Sunday, May 20, 2007

Crazy Pieced Floral Totebag

A couple of rainy days, the family all away for the week-end...what better time than this to make a little project? I have made a gazillion totebags over the years so this was pretty much a no brainer in terms of construction...instead, what was of interest to me was how to integrate the floral fabrics that I created on the computer.
This came out looking a little differently than I had envisioned, for a few reasons. I used a very large scale print, for one, which made this pretty old-fashioned looking, not at all contemporary. Also, because the focal print is on cotton, it is not as vibrant as I had thought it would be.
See what you think...

Here is my pile of fabrics, waiting for their auditions.

Here is the tote pieced, before being trimmed, the handles put on, sewn to the lining and turned right side out, and quilted. I am skipping those photos as this isn't a tutorial...

I made this little beaded covered button for it last night while I watched Girl TV (which happens when my guys are away.) Robin Atkins taught me these in a workshop a few years ago..they are fun to do.

The finished tote. I am tempted to try another one....my vision was more flashy than this...At first I wasn't real pleased with it, but it is growing on me....

I am ready for it to stop raining now, anyway!

14 comments :

Possibilities, Etc. said...

I really like this one - it isn't quite what I pictured either when you first mentioned doing it. Put it away for a few days and then look at it again - I think you will like it better. Oh please do start another one. Glad to see you with a needle in your hand again.

Rian said...

Very sweet and I love the circular quilting. I need to make some utilitarian totes to take to the grocery store and farmer's market.

Vicki W said...

Your tote turned out beautiful! That beaded button is incredible - I'd love to see some photos of the "in process" the next time you do this.

Marty52 said...

I think this is mah-velous! The circular quilting really makes it for me. It is softer in tone than I expected, though. In a good way! ;0)

atet said...

I don't know -- I think it still looks contemporary and the circular quilting really sets it off. But, by all means, do make another. And if it needs a home... :0).

Threadspider said...

I love it-makes me think of summer and tennis and strawberries and cream and all good things in the sunshine!

Lin Moon said...

The thing I like about this idea is that your flower fabric can dictate the color scheme, in such a natural way! I think the bag is gorgeous and just loooove that beaded button.

Barbara C said...

Very beautiful! The quilting really pulls it together.

Kathy Morrow said...

I agree with Lin Moon, Allie, it's gorgeous. I love it.

Debra Dixon said...

Very pretty! and if you don't like it, it could always become an awesome gift.

Robin said...

This is a beauty!!! I love the fabrics and the way you quilted it and the button... everything about it! Thanks for the mention... In case anyone's interested, I did a bit of a tutorial about the button construction on my blog here and here.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

I love this one! If you don't care for it, do you have an etsy shop? (Hint, hint)

Susan said...

I love the look of this. The circular quilting was the perfect finish.

Clothmatters said...

Gorgeous tote bag and beaded button.