I have been very busy over the last couple of weeks drafting a pattern for a tote bag, and have made a few samples using the same basic pattern. This version was started yesterday, when I spent the day with my friend Helen (unfortunately I didn't actually get much sewing done - must have been too busy yakking!!). Anyway, I had an idea to make a "thrifty" bag, so decided to upcycle an old pair of jeans.....
.....I used some fabric that I had bought from Fabric8 a few weeks ago, when I went shopping with my friend Val. I've quilted it very simply with a 3" cross-hatch design, and used a navy blue Mettler quilting thread. I used the bottom half of one leg of the jeans for the back of the bag (which was quilted completely) and the top half of the leg of the jeans for the front. I quilted the lining and added the front afterwards, and just quilted around the pockets to stop the layers from shifting, as I didn't want to quilt across the pockets!.....
.....this picture shows the inside - I love this fabric - I added a useful key holder and of course one of my labels just HAD to added - this one has been sewn onto the outside of the bag as a design feature.....
.....and here is the completed tote bag, complete with a pair of very smart brown leather handles. I'm really pleased with how this has turned out - Mr F had better look out as I might cut up his old jeans and shirts!! I'll share a tutorial later showing more details of how to make the basic bag. I've still got the other leg of the jeans left over, so watch out for another bag soon!
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