Recently, in order to get better bang for my buck, I've tried to think beyond the basic pattern .... I've tried to think of ways that I could possibly change it up, give it a slightly different look.
I did this with one of my latest creations .....
Remember this pattern, from a few posts back ...
This was the best 99c I've spent in a long time. I've used it so often since buying it, that the paper pattern is starting to look quite ratty - I'll be copying it onto polytrace shortly ..... that'll ensure it lasts a whole lot longer.
I had spotted THIS BEAUTY on Pinterest, and wanted to recreate something similar ...
So what did I do, that was different ....
I didn't add the little pocket piece to the front (the bit that allows you to fold the bag up into the perfect purse sized shopping bag). Instead, I marked out a grid pattern on the front, and cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter (even more bang for my cookie cutter buck !!!) as my template. I added batting to the body of the bag, and appliqued the hearts onto the front .... the batting makes the bag more sturdy, and gives it a lovely, quilted appearance. I then made a lining for the bag, using the same pattern piece (fitting this was a little tricky, but it all came together in the end). I changed the way it was constructed, so that there would be no raw edges visable once the bag was completed. Finally I bound all of the edges with bias tape. I found that doing this part by hand gave me the neatest finish.
This bag is perfect in every way, for carrying all sorts of goodies. It's outside fabric is duck cloth, so it's hard wearing. It's roomy inside too :-) I have a feeling that this bag may just be the perfect carry all for a winter project ....... a knitted winter blanket perhaps ?
It turned out great! I love getting the most bang for my buck.
ReplyDeleteKerry, I like this one better than the original (no offense, that one is nice too...) This is one gorgeous tote. Kudos to you, my dear!
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