bothered.

This is my first finish of FAL Q4 ( original list here )

Finish a long Q4

Hard to believe we are in the last quarter of the year. I didn't do at all well last quarter, with only 2 finishes. This was due to a number of factors but time to move on!

So here it is :

1) Maker's Tote

I saw so many beautiful examples of these at Simply Solids Retreat 2016 that I decided to make one of my own 

 This shouldn't take too long!

2) and 3)

I need to make 2 sew together bags as gifts.

This is one I made for Justine as a secret sewer gift.

3)Kindle Case

I had my kindle and cover stolen, so I need a new one for my new kindle.

4) I-Pad Cover

I'd like to make one of these as well

5) Siblings Together Quilt

This top needs to be quilted and bound

6) Scrappy quilt

I need to finish this quilt which I started in Simply Solids retreat.

7)Majestic Mountains quilt

I had started quilting this when I 'broke' the timing. I've had to unpick all the quilting and I'll have to start again

8) Make your own Magic

I started this in a class with Sarah Fielke at Simply Solids in July. It needs a fair bit of work!

9) Mid century modern quilt

This quilt top was a round robin made by myself and my Bumbling Honey bee mates. I'm thrilled with how it has turned out. Needs quilting and binding.

10) Another Siblings Together Quilt

The blocks for this quilt are being made this month by STQB. I hope to have it finished this quarter

11)WIP's

These are all carried over from the previous quarters:

a) It's a wonderful world

b)Gnome quilt

c) Star quilt

d) Alison Glass triangle quilt

Lola Pouch

Just a quick post about my new Lola pouch, so I just get in under the wire for FAL Q3. I had seen many of these pouches by Sotak handmade on IG etc, so thought I'd better give it a go.
I've never made a pouch like this, with binding around the top before.

It wasn't difficult to make and the pattern instructions are very clear. I used a bit of Essex linen in blue and Liberty for the top section and the lining. The binding was a Cotton and Steel.

I have 2 gripes with the pattern, firstly the binding was too narrow, if I were to make it again I'd increase the width. Secondly, I really hate the way the zip ends. I followed the pattern measurements exactly and I just don't like how you have to grip the bag to get the zip to open.

I'm not sure if I'll make any more. Maybe I'll try the smaller size at some point.

This is number 7 on my original FAL Q3 list ( here).

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