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DIY Dip Dyed Tote Bag

June 10, 2016 by Holly Wade

Hey there! Holly from Revamperate here, and today I’m going to share a surprisingly easy project you can try this summer – an ombre dip dyed tote bag!

diy-dip-dyed-tote-bag-2

Summer is the perfect time of year for dying projects because the extra sun gives things a chance to dry so quickly, and it makes it easy to do projects outside. This very simple dip dyed tote bag has an ombre look to it based on how long you leave parts of the bag in the dye. I’ve been wanting to make this for a long time, so I’m really thrilled with how the dipped ombre colors turned out and how well it’s held up over the last couple weeks when I’ve taken it to the store with me.

When it comes to dying, just take your time and start with an easy project (like this one!) and it’s bound to be successful. You can also try my watercolor striped dish towels, which is another easy project with dye that’s more subtle.

diy-dip-dyed-tote-bag

Supplies:

  • White tote bag
  • Fabric-safe dye
  • Large bucket
  • Plastic for work surface
  • Gloves (optional)

First, let’s go over the supplies. I highly recommend using a white tote bag if you can find one because the color will be truer and easier to predict. You can still use a tan/beige bag but your dye might not appear the way you expect it to. I used Rit dye, which is very simple to use and is easy to find at any craft store or online.

It’s important to cover your work surface in plastic before you begin mixing the dye (I use cut up trash bags). I also recommend doing this outside if possible. If you use newspaper, the dye can easily leak through to your tabletop, and since you will be laying the dyed bag on top of the plastic, you want to protect your work surface.

diy-dip-dyed-tote-bag-3

Steps to Creating a Dip Dyed Tote Bag:

  1. Follow the directions on the package to mix your dye. If using Rit, you will want to mix warm water into the powder dye until dissolved.
  2. If using a smaller bucket, fold the bag in half and make sure to hold the handles out of the way.
  3. Over your work surface, dip the bag into the dye about halfway only for a second. Pull out a couple inches and let the bag rest over the side of the bucket still partially submerged. Leave for about 5 minutes.
  4. After 5 minutes, pull the bag out a couple more inches with only the bottom of the bag still submerged. Leave for about 10 minutes.
  5. After 10 minutes, carefully hold up the bag. If you can clearly see the difference in color intensity between each section, you’re done. If not, add the bottom of the bag to the dye again.
  6. When you’re satisfied with the color, carefully unfold the bag and lay on clean plastic for several hours or overnight to dry.
  7. Once completely dry, hand wash the dyed portion of the bag in the sink. If you submerge the entire bag in water, you may risk the color transferring to the still white portion of the bag.
  8. Let dry again and it’s ready to use!

This bag is great for carrying groceries, books and anything else you tote around!

Filed Under: Guest Post Tagged With: Guest Post, Holly Wade, Revamperate, tote bag

21 Ways to Crochet, Knit or Sew a Bag

November 25, 2014 by FaveCrafts

I have a confession to make: I simply love bags. Big totes, small pouches – I don’t care how big it is. If a bag catches me eye, I simply HAVE to have it. While it’s fun to go shopping and check out the latest style, it’s not so fun to watch my bank account dwindle. I’ve realized that I must seek out the best possible DIY projects to recreate my favorite bag patterns.

When you learn how to knit, crochet and sew your own bag, you have the world at your fingertips. Who needs fancy designers when you can bring your own homemade bag to life? My favorite way to make a statement is by upcycling old items like jeans and turning them into memorable handmade bags. Get inspired and get to work – you may never spend money on a handbag ever again!

 

Free Crochet Purse Patterns

Crochet Tote Bag – Super simple but so much fun to make.

Extra Large Bellagio Tote – Carry all of your essentials plus a few extras.

Beginner Tote Bag – If you’re new to crochet (or just don’t feel like working too hard), try this free crochet pattern.

Mini Knitting Tote – It’s teeny, it’s tiny and it’s PERFECT.

