Making a tote bag is surprisingly easy. I made this strawberry tote bag using this excellent tutorial by Super Eggplant:
I started with a set of kitchen curtains that I found at the thrift store for $2.00, but you could use approximately 1/2 yard of 100% cotton fabric--one piece for the inside of the bag and one piece for the outside. I used 2 yards of 1-inch wide ribbon for the straps:
I cut my pieces into 14-1/2 X 14-1/2 inch squares. Since I wanted my bag to be durable and able to carry books and such, I ironed fusible interfacing to the back of each square (I used DecorBond which is available at Walmart for $2.50 per yard).
You can make your bag with any fabric (generally a 100% cotton, non-stretchy fabric is best) and use any ribbon or fabric for the straps. This would be an excellent way to make swim-lesson totes for your children, a library book-bag for yourself and it would also be a great way to teach your kids to sew!
To access the tutorial, click here.
Enjoy!
Randi Hayden and her husband homeschool their kids in Colorado. This year they will graduate their oldest daughter from high school and start their youngest daughter in kindergarten. Things are always busy at their house!
As a family they enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, playing soccer and just being together. Randi loves to read, write, take photographs and make crafts of all kinds, sewing and quilting are her favorites.
You can visit her blog here.
Comments
That is beautiful
1:10 PM, May. 22, 2006, posted by Anonymous
You did a lovely job.
Maribel
www.APMFormulators.com
I did it!
5:26 PM, May. 22, 2006, posted by
sagerats
I made a bag. you can check it here:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/sagerats/139069/
If you want. Thanks for the project!
Abiding in the Vine!
Untitled Comment
7:53 PM, May. 22, 2006, posted by
KarenW
That's beautiful! It looks like a great project for my daughter and I to work on.
Thanks
11:37 AM, May. 23, 2006, posted by
Amber
I'm haven't really sewn much of anything, but I'm SO temped to do this, my next project I attemp to do will be this!!!
God Bless,
Amber
Untitled Comment
9:07 PM, May. 23, 2006, posted by
eyecorn
What an adorable bag! You have inspired me...we are moving and I'm going to use a folding table as a desk, so I need to make a skirt to fancy it up. I definitely have to check out the thrift stores for some bed sheets or curtains!
Untitled Comment
10:33 PM, May. 23, 2006, posted by Anonymous
Hi Amber,
This would be an easy project for you to start with. And just think, when you are done you will have adorable bag to carry around! Best of luck!
Randi
http://cheekymama2005.blogspot.com/
Untitled Comment
7:25 AM, May. 24, 2006, posted by Anonymous
Hi Eyecorn,
I have been surprised at how many neat linens and fabrics I have found at the thrift store! People toss great stuff, and, of course, it's cheap!
Randi
