Technically I finished these bags last weekend but it still counts if I don't post until today, right!?!?
My mom asked me to make her a tote bag for a friend who had recently retired. Her directions were bright fabrics, needed a top zipper and an outside pocket, and pockets on the inside.
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| Bag designed specifically for my mom! |
I think I fulfilled her requirements!! This is a pretty large bag with starting dimensions of 18" by 20"; I then boxed the bottom at 2.5". I did do padded straps but didn't add batting or any interfacing to the bag itself. I'm not sure why other than I didn't want to add to the bulk of the bag itself or its weight. I do think next go around I will add some light weight interfacing to give the bag more substance and power to stand on its own.
I pointedly used grey as the bag's bottom to hide dirt plus reserve the pretty center fabric to work into future projects. I also wanted to reserve it as I actually made two of these bags! They have different closures though.
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| Twin Tote Bags!!! |
These bags also boast an outside pocket big enough for keys, a cell phone and/or sun glasses. Inside it has a zippered pocket as well as a huge open pocket on the other side. Seriously, guys, that big pocket is 15" tall and the full width of the bag! I did "split" the pocket into two unequal sizes to stabilize it and make it more usable.
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| Outside pocket with a grey lining. |
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| Large pocket -- Split seam lines up with the light green. |
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| Zippered pocket on the inside. |
The two zipper closures are similar but my mom did prefer the one in the first photo. It is only attached on two sides and is free at either end. Here's a close-up that will make more sense.
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| The tote bag that my mom chose for her friend. |
The other I created similar to a zippered pouch. However, I'm obviously awful at making pouches as you can see from the ends of these close-ups!
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| Bad ending. |
I have no idea how to correct these ends; other than practicing it a lot. Ugh... It's so irritating! I still have the bag since my mom didn't like it so I plan to rip out the seams and try again. Any hints from anyone???
One last look!
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| Pretty bag! |
Linking up to
Can I Get Whoop Whoop? and
Finish It Friday. If you are vising from there,
HI!! Thanks for visiting! If you want to check out some other great projects please visit the link-up pages!
Have a great weekend!
I think both your bags turned out great. I'm not sure what you are unhappy with. Did the zipper end tabs get in the way?
ReplyDeleteI think that both bags turned out great. I love the colors and I am sure that your mom's friend will love them!
ReplyDeleteI love that you thought to use grey on the bottom to hide dirt, talk about forethought! Great job Ashley!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I'm sorry I don't have any tips to offer on the ends of the zippers, but from what I can see, they look great! I'm sure you'll improve with practice, but in the meantime I think you should celebrate a great finish!
ReplyDeleteI love this bag, but zippers terrify me even more than triangles!
ReplyDelete