Smiling Sunflower Bag – Rain or shine, this bag will always make you happy. Little kids will also love this pattern (it’s perfect for traveling).

Felt Flower Mini Tote – It’s small but mighty! Who wouldn’t feel glamorous with this purse on their arm?

Little Red Crochet Bag – Get fired up! How cute is this free crochet pattern?

Striped Tote Bag – A bag that’s anything but basic, you’ll want to take this with you everywhere.

 

Knitted Purse Patterns

BeeBopper Knitted Tote Bag – The bold colors and wide strap make this pattern a unique delight.

Uptown Tote Bag – No matter where you’re headed, you’ll be glad you made this practical bag.

Shetland Cable Knit Bag – Who wouldn’t fall in love with knitted bag patterns like this?

Thrifty Market Bag – Take your bag to the farmer’s market or carry it when you travel. Either way, you’ll be able to fit all of your essentials!

 

 

 

 

Free Bag Sewing Patterns

Funky Jeans Bag – What do you do when your old jeans don’t fit anymore? Don’t get depressed – make a purse instead (and buy new jeans, of course).

6 Old Jeans Purse Patterns – Once you make the bag above, you’ll want to upcycle all of your old pairs of jeans and make more sewn bags.

Sew Easy Skirt Tote – Save a skirt, make a bag! This fashionable project will help you cut closet clutter.

Upcycled Denim Tote Bag – Go green and save your denim from the trash can. You’ll love the look of this fashionable sewn bag pattern.

 

 

 

BONUS – FREE EBOOK!

How to Make a Purse: 20 Patterns for Sewing Totes, Bags and More – Once you start making your own purses, you might not be able to stop! Luckily, there are a ton of fun and exciting bag patterns in this free eBook. Purses can get super expensive, especially if you plan to buy a fancy handbag. Stay away from that department store and step away from the computer – this free eBook will help you save money and look like a million bucks. Whether you want to make a fancy clutch or a large crossbody bag, we’ve got you covered. Download a copy today.

 

 

What is one item you have in your bag right this second?

 

 

 

Filed Under: Wearable Crafts Tagged With: bags and purses, crochet bags, Favecrafts, free bag pattern, free knitting pattern, free sewing patterns, Julia Litz, tote bag

Ah, The Great Outdoors: Homemade Camping Gear and Munchies

July 6, 2014 by FaveCrafts

The-Great-OutdoorsOh, how I miss family camping trips. As a child, there was nothing more exciting than watching my parents pull sleeping bags, lanterns, and outdoor eating utensils out of a storage closet. My little brother and I would run around and try to remember what each object was for. My parents, of course, would be less than amused: “Get out of the way; this box is heavy!” “Chelsea, turn that lantern off or you’ll waste the battery!” Making camping preparations was just about as exciting as the actual trip itself. If you’re planning a campout this summer, try to make some of your own homemade camping gear.

Your journey begins once you dust off a cooking set or unload cozy sleeping bags and when you discover the best s’mores recipe ever. And it will live on in the pages of a handmade travel journal. Make the absolute most out of your trip right from the start. These DIY camping ideas will make sure that your trip is as fun as it can be. Camping, of course, can be a stressful time, but we have everything you may need to bring right here, as well as a few snacks to enjoy. Let the kids be part of the fun with camping crafts for kids as well.

 

Homemade Camping Gear

Everything from cooking sets and sleeping bags to hand warmers and simple campfire seating can be found in this handy must-have camping list.

PENTAX ImageRugged Camper Cooking Set

Camping or Sleep Over Bag

No Sew Hand Warmers

Fun Camping Butt-Kits

Camping Tote

How to Make an Outdoor Candle Chandelier

Marshmallow Sticks

Good Things to Bring Camping

Summer Hike Water Bottle Strap

DIY Folding Camp Chair

Tin Can Name Plates

 

Food for Camping

I hope you’re not expecting something “healthy.” These delicious snacks for camping will satisfy your adventurer’s sweet tooth and include the best s’mores recipe ever. If you want to try a little something different and stray from oatmeal raisin cookies, then try making a few campfire cupcakes. As you make them at home, you’ll grow even more excited for your trip. Just make sure you don’t eat them all before you leave!

