Amidst all the Giveaway Day hoopla yesterday, I found myself with a couple of fun finishes. The first one was an awesome surprise for my son and I when we returned from our weekly trip to the library - the marigolds we planted two months ago are finally blooming! He was so excited, and given that I usually have a black thumb, I was pretty pleased myself. Anyone know when I ought to move them out of the planter and into the regular ground? I'm completely inept when it comes to gardening.
I also finished up my Goodie Bag for the big swap yesterday, which wound up being a big summer tote bag, adorned with some fun scrappy log cabins on both the front and the back.
I started this tote with only one thing in mind - linen. I knew I wanted to work with linen for my partner. The main body is made from Essex linen, which is oh-so-yummy to work with. After debating between Natural and Gray, I wound up picking Natural. Linen is just perfect for totes, if you ask me. I lined it with Peltex interfacing for some nice stiffness, which is a pain to sew with, but it makes such a nice, full-bodied kind of bag.
The scrappy log cabins are a complete mish-mash of fabrics - from Flea Market Fancy to Love to Sugar Pop and Nicey Jane. I really rooted around my scrap bins for some of these, and I'm really happy with how they turned out. Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback on Sunday about these, I was really unsure about how they would look on a bag. The only thing I would do differently if I did this tote again would be to make the log cabins a bit bigger.
The lining and straps are my personal favorite print from Alexander Henry's Farmdale, which I still plan to use eventually to make a nice bag for me. That's one of the million and twelve things on my someday to sew list...
I'm hoping my partner will really like this bag, because I had a ton of fun making it for her, although I did have a super hard time deciding what to make for her, since her taste is so broad. The mailing period doesn't start for another week, so it's entirely possible that I may wind up completely changing my mind and making something else for her, but for now, we'll check this off the WiP list!
It turned out great Elizabeth, the linen sets off those blocks perfectly and I love your lining fabric!
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous bag....and you know I think the fact that the log cabins are smaller is more suiting the bag...it is more understated and elegant , with the linen.....the log cabins really stand out on there own ..I wouldn't change a thing...it is perfect...
ReplyDeleteI Love the bag! It's gorgeous and looks very professional. that lining is so beautiful. As for the plants - I have no idea either. I totally guess. I'm thinking if you have blooms you can probably move them.
ReplyDeleteI love that bag. Your wonky log cabins are perfect. It makes me want to make a bag like that. I'll have to think on that one. It would be so handy and sturdy.
ReplyDeletevery cute bag!
ReplyDeletebeautiful Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect. Don't change it. If your partner doesn't like it I do!
ReplyDeleteI think the bag is really fun! It definitely looks perfect for summer, and the Farmdale print is a favorite!
ReplyDeleteThe bag is adorable. You can put the Marigolds in the ground once they bloom and all chances of frost are past. I usually don't put my plants in the ground until June 1 because we live in Michigan. Also incase you did not know once the flowers are gone you can save the seeds from the blooms for next year. Also they usually Come back each year.
ReplyDeleteThe bag is cute! Looks great as a tote! Don't have any advice about the flowers. Marigolds always die in my care.
ReplyDeleteFun! We planted marigolds too (and I have no idea what to do with them), but they aren't blooming yet. I love your tote bag! That would be perfect for trips to the library, pool, etc. So fun!
ReplyDeleteOh very cute!! I love the the inside!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! Love the lining!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty little bag!!!
ReplyDeleteToo cute. I am sure your partner will adore it.
ReplyDeleteYour bag is lovely! Of course your partner will love it :)
ReplyDeleteBags are my favorite, yours is so cute! I love the log cabin blocks!
ReplyDeletelove it! :)
ReplyDeleteawesome awesome awesome bag. I just finished my sliced coin quilt along....it was posted yesterday!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tote bag - love the linen with these fabrics!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, looks so pretty, and so fresh with the Farmdale lining!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment love on my zig-zag. I love your bag!!! I've never worked with linen, but I may have to give it a try. I love the colors of your log-cabins. You have a lucky partner (if she gets it). :)
ReplyDelete~Michelle
Gorgeous bag - would make a much appreciated tutorial :-) How could your partner not LOVE it?!
ReplyDeleteAh! Love that little patchwork! Makes such a statement the way you did it, gorgeous! Thanks for linking to Quilt Story :)
ReplyDeleteNice job! I've been distracted by giveaways, so I didn't get a chance to comment yet, but I liked the fabrics you chose!
ReplyDelete