All week Amy (from Ameroonie Designs) and I will be celebrating our birthdays by sharing projects that we are making just for us... all those items that keep getting bumped further and further down our to-do lists. I'm so excited for this week, especially because I get to collaborate with Amy, who is super talented and a great friend. OK, let's get this party started!
To kick things off, I made myself a 241 Tote.
This is a pattern created by Anna from Noodlehead, and it is really a great looking bag.
It’s also an easy sew. I used fusible fleece for the interfacing to give it some extra body. The exterior pockets, strap, and lining are linen. The center and side panel fabrics are quilting cotton.
I added two slip pockets to the inside. The pockets are linen with a strip of cotton across the top. One pocket has a little slot to hold a pen. The bag also has a magnetic snap closure, which I think I have finally figured out how to properly insert without worrying about it ripping out.
I got a chance to use the bag for the first time over the weekend. I LOVE it. The strap is so comfortable, and it doesn’t slide off your shoulder. The bag hangs perfectly and doesn't get in the way when you're out and about. My husband even commented on the bag. When he saw it, he looked it over and asked if I made it. He was pretty impressed with it.
The only issue I have with the bag is one of my own… I carry too much stuff around with me. I don’t carry a separate diaper bag for my youngest anymore, so I throw everything in my everyday bag. A wipes pack and a couple of diapers fit in the bag with the rest of my stuff, but it’s a tight squeeze. I’m going to try it out for a few weeks because I really like the current size of it. If I decide I need a little more room, I’ll make a larger version, which would be easy enough to do.
I really love this bag and would recommend the pattern to anyone. I couldn’t believe how easily it came together. I will definitely be making more of these.
So that’s my first birthday project for myself. Make sure you hop on over to visit Amy at Ameroonie Designs to see her first project, this sunshiney shag pillow…
And don’t forget to stick around all week for more projects and a fantastic giveaway on both blogs on Friday... you won't want to miss it! Thanks for stopping by today!
I’m linking up…
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28 comments:
It's so lovely, Gwen. I really love the fabrics you chose. The pattern is gorgeous. There's nothing like a strap that doesn't slip off - that's sooooo annyoing with bags - particularly when I'm cycling. Grrrrr!
Sarahx
You did such a beautiful job on your bag Gwen! I love the fabrics you chose too! Happy Birthday to ya!
Great bag! What a great birthday present to yourself. Happy Birthday Gwen
Of course you know I love it! This week is going to be so fun!
xoxo,
Amy
Gwen, I love the bag, the colors you picked are so pretty! I bought some of the magnetic closures, but haven't tried them on a bag yet, I hope they are easy....any pointers??? :)
Take care...Jodi
You chose some great fabric for that bag! I love that pattern! Have a great birthday celebration!!!
Cute bag! Can't wait to see your other projects!!
Great bag. What a great way to celebrate your birthdays! Hartelijk gefeliciteerd!!!
Love the tote! I just read your About Me page and saw that you would love to learn how to crochet. I just taught myself at the end of January via You Tube videos and I LOVE it. My blog has turned in to a gallery of photos from my crocheting adventures and my new lightbox my engineer hubby made me just FOR my crochet goodies. lol It SO fun..I encourage you to try it! New follower, too!
I have magnetic closures that i am really wanting to try but they came with no instructions so I really don't know how to start! Any tips?
Love the bag!!
Loving the blue! I should probably make myself a new bag soon...I've been using a diaper bag as a purse :P
Happy 35! It's been great so far...and I know you'll love it. I wouldn't give up all I've learned to be 25 again, promise. The tote is wonderful...on my list to try.
I just bookmarked this pattern last week! Kindred crafting spirits, I tell you... I'm curious -- how do you put your magnetic clasp in? I always fear the ripping-out thing but I don't want to use cardboard like they suggest because DUH I want to wash it!
Cute tote Gwen! I love the interior pocket and magnetic closure.
Stopping by from Skip to My Lou. Awesome fabric and love the bag.
Come on by my blog when you have a moment:
http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com/2011/05/wool-buffalo-check-coat-finished.html
What a gorgeous bag! I love your fabric choices, and the pattern itself is beautiful. I love it!
Rachel @ Maybe Matilda
i love that you two are doing this series. So fun! Beautiful bag, Gwen. I love the colors. i am really bad about carrying around too much stuff I'm always worried I won't be prepared for something. What that is, I have no idea so I just put everything in!
I love the shape of that bag and you've made it in beautiful colours..it's a real keeper!
I love the fabric you chose! I can't wait to see the next project. :O)
Beautiful bag, it looks like its the perfect size. Your work on the interior is flawless. Well done!
This bag design is really different, I can see why you'd want to make one for yourself Gwen. And man, you definitely have an eye for coordinating fabrics. It turned out so great. Happy birthday to you!
I really need to make myself this tote already. Love it every time I see it. It's on my sewing bucket list. Need to get er done! Yours looks great!
so cute gwen! i love love it, the fabrics are perfect. :)
I love that pattern! You did a great job picking out the fabrics...looks amazing!
I love your bag :) beautiful fabric!
I brought the pattern a few weeks agao but sadly I have not been able to make a bag yet due to a hand op but not long now then I can get on with it :)
Oh, I love this bag! I used magnetic snaps for the first time with my diaper bag and think I'm kinda hooked... I hate buttons!
Noodlehead has an excellent tutorial on magnetic closures.
Check out Noodlehead..she has an excellent tutorial!
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