Campfire-Smores-Kabobs[1]Campfire S’mores Kabobs

Campfire Cupcakes

Cutest Cookie Campers

Edible Crafts Campfire

The Coolest Campfire Cookies

Camping Getaway Snack

 

 

 

 

 

How to Make a Travel Journal

No camping trip is complete without a special place to store all your memories. If scrapbooking isn’t your thing, consider making a travel journal to jot down a few funny stories or tape in some canoeing tickets. These woodsy journals are perfect for you to tote along on your trip.

Earthy-Memory-Book[1]Watercolor Travel Journal

Earthy Memory Book

 

BONUS!  If you need a few extra crafts to keep the kids busy while you’re setting up camp or trying to pack, download our free eBook:  22 Summer Crafts for Kids. I bet my parents wish they had this when they were trying to load the minivan!

 

What is on your list of must-have camping gear?

 

Filed Under: Seasonal Crafts Tagged With: camping, Candles, Chelsea Scarnegie, Favecrafts, outdoor crafting, tote bag, warm and cozy, water bottle craft

National Craft Month 2014 – Day 9 Winner

March 14, 2014 by FaveCrafts

Day nine of National Craft Month brought back some good arcade game memories! So many great arcade games are often associated with our childhood and I think it’s wonderful to be able to craft something that reminds us of good times. Our friends at iLoveToCreate provided the Tulip fabric paint/dye prize and the Pac-Man DIY Tote Bag. Even if you didn’t win today, keep entering to win our grand prize and stay tuned for more great prizes every week!

 

Congratulations to…

Denise!

We asked: What’s your favorite arcade game?

Congratulations Denise, who replied, “My favorite arcade game is still Pac-Man! Still classic! Love the colors of these paints, certainly reminds me of the 80′s when we wore these colors and played video games in the arcade at the skating rink. :-)” Enjoy this prize Denise and bring back some of that 80’s style with a modern twist!

You can find yesterday’s Pac-Man DIY Tote Bag in our free eBook, 18 Projects Every Crafter Wants.

Happy National Craft Month!

mini_rightPac-Man DIY Tote Bag

Filed Under: National Craft Month Tagged With: iLoveToCreate, National Craft Month 2014, National Craft Month Winner, tote bag

Top 5 FaveCrafts Posts from 2013

January 5, 2014 by FaveCrafts

Now that it’s over, we can confidently say that 2013 was an amazing year for us here at the FaveCrafts Blog. We celebrated National Craft Month, National Sewing Month and the 12 Days of Christmas. We were also able to give away some amazing craft prizes! While we’re excited to announce new and exciting events in 2014 (trust us, it’s going to be amazing!), we can’t help feeling a little nostalgic for the past.

top5

Today, we’re taking a walk down memory lane and counting down our most popular post from 2013. Be sure to pin them, tweet them, share them and save them for later – there’s a reason readers loved these posts the first time around!

 

5.  Fabulous Farmer’s Market Tote

This tutorial was presented during National Sewing Month. With an increased interested in sustainability and healthy living, farmer’s markets have become super popular during the warmer months. One problem? You have to carry around your loot … and it gets heavy! This sturdy and stylish handmade tote will hold all of your fruits and vegetables. Once farmer’s market season is over, you can use this as a purse or even a gym bag!

 

4. Crafts for Cat Lovers

This was our most popular Link Love post and, well, we’re not surprised. Felines had a huge year in 2013 and could be found everywhere! These crafts aren’t just for cat owners, either. The link list included a tutorial for cat slippers, a cat costumer and a cat sleep mask. It’s never been a better time to be a crazy cat lady!

