I enjoyed a little fabric therapy recently. You know that book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? Well, I think there should be one for if you give a quilter fabric, don’t you? I think we could all come up with a great story on that theme.
Wait – did somebody say mouse???
We were in Duluth recently, so I stopped by McTavish Quilting just to pop in and say hi and have a look around. This fabric caught my eye, and I knew I needed to make something with it. And I knew exactly what that would be.
So I came home, dug through my patterns until I found the Essential Tote pattern by Around the Bobbin, and got to work. I made my first Essential Tote in a sew along with Nancy (Grace and Peace Quilting) back in 2019. Since then, I’ve made two other bags with this pattern, altering it to a smaller size. You can see those here and here. This pattern is very easy, and also has instructions for adding a zipper closure, but I haven’t tried that yet. I like my bags open where I can quickly grab what I want.
The bag went together quickly, and soon I was ready for the handles. I went to my bag supplies bin only to find I didn’t have them! Shoot! So there it sat.
No worries, though. I ordered the leather handles from Noodlehead, and they arrived quickly. I added them to the bag, and it was done.
And here’s a peek at the inside of the bag. I added pockets to one side using the same fabric as the bag base.
I even remembered to add my little label. I’ve had these for awhile and keep forgetting to use them!
Here are the details:
- Essential Tote by Round the Bobbin
- Bag finishes at approximately 12-1/2″ by 19″
- Outer fabric (upper) – Celestial Onyx by Zen Chic for Moda
- Outer fabric (base) – Charcoal gray chambray from my stash
- Inner fabric – Filigree Zen Gray by Zen Chic for Moda
- Handles – 3/4″ black leather from Noodlehead
Every now and then I just need to make a bag; it’s great fabric therapy! !
Wendy
Well, how much fun is that? Great bag, and pretty fabric!
That’s a great tote, Wendy! I love that neat fabric – I had to keep looking at it to see what the print actually was. That kind of project makes a really satisfying finish, doesn’t it?
Oh Wendy, I love your bag and perfect fabric choice! It looks amazing! I just finished making a table runner and quilting a quilt, with a little tension issue… But all done and good to go. I think the longerarm sat too long and was protesting. Haha! Better not let it sit so long. 🙂 I love seeing all of your quilting projects. Thanks for sharing!
I know that feeling of just needing to make a bag. The fabric is perfect and it is a most beautiful tote
You couldn’t have found a better fabric for the bag. I love it!
That is a fabulous line – Zen Chic? It made the perfect tote, very nice work!
I love your little tags. Perfect touch.
Who knew that mouse and cookie story would inspire so many offshoots of ideas? Even amongst felines like you-know-who! I love this tote, Wendy. Sent you an email about it, too!
🙂
Well isn’t that just a fun fabric for a new tote! Wilbur is just so darn cute, he is in position for that mouse hunt!
So impressed with your tote! I love that fabric and would like a throw from it. Great shot of nosy Wilbs too.
Very cute and very practical! Is ti for you or is it a Christmas present?
Love this Wendy! I thought for sure this would be a Marcia Derse fabric. The leather handles are such a professional touch to the bag. ❤️❤️
Great bag, Wendy!! Love the fabric.
That fabric is great…no wonder you had to have it! Love the bag; it shows off the fabric very well! Wilbs is adorable, even as he plays the mighty mouse hunter! 🙂
I love it when you find fabric and know immediately what you want to use it for. The leather straps from Noodlehead coordinate so well. This looks like a great size and a super handy bag!
Was Wilbs checking on your 1/4″ seam? 😁 That fabric is great and it–and you–made up another lovely bag! And I love the tag! Where did you get those??
What a great bag. I love the bits of yellow and pink in that fabric. The strips are just the right addition. Zippers are something I have an aversion to and so don’t do bags. And that Wilbs! He is always so entertaining.
Enjoy your new bag, Wendy. It’s SEW lovely!!
Can never have too many totes! Love Zen Chic. Great job!
I love the Zen Chic fabric, and you were smart to use it for a bag. It’s perfect! I’m in the mood to make something small — maybe another Holland pouch since there’s a sew-along starting on Monday.
Great label Wendy! Remembering to add them is key. 😉 The bag is really pretty, and the handles give it that extra professional touch. One day I would love to visit McTavish Quilting, but it’s a fair hike from here, lol, would have to fly methinks. Wilbur does exactly what Bella does – those cat memos!
So much fun from going to Duluth and McTavish Quilting to the fabulously gorgeous bag. Love the handles, too, that you got from Noodlhead. I laugh at Wilbs hearing about the mouse. I could use a cat…we have curious chipmunk venturing into the 4 season porch and the basement for bird seed.
What a nice bag – so professionally done. Great job. Happy Holidays.
You have to love some fabric therapy!