Halloween Simple Tote Bags

When all else fails, I seem to make tote bags. These simple tote bags will hopefully serve as my two great nieces trick or treat bags for this coming Halloween. The fabric with dancing skeletons with colorful tennis shoes  glows in the dark. I can't even remember how many years ago I bought this fabric on sale. It has to be at least 5 years ago and it still glows. How cool is that? If you look closely, you will find the polymer skeletons attached to each bag. I don't get to see my great nieces (ages 7 and nearly 13) often enough so hopefully this will remind them that I am thinking of them and love them very much. They were fun and easy to make.

I'm a Winner! Unforgettable Tote Bags

In all the years of leaving messages on people's blogs for give-aways, I won! Actually I wasn't going to even attempt except that I really wanted Eleanor Levieto know how much I appreciated her post on Fiber Philadelphia and especially being able to see Babara Schneider's leaves. Winning a tote bag book makes me laugh every time I think about it. You all know how much I love making tote bags.

I want to start by saying how much I respect those who believe so strongly that they self publish their books. I know it's easy these days to self publish but it is still a major undertaking. Next, Eleanor wants us to to be creative AND "respect Mother Earth." We must be kindred spirits!

There are 20 different projects from "celebrities" like Virginia Avery, Lonni Rossi, Rachel D.K. Clark, Susan Shie, Diane Gaudynski and Kaffe Fassett. The book is packed with information. Even better, Eleanor is now offering the $21.95 book for $14 (shipping in the US included). Check out the details here. I see more tote bags in my future!

Tote Bag Closures

Option One

Option Two

You certainly don't have to have the make your tote bags so that they can close.  I am a such a klutz so being able to close my tote bag is important to me and when I give them as gifts, it does make it look impressive especially to non-sewers. Buttons are another love of my life so it's nice to be able to use them. 

I know a lot of people fear making button holes, but sewing machines make it really easy. Just follow the instructions in your sewing machine manual, it usually just five easy steps. I usually make the piece match both size and color of the piece of fabric (you can see it in the Tote Bag Crazy post but this time I wanted to see what it looked like a little bigger. Just remember to make it work for you! There are no rules.

If making button holes just isn't your cup of tea, then try option two.  There are all kinds of fabulous fibers and cords available to use or you could even make your own! I usually cut the cord around nine inches making sure that an inch is in the seam. Stitching around the edge of the bag provides not only a nice finish and provides extra security. Enjoy!

Postmark'd Art and Tote Bags

Postcard by Marjorie Lee Jin En McQuincy

Postcard by Lynn Chinnis

For those of you interested in tote bags, I have made a page (just under the header) with my posts concerning them. I am sorry that I got away from finishing my tote bag construction posts and promise to post tomorrow on closures.

I have belonged to Postmark'd Art since its beginning in 2004.  It was the first online group that I ever joined and I had never made a fiber postcard. Belonging to the group has been an incredible learning experience. I have gained some wonderful friends, stretched and grown as a person and an artist because of this group. We have recently relaunched our web presence. Franki Kohler, our leader and organizer, Lynn Chinnis and I are working with the group to continually add new content.  If you are interested in any way about fabric postcards, visit the website. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Postcard by Franki Kohler

Tote Bag Next Steps

Once the sewing is done and you have squared up your pieces, measure and cut your lining the same size.

Next, it's time to cut some notches so that the bag has a bottom. I cut 1 3/4 inch notches. Sew the sides and bottom of the bag. I sew these 1/2 inch and have to remind myself because I'm so use to 1/4 inch seams with quiltmaking.

Do the same for the lining EXCEPT you're going to leave a 6 inches opening on the bottom so when you sew everything together you can easily turn it inside out. You can simply sew the opening closed with your sewing machine once it is turned.

With right sides together and matching the seams, sew the notches to create the bottom of your bag. Again remembering to sew a 1/2 inch seam.

I love pockets so I always make sure the bags I make have at least one. When I started I did not line the pockets and quickly learned that lining them was worth the time and effort. Remember to place you pocket lower that the time of your lining or you might sew your pocket shut! You can add a zipper to your pocket if you like or add a button closure.

Tote Bag Details (one)

Okay! I had not planned on sharing more about my tote bags, but all the questions I've received have made me realize this is what a lot of my readers want. I live to serve! You're lucky too because I have begun making a new tote bag for my new daughter-in-law Sang. I first choose the umbrella fabric to build from in both color and design. I'm pleased so far. I like fairly large tote bags, but not so big that it becomes too easy to overfill. The size of this piece is 15" by 20". I'm also trying something new. Instead of using batting, I'm using a wool and rayon blend piece of felt. I spray baste the back to the felt then sew the pieces directly onto the lining (also the umbrella fabric, but for this part I'm using muslin or other fabric that is light in color) and felt. I usually use 7-8 fabrics, but this one seemed to work for me with fewer pieces. I originally had a green piece of fabric included, but it just didn't work for me so I used the blue one instead. I'm also not sure that Sang would like more. The next step is to do some machine quilting, but this is not necessary. It's just something I like to do. My friend Barbara does not quilt her tote bags at all and they are marvelous.

I realize you'll have to enlarge the photo to see that I have quilted two sections (the circles and brown fabric). I think it's fun to just play around on tote bags. You could quilt the entire piece too. If there is any distortion, you simply cut it and make it square. No one will know that you made it a little smaller. Personally, I just want to add interest and not make it look like a quilted bag. More tomorrow!

I'd also like to thank everyone for their sympathy and suggestions for my handle problem. You are the best!

Tote Bag Handle Problem

Christmas 2009 I went crazy making tote bags (15 in all).  You can see them in my post of December 1, 2009. For many of the bags I purchased vinyl for the handle. I thought it would hold up better and was worth the extra cost. The bags were a hit. Unfortunately, friends and family who have used their bags a lot have found that the vinyl handles have separated. This weekend I've spent my time trying to repair one friend's handles. This has turned out to be much more of a challenge than I expected. FabricTac glue did not hold which was a huge surprise. I finally used Gorilla Glue but even with it I had to use bulldog clips used it dried. I had a moment of panic when one of the clips got glue on it and resisted coming off. Hopefully the glue will hold it together. I was going to make some more bags (only 1-2, the obsession to make many has passed) but will pass on purchasing vinyl handles.

Tote Bag Crazy

At first I wasn't going to share my latest obsession which is making tote bags for family and friends for the holidays, but obviously I've changed my mind. A friend shared that she didn't think this counted as "making art" and I don't totally disagree. However, I am having fun playing with fabric and color combination AND making something for people I love. It has also gotten me into the habit of being in my studio every day. I can't thank Lisa enough. It also frees my brain to think and I have to tell you my brain has been on overdrive! The dresses came out of creating them so I can't totally agree that these tote bags are not about creating art.