 

3. Knit Family of Hats

For National Craft Month, we introduced readers to this adorable knitting idea from Coats & Clark. It is currently 6 degrees outside our window, so this project is especially relevant. Every member of the family can have his or her own warm and cozy knit hat when you follow this pattern. Luckily, the tutorial is easy to follow and perfect for beginners.

 

2. Tila Temptation Bracelet

The name of this project alone was a huge draw for readers, but the simple yet stunning pattern had everyone hooked. This National Craft Month project from Jane Danley Cruz of Bead & Button Magazine was the second-most popular post of the entire year! We love the minimalist design and chevron details, what about you?

 

1. Garden Patch Granny Afghan

Ta-da! Introducing our most popular project from 2013, the Garden Patch Granny Afghan from Lion Brand Yarn! This bright and colorful crochet afghan looks great anywhere – on a bed, couch, you name it.  Though the pattern screams spring, it’s warm and soft, making it perfect for curling up by the fire.

 

What was your most memorable craft project from 2013?

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Favecrafts, free crochet pattern, Julia Litz, knitting patterns, sewing patterns, tote bag

Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners

November 16, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

Simple Sewing ProjectsMy first sewing project was a fabric plush doll similar to the Soccer Sister Doll. Of course, mine wore a dress styled after Little House on the Prairie and was as nonathletic as her maker. But I’ve kept her all these years, and now she sits in a place of honor in my sewing room.

Soccer Sister Doll

Whether you have a child just learning to sew or are a beginner yourself, those first projects will always have a special place in your crafting heart. To that end, AllFreeSewing has your back with our new eBook, Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners! This eBook is chock-full of tutorials and how-tos to improve your sewing technique while making gorgeous, stress-free projects. Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners includes everything from market purses to scrapbusting coasters — and all on a budget!

Here are just a few of the awesome projects you’ll find in Simple Sewing Projects:

Bib with BiasBib with Bias

There are so many practical uses for this easy DIY bib. The Bib with Bias makes a great gift for baby showers, for one thing; for another, this pattern is incredibly easy to alter to be made doll-size. So if you’re teaching your little one to sew, this is a great place to start.

If you’re a novice sewist unused to working with bias tape, this is definitely the project for you. The shape and design of the bib is super easy to work with, so you’ll get great practice sewing on the bias.

And, of course, it’s adorable. Make a few grownup-sized bibs for the next time you serve lobster!

Big Books Library Bag

Big Books Library BagI love this cheeky DIY tote. And it’s shockingly easy to make! Not only does this tutorial teach you how to make a bag, but how to create the graphic as well. That’s a trick that you’ll use over and over on your sewing journey. From applique to embroidery, adding an overlay makes any pattern uniquely yours.

The Big Books Library Bag is also great for its sheer usefulness. You’ll make a bag that is incredibly sturdy and roomy, the perfect size for almost anything. Need to make a trip to the library to pick up books for a research project? No problem. Need to run to the grocery to cook for your in-laws? No problem. Need to lug around a holiday season’s worth of half-finished crafts to work on at the doctor’s office?

No problem.

Braided Scrap Coasters

Braided Scrap CoastersIf you’ve ever sewn before, you know that every project has leftovers. Don’t throw them out! There are tons of great ideas for scrap fabrics out there, like these Braided Scrap Coasters.

These coasters are super easy to make, use up a bunch of those scraps, protect your counters and tabletops, and they’re absolutely free! It doesn’t get better than that in a DIY home decor craft.

There are so many great projects just waiting for you in Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners. Whether you’re teaching or learning, this is the perfect eBook to get ideas for easy sewing projects.

 

Who taught you to sew?

Filed Under: Free eBooks Tagged With: beginner, crafts for baby, easy craft, free eBook, home decor crafts, Mollyhall Seeley, sewing patterns, tote bag

Fashion & Function: Cute Quilted Bag Patterns for Making Life Easier

November 2, 2013 by FaveQuilts

Prada. Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Vera Bradley. These classic designers dominate the fashion world through their highly coveted bags and purses.  While couture handbags look posh, they are not exactly the most functional (or frugal) accessories when you’re grocery shopping with cranky toddlers or cleaning the kitchen while making dinner.

