I'd been thinking of trying to make a tote bag for awhile, but somehow never got around to starting one.
I was in Marukai the other day and I saw a small tote bag that was selling for around $8.00. There was nothing really special about it except that it had a recessed zipper. I thought that was cool.
It was my inspiration. I took this photo to help me remember what it looked like.
I dug out some fabric that I got at the swap meet for $1. Since I was totally guesstimating the design, and I was pretty sure I'd muck it up, I didn't wanna waste any good material.
I was so happy when the zipper portion turned out okay. What a surprise! I wish I had taken step-by-step pictures. I'm not even sure I could duplicate it again.
I made an inside pocket with the leftover material.
Cute hah? Who woulda thought?
If any of you are interesting in making a tote, there are instructions here (but without my nifty recessed zipper): Make It and Love It Farmer's Market Bag
17 comments:
That is a great-looking bag. Looks like a pro made it. I wouldn't, however, be able to use those colors, because I'd get the bag all grubby and grungy-looking! :-)
Jalna, you are so much fun to follow. I am a closet bag lover. Nah, everyone knows I like bags. Your vision is incredible. I really like your choice of fabrics. Wow and this one was $1.00! Your bag is really nice with the extras: recessed zipper and the inside pocket.
I did check out the link and I surfed that site and found this one. You may like http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2015/01/denim-bag-make-these-cute-bags-from-recycled-jeans.html
nice!
j: omg it's gorgeous and doesn't even look like homemade. Me, I look at an $8 bag and think should I buy it...you think can I make it? You're so creative. How long did it take for the finish product. Just adores. -N
Wow! So cute! You're genius! You should sell those on line. I'm serious!
VERY nice!! You are like the Eveready Bunny - always busy and doing good stuff.
You want fabric? I got some lightweight upholstery fabric that will make good bags but they aren't as bright and cute as yours. $free99....
Email me,
Aunty
I love it! You did an awesome job!!
Me too Lorna . . . I can get stuff bust-up looking so fast.
Thanks Celia! I agree . . . those jeans bags are sooooo cute!
Thanks Kat.
Thanks N. Total time was maybe a couple of hours. I spent most of the time trying to figure out how to do the zipper part.
LOL, thanks Akemi. I wish I were more ambitious, but I'm too lazy to sell.
Thanks for the offer, Aunty, but my sewing machine is a very basic, lower-end model, and I think it cannot handle upholstery fabric . . . even lightweight ones. It was already grumbling with me trying to sew through the slightly thicker fabric of this bag.
Oh my gosh! You are totally awesome! And you're in time for the No Plastic Bag law in July. You are an incredible seamstress. I am soooo jealous!
Thanks Renee!!
Thanks Kay, but I not that great. My workmanship could use some great improvement. That law is actually what got me thinking about doing totes. I want da kine hang-on-your-shoulder kine bags.
very nice. awesome job!!!!
Hey Susie!! Thanks!
Holy Moly....perfect fabric....!!
For real, Didi. And the stripes helped me to keep everything aligned.
i keep checking your blog at work and remind myself to come home and post a comment. Alzheimer Annie keeps forgetting! Stoooopid firewall!! So irritating. I can't believe something as simple as leaving a comment is blocked. Anyways, this bag is so cute!! Looks so professional!!
Thanks Les!!
Wow, that is really nice.
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