Stampin' Up! fabric tote bag and lapel flower

How thrilled I was when I learned that Stampin' Up! is now offering fat quarters of fabric selections! Not only are coordinating fabrics available in the winter mini catalog, but also coordinating buttons and seam binding. I didn't hesitate a moment before placing my order.

I knew immediately that the "Deck the Halls" designer fabric would work perfectly for a patchwork quilt bag. I made up a pinwheel pattern and set out cutting and sewing and piecing the fabric pieces together. Using the "cherry cobbler" fabric on top as an added header piece to the bag I wove the seam binding through some ribbon and added the a "cherry cobbler" colored button in the center of the bag.
I love making and using totes and I've come to discover that no tote bag is complete without added inside pockets and a key clip. My bags are deep enough to carry large items but I don't want to have to worry about digging in the bottom to find my keys or cell phone or pen. So I've attached a key clip as well as two inside pockets.

I never can throw away scraps of fabric and this was no exception. Recently, I was one of several very lucky winners of ABBEY LANE QUILTS book titled, "Blooming Possibilities." This delightful book contains patterns for flowers, bags and hats. The flower I made is made by following the instructions in the book for the LIZZIE flower. Using my Nestibilities large circle dies I cut out layers of the fabric and netting, layered them together, slashed, wetted and shredded the "petal" and added the seam binding for leaves and stem and a button in the center. I attached a pin back.

I think this flower is fun attached to the tote bag and also can be used as a lapel pin on your winter coat or perhaps pinned to your winter hat.

I have spent this past month since my last post busily sewing. I've created a number of different tote bags in beautiful fabrics and styles and perfect for the coming holidays to give as gifts as well as tote your packages in as you do your holiday shopping. Coming very soon, I'll post my new Etsy shop. In the meantime I'll preview some of the bags.

While I'm on the topic of Etsy, my eventual plan is to carry not only tote bags but also dog/pet items, as well as children's toys and clothing. Those are longterm goals, but to begin with I'll feature a variety of totes.

Until next time...

Cheers!

Jennifer