Does needing a practical bag mean you have to sacrifice having a fashionable bag?  FaveQuilts doesn’t think so! We believe that every quilter can put their skills to good use by making their own free quilted tote bag patterns or free purse patterns. To help each busy crafter find their ideal quilted bag pattern, we’ve compiled a list of our most stylish DIY bag patterns for simplifying errands and chores.

Cute-Quilted-Bag-Patterns-for-Making-Life-Easier

Quilted Bag Patterns for Home Organization

Bumblebee Project PouchLets face it — crafters are messy! If you need help keeping scrap quilt fabric and applique patterns organized, then the Crafty Caddy is the perfect tote bag quilt pattern to safely store a wide variety of crafting materials. For storing sharp sewing supplies, the Cutting Mat Caddy is ideal for creative moms in need of a place to stash their tools away from the little ones.

If you love keeping recipe and quilting magazines around your house, but don’t love how cluttered they can get, check out the Darling Dollhouse Case and the Bumblebee Project Pouch (shown). This vintage house quilt design and adorable applique bag allow you hold sewing kits, various magazines, and unfinished quilt projects in both of their tidy pockets.

 

Quilted Tote Bag Patterns for Errands

Easy to Sew Market Tote BagA bigger bag is usually necessary for trips to the grocery store or farmers market. Add style to your weekend errands when you sew a reusable tote bag like an Insulated Market Tote or this Easy to Sew Market Tote (shown). Not only are both of these DIY bags great for going green, they also provide enough room to fit a large amount of food within their sturdy interiors.

If you’re looking for an easy quilted bag pattern to hold many items, you’ll be impressed by the lightweight material and cute coffee pattern featured in Angie’s Big Quilted Tote Bag. When you’re carrying just a few items, like a stack of books, you’ll be glad you made the exquisite Expandable Library Tote for keeping all of your books organized and compact.

 

Homemade Quilted Handbags

Classic English Flex Frame Small quilted pouches and purses make the best presents! For example, the Really Simple Wristlet is one of the most popular quilted gift patterns for a trendy teenager. Similarly, the Quilted Make-up Travel Bag looks just like a Vera Bradley design and is great for holding valuable beauty products. For even smaller and chicer fun, check out this Classic English Flex Frame Pouch (shown) for small coins and keys.

 

 

Remember fellow quilters — any quilt project can be functional, frugal and fashionable if you use creativity.

If you’re interested in more quilted bag patterns, check out these 11 free quilted drawstring, messenger, and tote bag patterns.

 

 What would you use a quilted bag for?

 

 

 

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: bags and purses, Claire Hawkes, fashion, FaveQuilts, free bag pattern, handbags, quilted tote pattern, Quilting, tote bag

Sew a Tote With Anna from Charmed Liebling: National Sewing Month 2013

September 10, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

It’s Day Ten of National Sewing Month! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.

National Sewing Month 2013

Today’s post is courtesy of Anna from charmed Liebling. Check out Anna’s AllFreeSewing designer profile here.

Fabulous Farmer’s Market Tote:

Farmer's Market Tote

Go shopping at the farmers market in style! This bag holds all the groceries you can carry. There is a divider inside the bag to keep everything organized. The hidden slip pocket on the front side of the bag is perfect to fit your wallet, phone and keys. This bag works well with laminated cotton or oilcloth, but you could also use home decor fabric or just simply lightweight quilting fabric. If you do, I recommend interfacing the exterior fabric pieces as stated below in the instructions.

All seam allowances are ½” unless otherwise stated. All measurements given are height x width. Please read all instructions before you begin.

