Monday, 14 April 2014

A tote bag for travelling handmade

Lately I've been looking for more ways to live a little more handmade.  I'm psyching myself up to make a "proper" bag (maybe a Super Tote) so I bought some Soft and Stable in anticipation.  It's something that I read about at Sew Sweetness, and boy does Sara know her bags, so I had to try it.

Tote bag (with cat fabric!) 

I'm a bit nervous about sewing proper fancy bags with zips and pockets and all that jazz, but I could picture how to make a simple tote bag so I thought I would experiment with the Soft and Stable to make just that.

Tote bag (with cat fabric!) 

For this tote I used a relatively subtle cat fabric (which I really really love, in case you can't tell), together with Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Black (another favourite).  I quilted the exterior fabric to the Soft and Stable with lots of vertical lines.  I then added the handles, leaving room to add the lining.  I slightly boxed the corners, then added a simple lining to match.

Tote bag (with cat fabric!) 

I was really impressed with the Soft and Stable - it was easy to work with, and it's given the bag enough body so that it can stand up by itself, without being stiff or heavy.

Tote bag (with cat fabric!)

I'm doing a lot of travel at the moment, and I'll be using this bag for my carry on luggage.  It fits my laptop nicely, with enough room for the miscellaneous junk that I need to carry on but can't fit in my handbag.  I'm kind of in love, and very relieved that my "make it up as you go along" method worked out well.

Have you tried Soft and Stable?  Do you have any specialty product recommendations?

Linking up with finish it up friday at crazy mom quilts and Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts.

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14 comments:

Laurelle said...

I love your tote! I made one recently for (Rachelat Stitched in Colour) Colour intensive class and have used it heaps! They are a very handy size. Beware though everyone who see's you with it will want one made for them! :) Enjoy your trip!

Serena @ Sewgiving said...

I saw you making this on IG - it Turned out great! I think Laurelle is right, be careful everyone will want one :)

Lucy | Charm About You said...

I adore that cat fabric!! Very pretty and useful bag :)

DeborahGun said...

my favourite cat fabric :-) Looks like a great bag, and great to know about the Soft and Stable. Did you buy it in NZ?

Cille said...

Your tote looks great and very practical :)

Nilya said...

What a wonderful bag! love the contrast of the Grey/black and the colorsful catfabric - well done :)

jeifner said...

I thought, cat fabric? I don't see any, then I found one :) I was lucky enough to be gifted a super tote. It's a very useful size, large enough to carry a good amount of things without looking or feeling too big. The zipper and pockets are so useful. I learned to make totes the same way, looked at some in real life and on the web, figured it out then just went for it.

jeifner said...

Oh, and I like the Pellon fusible fleece for totes

Karen said...

Soft and Stable is also good for place mats. I love that cat fabric!!

Adrienne said...

you are so brave! What a great bag. I too am afraid of zippers etc. but this bag makes me want to make something to carry stuff in!

Erica said...

Love it! You are going to be getting lots of compliments!

Packaging Specialties said...
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maryandpatch.blogspot.com said...

Pretty bag, congratulations!

The comfort of stitch blogger ~ LNewton said...

Love the result of using soft and stable!
Did you buy online or know of a NZ supplier?