Last month I started the “Boxy Tote” at a local quilt shop. This is a very complex project, encompassing fusible foam, fusible batting, stays (the things that give the top of the tote its “snap” when opened and shut), pockets, quilting, and sew on (to excuse the bad joke). It took close to 30 hours to complete! You can read about it here.
Below is a picture of the bag, inside and outside. The top side is the lining, which is quilted and has pockets in it.
And finally, here is the tote. Look at the shape of the top of the bag – flat with tapering sides. This is where the stays come in. They are actually quite handy. The zipper also is there, a plastic jacket zipper to which, on either end, tabs have been added. Without the tabs, the bag would be really raw.
As I have said, I probably would have thrown the whole project out if I had not taken a class. Others in the class have said the same thing. While the bag is great, the instructions left a lot to be desired. I rather doubt I will make this again, but the experience was so worthwhile. I learned about fusible foam and batting, neither of which I have ever used before. Inserting the zipper and stays were also valuable experiences. Having a room full of fun women (we had a lot of childbirth jokes going on, but I won’t repeat them here!) and an excellent instructor was worth it all. I’ll be doing more classes, I know, from bags to maybe some quilting, just to refine some sewing techniques if nothing else, as I do not see myself as ever being interested in making quilts – quilted clothing, yes, but not quilts. But, ya never know!
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Nice tote, nice colors! A very professional job!
It’s lovely! Wish I had one!
Great job! I love the colors! And, yes, this is the kind of thing best done in a class with an instructor, at least for me.
Thanks, Judy – but I’ll show you the flaws and where I had to use fray check!
It’s a ‘well done job’. Beautiful colours
Thanks, Fraggy! I like the colors, too. It’s supposed to sort of represent a garden – flowers on the bottom in dark blue, butterflies above . . . I can send you a link for the pattern, if you like.
Good lord no don’t! 🤣 I don’t have a sewing gene.
Thanks, Katherine! Having time on your hands and no one to talk to, a class is even more fun. The teacher was great. I’m taking another class from her in a few weeks. Bag making is definitely not clothing because the instructions are pretty bad from what I can see for a lot of the patterns. However, I may be wrong. I’ve made a couple of bags from free online instructions that were pretty clear. So….??!
Thanks, Double Pie! (Love your name – love pie!)
Okay, okay, Fraggy! No nightmares for you. But you definitely are very talented in other areas!
Yes, I noticed that !😄
Surely we need to catch up your posts 😚
I try! Cheers Naomi. What’s your next project?
N, fray check to cover little problems is totally okay. 🙂 A quilting instructor once told our class that the Amish ladies deliberately leave a little mistake in every piece of work, because only God is perfect. I’m certainly not!
Thanks for the words of good cheer! I’m familiar with that story of a lack of perfection – always find it inspiring in a way – reminder that being humble is not a bad thing, and certainly one with perspective.
More bags!
Beautiful tote.
Thanks, Anne. More to come as the holidays approach! Stay tuned . . .
Will do!
Looks like all the hassle paid off well – looks very professional
Thanks, Graham. I assure you, it is not at all professional-looking if you take time to peer at the details. But, more to the point, it is a process and a present for someone I know will appreciate it.