You need:

– Exterior fabric: 1 1/8 yd (44″ width)

– Lining fabric: 1 yd (44″ width)

– 1 piece of hook and loop tape (self-adhesive or sew-on): 1”

 Helpful hints:

– I made this tote completely out of laminated cotton. If you decide to do so too, please be careful when ironing parts of your fabric while sewing. I usually place a kitchen towel on top of the fabric, which is folded twice. I like to sprinkle the towel a little bit with water and used less steam than usual. I also don’t use the highest setting of the iron and I don’t press too long at the same spot.

– I also recommend using sewing clips instead of pins as they won’t leave holes in your laminated cotton or oilcloth.

Cut from:

Exterior fabric:

– (2x) 16″ x 12.75” – main body

– (2x) 16″ x 9” – side panel

– (1x) 9″ x 12.75” – bottom panel

– (1x) 10″ x 21” – interior divider

– (2x) 29″ x 5.5” – strap

Lining fabric:

– (2x) 16″ x 12.75” – main body

– (2x) 16″ x 9” – side panel

– (1x) 9″ x 12.75” – bottom panel

– (1x) 10″ x 21” – interior divider

– (2x) 8″ x 9” – slip pocket

I didn’t use any interfacing on this tote since I used laminated cotton throughout and intended a slouchy look. If you use lightweight cotton fabric you might want to interface parts of your tote. In this case, cut the following pieces from fusible interfacing:

– (2x) 16″ x 12.75” – main body

– (2x) 16″ x 9” – side panel

– (1x) 9″ x 12.75” – bottom panel

If you don’t need to fold your tote when not using it, you may also think about interfacing the interior divider with heavy stabilizer. In this case cut the following piece from heavy stabilizer:

– (1x) 10″ x 21” – interior divider

Interface the wrong sides of the exterior parts of your tote.

How To Sew a Tote Bag

Instructions:

a) Make the straps

– Fold one of your strap fabric pieces in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together and press. Open up again and fold both long edges towards the middle crease and press again.

Farmer's Market Tote

– Now fold lengthwise again, matching the long folded edges and press again. Topstitch along both long edges, approx. 3 mm (1/8”) from the edges.

Farmer's Market Tote

Repeat the folding and stitching with the second strap fabric piece.

– Place one of the straps onto one of the exterior main body panels. The outer edges of the strap should be placed 2.5” in from the side edges of the bag. The loop of the strap should face to the bottom and the raw edges of both main body panel and straps should be aligned. Pin in place and baste the strap end to the main body using a ¼” seam allowance.

– Repeat for the other strap and the other main body panel.

Farmer's Market Tote

b) Prepare the slip pocket

– Place the hook part of your piece of hook and loop tape onto the right side of one of the slip pocket pieces. It should be positioned in the center and 1” down from the top edge. Tape it down or sew it onto the fabric (depending on what kind of hook and loop tape you are using).

– Repeat with the loop part of the hook and loop tape and the other slip pocket piece.

Farmer's Market Tote

– Take one of the slip pocket pieces and put it onto one of the exterior main body panels, right sides together. It should be positioned centered on the main body panel and the top edges of both fabric pieces should be aligned. (Since you already attached the straps to the exterior main body fabric panels, your slip pocket will partially cover the straps).

– Pin in place and stitch along the top edge using a 1/4” seam allowance, starting and stopping 1/2” from the outer edges of the slip pocket fabric piece.

– Repeat the previous step with the second slip pocket fabric piece and one of the lining main body panels.

– Set both main body panels aside.

Farmer's Market Tote

c) Make the interior divider

– Take both of your interior divider pieces and put them right sides together. Pin in place and stitch along both long edges.

Farmer's Market Tote

– Turn right side out and press. Top-stitch along both long edges using a 1/4” seam allowance.

Farmer's Market Tote

– On both the top and the bottom edge, measure and mark 6” in from the side edges. Fold the divider towards what will be the wrong (= inner) side of the divider.

Farmer's Market Tote

– Top-stitch along the folded edge using a 1/4” seam allowance.

– Repeat the 6” markings, folding and topstitching on the other side of the divider.

