Monday 16 May 2011

Handmade Monday - Floral Tote Bag

Now I'm not one to cast aspersions.....but......it was Friday the 13th......when blogger decided to disappear for a few hours............ It's nice to be back. A warm welcome to my new followers and a big thank you to all that have visited my blog, your comments really do mean alot, I did manage to read the ones from Thursday's post before they vanished into the ether. Thank you.

My entry for Handmade Monday this week is the large tote bag from Cath Kidston's, 'Sew'.
 
Pic courtesy of Amazon
After my little jaunt around the market last weekend I realised that although my plastic Tescos 'Bag for Life' performed well in terms of purpose and function, it did let me down rather in the style stakes - so I decided to do something about it and this bag is the result.
I really enjoyed making this because:
  • It got me back into using paper patterns
  • I had to follow a set of instructions
  • I got to use the buttonhole function on my machine for the first time in a while
  • I can now hold my head up during any bouts of retail therapy
I used the floral fabric which has appeared on a few of my makes recently (told you I loved it!)


.......and I lined the inside with natural calico (ooooh I do like a bit of calico).  The bag also features a handy inside pocket.


.... and a roomy front pocket.


I embellished the button hole with a gorgeous pearlised button.


It should fold down happily to fit in my handbag ready to be used at an opportune moment but if you wanted to be sure of this, you may want to make the bag unlined, (as the book suggests).

 Now I haven't been to visit Wendy's blog and Handmade Monday yet, but I just know there will be lots of wonderful blog entries waiting for me to discover, so that's where I'm off to next.

And my youngest's verdict on my latest creation "Its's good but it reminds me a bit of wallpaper" - at least I can always rely on him for an honest critique.

Have a good day and thanks for visiting.









23 comments:

  1. Oooh, I just love a bag with lots of pocketses... which is why I am usually found on my doorstep desperately looking for my house key, which are usually in my jeans! Such pretty fabric, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lovely bag, beautifully finished, as always. As I am bereft of ideas,I am going to follow you and look in my CK books for inspiration for something to do whilst I wait for a glazier to turn up!
    x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice and roomy and I love big pockets, I like to have a big bag when I go for a bit of retail therapy.

    Jan x

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the material. It reminds me of the wallpaper I picked out for my bedroom as a little girl - happy memories :) Am envious of sewers - I've done a few bits and pieces, but my finishing leaves a lot to be desired ...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oops - I hadn't spotted your youngest's wallpaper comparison when I made the comment above :) I'm a child at heart obviously :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh oh oh! I want one! Please tell me these will be available in your shop!!! Vx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gorgeous and definitely more stylish than the bag for life option. I'm a lover of calico too and love that you've lined it.

    Thanks for taking part in HM x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love the bag! I have that book too though yet to try the bag so good to see how well it can turn out! lovely fabric too!

    ReplyDelete
  9. As a completely hopeless sewer...hmmmm sew-er...errrr as a person who just cannot sew, I love seeing how beautiful things can be made by clever people who aren't (unlike me) terrified of sewing machines....(they're sooo fast!!)
    Love the bag, it's beautiful xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. I saw the book on amazon and nearly bought it, if I do so, will you aim all your tutorials at whatever I'm working on please!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think it's to die for! Very sweet, and on the wallpaper comment, so what? I love that sweet floral wallpaper! LOL I like that it's lined. I am tempted now to just try using my buttonhole thingie on my machine. I have always been afraid to even try. Not sure why, it's not like the machine is going to jump up and attack me...is it? ;)
    Beautiful bag, I do love it. Good job.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lovely bag, nice choice of material. Looks nice and roomy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the fabric, so fresh and summery and the small florals seem to be so fashionable at the moment. Like everything you make, it is beautifully finished. x

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's a stunning bag!Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love your fabric choice I have a similar book Thanks for the inspiration xxx

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love the bag and fabric. Your youngest will go far.!! Hugs Mrs A.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love this fabric, so summery and agree the supermarket bags do fail over time. Have a good week

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the bag it's gorgeous. The supermarket bags do tend to look tatty after a couple of uses.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I've wanted to get that book for ages, may just have to now - your bag looks gorgeous. Not quite sure I'm ready for the 'button hole function' on my sewing machine yet though! Anna x

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your bag is lovely - I want one, so much more than a bag for life. Off to order the book from the library service.
    Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  21. That is a really great bag - I have the book, but have not made anything from it yet.

    Pomona x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great project and the result is lovely.
    Maybe i should put the book on my wish list!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love the bag! my sister is trying her hand at sewing. there is a curtain store by where she works and they give her all there old fabric books. And she is making her first top since she left school in the 80's! (not from curtain fabric,lol)

    ReplyDelete