Monday 19 November 2012

Tote Bags

Hi Everyone, I'd like to share with you two handmade gifts that I've made for my nieces ( a long overdue one I might add!)

First up is this library tote bag.  One of my nieces loves anything that has hearts on it and this was what I came up with!


front

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I did a 7" x 6" patchwork piece - 1" squares using mostly pink fabrics (her favourite colour), cut out a heart shape pattern on the front piece of the bag fabric and blind stitched them together using the reverse applique method.     I've also hand quilted the heart shape 1/4" away from the seams using Pearl Cotton No.8.  

back
For the back, I've fussy cut the girl on the swing from Fly a Kite collection for Riley Blake Designs and framed it with the same Essex Linen/Cotton as the front.   I've used Hopscotch print from Sarah Jane's Children at Play collection for the remaining back piece.   Isn't the girl adorable!   I've used the same pattern as the Liberty Tree Tote that I've made during Handstitched Class.   It measures at 12.5" width x 14" height without handle.


And here is the other tote that I've made for her older sister.   For this one, I've used Elizabeth @ Oh, Fransson!'s quilt as you go method for the blocks but I've done my log cabin wonky style.   These blocks were mostly made from my leftover scraps.



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For the handles, I've used cotton webbing, I chose Floradots in Violet from Erin McMorris' La Dee Da collection for the lining and added pockets to it.   This tote bag finished at 15.5" width x 14" height minus the handle.

back
I've enjoyed this qayg method and eventhough it has used up 2 spools of quilting thread, I do love the effect it gave.   I'm thinking of making another one for myself! ;)
 

Hope you'll have a lovely week ahead and thanks for visiting!



I'm linking up to Pam's Threading My Way with Threading Your Way Bags & Totes Linky Party



 and Wendy @ Handmade Harbour's Handmade Monday

28 comments:

  1. Oh they're so pretty, my 10 year old would love the heart one.

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  2. They are gorgeous! I love the stitching on the heart one.

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  3. Hello Farah,

    You certainly have two lucky nieces. Especially love the heart one.

    Happy days.
    Bev.xoxo

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  4. These are lovely. The heart is amazing - so neat. I am sure they will be gratefully received. :)

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  5. Ahhh they are lovely totes - I especially love the heart on the front of the first one, it's really pretty! Simmi x

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  6. Beautiful bags. I'm sure the girls were very happy with their gifts.

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  7. Oh my your bags are absolutely gorgeous. I haven't the first idea about quilting I had no idea there are so many different techniques. Thanks for sharing.
    Ali x

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  8. Farah these bags are absolutely gorgeous. I can't decide which one is my favorite. I love them both. Your nieces are going to be thrilled receiving these amazing totes.

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  9. Gorgeous bags. Thank you for sharing them all with us. My favorite is the bag with the heart on the front. Beautiful gifts for your nieces.
    Have a nice week
    Roswitha

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  10. I love them - and what a lovely idea to have a tote bag specially for the library. Makes it more special somehow. I'm sure they will be loved.

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  11. Love your bags they are so cute.
    Well done you have been busy.

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  12. Wunderschöne Taschen
    Liebe Grüße Grit

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  13. Your bags are beautiful and your nieces are very lucky indeed!

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  14. Gorgeous totes!!! I love them both....very lucky nieces!

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  15. Lovely tote bags, especially the quilt as you go one. I love all the different random fabrics used.

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  16. These are both so sweet and colourful! Lucky nieces.

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  17. both of them are sooo lucky with this lovely bag... be my aunt plz hihi

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  18. Gorgeous Farah. I adore the patchwork heart on the first but the second one is fabulous too.

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  19. What a lovely bags FarahLin, I'm looking forward to the bag you're gonna make for yourselve.
    Greetings Roos

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  20. The tote bags are sooo pretty. I like them both, perhaps the heart one a little bit more, as I love the colours.
    Wendy

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  21. They are both so pretty! I am sure they are delighted with them.

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  22. Love your bags Farah! Each is different and unique. The QAYG method is on my list to try also!

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  23. How'd I miss this - silly holiday weeks! I love those, especially the patchwork heart. I think I get intimidated by applique and reverse applique so I love being reminded how great it can look, helps motivate me to keep trying new things!

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  24. Such cute bags! Love the fussy cut donkey!

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  25. They are both beautiful, Farah!!! The hand stitching around the heart frames it perfectly and I think it's amazing that the second tote is mainly made from your scraps. I'm sure your nieces will love them.

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