Farmer's Market Tote

This is what you should have after folding and top-stitching along both folds:

Farmer's Market Tote

– Take one of the lining main body side panels and place it right side up. Put your divider right (= outer) side up onto the side panel. Match the side edges of both fabric pieces and position the divider approx. 1” up from the bottom edge of the lining side panel. Pin the divider in place and stitch along the side edges using a 1/4” seam allowance.

Farmer's Market Tote

This is what you should have after stitching both side seams of the divider to the lining side panel:

Farmer's Market Tote

– On the lining main body panel with the slip pocket piece attached, fold the slip pocket over so that the wrong sides of both slip pocket and main body panel are now touching. Topstitch along the upper edge of the slip pocket, starting and stopping 1/2″ from the outer edges.

– Repeat the previous step with the other slip pocket piece on the exterior main body panel.

Farmer's Market Tote

d) Assemble the bag lining:

Take one of the lining main body panels and place it right side up. Take one of your lining side panels and put it on one of the side edges of the main body panel, right sides together, the edges of both pieces should be aligned. Pin in place and stitch along the edge, but stop 1/2″ up from the bottom end (this 1/2″ is important later, when you are going to sew the bottom panel onto the bag).

– Repeat with the second side panel and the other edge of the main panel (when stitching the side panel with the divider attached, make sure to fold the divider together so it won’t get caught in the stitching).

– Take your second main panel and repeat the previous steps.

Farmer's Market Tote

On the picture above you can see one of the lining main body panels with the two lining side panels (one of them includes the interior divider) already attached. You can also see how the side seam stops about 1/2″ from the bottom edge.

– Place the bottom panel with its four edges onto the bottom edges of the bag, right sides together. Pin in place and stitch along the first edge, starting and stopping 1/2” from the edge. Since you left the seam open by 1/2″ when sewing the side panels to the main body panels, you should be able to have your bottom panel seams start and stop exactly at the end of these seams (see on the next picture – note that I chose exterior fabric for the bottom panel of my bag lining).

Farmer's Market Tote

This is what your bag lining should look like on the inside after stitching all the pieces together:

Farmer's Market Tote

e) Make the bag exterior:

– Repeat step d) to assemble the bag exterior.

f) Finish the slip pocket:

– Place your two slip pocket fabric pieces right sides together (since they are already attached to the exterior and lining main body you will have to bend those parts out of the way for this step). Pin in place and stitch around the three edges of the slip pocket. Make sure to start and stop the stitching right beneath the topstitching of the top edge of the slip pocket pieces.

Farmer's Market Tote

g) Assemble the bag:

– Due to the finished slip pocket, the bag exterior and the bag lining are already attached to each other. The bag exterior should be right side out, the bag lining wrong side out. Put the bag lining into the exterior. The slip pocket will be hidden between the layers. Make sure to fit the lining correctly into the exterior. Match the side seams and flatten the bottom panels, so that the lining sits snug inside the bag.

– Fold down the seam allowance of the top edges of both exterior and lining towards the inside. Pin in place and stitch along the top edge using a 1/4” seam allowance. Start and stop right before you reach the slip pocket.

Farmer's Market Tote

Congratulations, your fabulous farmers’ market tote is finished!

Check out Anna’s Pattern Shop to see more lovely bags!

Do you use reusable totes at the grocery store, or disposable bags?

 

Filed Under: National Sewing Month Tagged With: craft tutorials, Full Project Tutorials, guest contribution, Guest Post, guest project, National Sewing Month 2013, sewing tutorial, tote bag

AllFreeSewing Giveaway: Sewing Stylish Handbags & Totes

August 20, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

Sewing Stylish Handbags & TotesIf you’re anything like me, you love bags. It doesn’t take much; a purse, a tote, a drawstring bag, anything that can carry all of my goods and looks cute makes my day. Maybe one reason why they’re so attractive to me is that they satisfy the “stylish” portion of my outfit that I can’t always pull together. That’s probably why I was so thrilled to find Sewing Stylish Handbags & Totes by Choly Knight. AllFreeSewing and Design Originals are giving away one free copy of this book on how to sew a bag.

