Finished the totes!!

OKAY!  I had some hems to shorten today so while I had the sewing machine out, I finished the Spring bag/totes that I was making from place mats!!  HURRAY!

If you recall, I am making these totes from place mats I found at the $ store and all the emblellishments are from there, too!  First I pinned the ribbon in place on a slant for this one.  I used a heavy duty needle on the machine as you would use for denim. 

Next I stitched the ribbon in place and joined it at the bottom of the bag by overlapping the two ends and folding over for a clean look.

Then I took a piece of fabric to line the bag with and laid it on the mat  cutting around the edge in an oblong just slightly wider and longer than the mat.  This left room to turn the lining fabric under, then pinned and stitch to the mat before sewing up the sides of the bag.  Next I sewed up each side of the bag and went over the stitching twice to re-inforce.

TIP:  I use invisible nylon thread for almost all my sewing projects and alterations.  It is strong, can be laundered and ironed over but it helps not having to have many, many spools of different colored threads!  It also has a little elasticity to it.

 Here is the bag with the sides sewed up just inside of the border on the mat.

Next I pinned on the butterfly embellishments as they need to be tacked on by hand and also I will trim of the wires at the bottom of each butterfly so I have no sharp edges.

And here is what my finished bag looks like.  All I have to do is tack the embellishments down!

I followed all the same procedure for the lavender place mat with matching ribbon and butterflies.  I lined the lavender bag with pink fabric. 

I will be putting these in my Etsy Shop for $12.95 plus 6.00 shipping each.  They will be one of a kind as I designed them myself.  If you order here on my blog by using the PayPal tab and say for "Tote" you will save 1.00.

I sure hope you enjoyed this craft How-To and I hope you will try making one of these handy little bags!

♥KERRIE♥

My krafty heart to yours...

STURDY HANDBAG/TOTE

FINALLY FINISHED MY OTHER 3 HAND-MADE PURSE/TOTES!  I LOVE THEM ALL, if they do not all get sold, I will enjoy using them!!  They hold more than my present leather purse!

100% cotton totes handmade by Kerrie.

All bags measure 9 inches high by 11 inches wide.  They have tote openings.  Each is embellished with heavy doubled fabric ribbon to match, buttons, applique and the navy/blue has a sequined butterfly element and vintage button.

Each is only $12.00 plus $4.80 priority postage.

To order any of these bags, just click on the Buy Now PayPal button in my sidebar, describe the item and number and fill out the rest of the form with your mailing address.  Thanks so much for looking and do come again for more of our crafts and how-to's!

#1 Navy/blue bag

#2 /Brown/orange leaf applique bag

#3 Orange Paisley Print bag with Fabric leaves and buttons

Questions?  E-mail or comment.  Thanks so much for visiting!  Come again soon.

Good night from my home to yours....

♥KERRIE♥