Handmade Monday - Tote Bag for a Wheelchair

Good morning everyone. I've got something to show you today that's bright and cheery on this grim Autumnal morning.

A little while ago, I was approached by a very lovely lady, to make a bag. Not any old bag though. She a had a dilemma...... no that's not the right word...... a gripe...... may be more appropriate. She longed for a pretty bag that she could put on her wheel chair. She explained to me that whilst backpacks fit nicely they aren't usually that pretty and she wanted pretty.

Some of you may even know this lovely lady, Maria from Mias Crafts. Her website is packed full of craft ideas whether you're into jewellery, salt dough, rag rugs or papercrafts there will be something there that lights your candle. Oh yes, she even has those as well - candles holders I mean, so make sure you pop over to say hello.

Maria had seen this post which had inspired her to get in touch and I'm very pleased she did. This is what I came up with.

A tote bag, made a little larger than normal to fit across the back of a wheelchair.....

....with handles at the side to easily slip over the handles.

A roomy front pocket.....

....and a useful inner one too.

The fabric is of course CK .......

........and the lining is my beloved Laura Ashley Heath Green Gingham.

Venturing into unchartered territory, Maria was wonderful to work with, sending over precise measurements and indicating the exact positioning of the handles she would like. She received my package a couple of days ago and tells me she's chuffed to bits. I believe she has already given it a trial run.

This custom make was lovely to do as it solved a problem and gave me an excuse to sew (like I need one!)

So if you've seen anything on these pages that you like the look of but may want to slightly change please get in touch, caroline.lovis@tiscali.co.uk  I'd be only too happy to discuss your custom made requirements.

Of course I met Maria through marvellous Handmade Monday run by Wendy which is where I am off to now. If you're stuck for a Christmas make idea there will definitely be something there for you. This week Wendy is celebrating a massive 100,000 views on her blog and if you're quick there's still time to enter her fabulous giveaway.

Have a good day x

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.