The numerous purse tutorials in Sewing Stylish Handbags & Totes range from casual, quirky, and practical. If it’s a laptop or tablet case you’re after, this book has it. Maybe you just need a simple weekend purse while you’re in the city; Sewing Stylish Handbags & Totes gives you several options. Learning how to sew a bag was never this relaxing or creatively stimulating.

What I love most about this book is the way it reads like a catalog. Knight’s piece mimics the enjoyment of shopping while reducing any stress you sometimes feel over price tags or sales associates. Thanks to these tutorials on how to make a bag, you’re immediately empowered with the choice of what kind of bag you want, how much you want to spend on it, and what color and print you’ll make it.

From easy sewing projects to tutorials for the intermediate sewer, any fan of either sewing or handbags won’t be at a loss for projects to make in this book.

Want to win Sewing Stylish Handbags & Totes?

You can easily! Enter our giveaway once a day, every day until September 2nd to maximize your chances of winning this delightful book. Find all of the details right here! If you’d like to hear more about this book, check out the full review!

 

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: bags and purses, book giveaway, DIY bags, giveaways, handbags, purses, sewn bag, tote bag

On the Road Again: The Best Crafts to Sew for Traveling

August 1, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

With summer coming to a close, it’s time to squeeze in those last trips and vacations. As a college student, the summer before my senior year of high school was an important travel time for me because it was when I visited various universities. No matter where you’re traveling, it’s always good to be prepared. Check out these crafts to make your summer travel smooth sailing.

Crafts for the Car

Car Book Holder DIY

Car Book Holder DIYOn a long road trip, it’s important for you to concentrate while driving, which means your kids need to be entertained. This book holder is the perfect craft to sew for when you travel by car so you can store a collection of books. Easy sewing projects like this are perfect for families of avid readers — just make sure the driver keeps his or her eyes on the road. Safety first!

 

 

 
Car Caddy

Car CaddyJust because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to take a break from crafting. Check out this tutorial to learn how to sew a car caddy that will hold all of your crafting supplies on your next road trip. This is a great sewing project for any crafting enthusiast who doesn’t want to part ways with her sewing kit while traveling.

 

 

 

 
iPad Headrest Holder

iPad-Headrest-Holder-blogThis easy sewing project is the perfect travel craft for any family with young children. After you hang up your iPad Holder, insert your iPad and let your child watch a movie on a long car ride without straining his or her neck. The holder is also a great place to store an iPad while you travel if it’s not in use.

 

 

 

 

Simple Bags to Sew For Your Next Trip

Easy Duffle Bag Set

Easy Duffle Bag SetRetail luggage is difficult to identify on the airport carousel. Make your luggage stand out by sewing your own set of monogrammed duffel bags. Check out this sewing tutorial to learn how to sew these simple bags for your next vacation. You can make matching sets for your whole family.

 

 

 

 
Embroidered Reusable Snack Bag

Embroidered Reusable Snack BagNo one wants to go hungry when you are on the go. Sew this Embroidered Reusable Snack Bag to hold some goodies for your next trip. The bag secures with Velcro, so you don’t have to worry about any food spilling. This green craft is the perfect way to make sure your family never travels hungry.

 

 

 

 
Zippered Travel Tote

Zippered Travel ToteA dual-use tote bag is a great way to economize on space next time you travel. This Zippered Travel Tote can be used for packing and as a carry-on, and it also makes a stylish tote bag for everyday use. Check out this sewing tutorial to learn how to make a bag that slides onto your luggage handle so it can sit securely on top of your suit case as you roll it  through the airport.

 

 

Which travel craft will you make first?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: DIY bags, free bag pattern, go green crafts, Green Crafting, Sari Lesk, sewn bag, summer sewing, tote bag

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