Two New Tote Bags I made

So here's what I've done with the oilcloth I bought. After doing these two bags I've learned something... I don't like working with oilcloth! I read somewhere on the internet that it would be helpful to use tear-away stabilizer on the "slippery side" when sewing oilcloth... Ha! I laugh at that, I don't need no stinkin' stabilizer - I'm the fabric whisperer! Yeah, right. I should've listened to "those that know". It was a pain in the, uh, neck!

I will say one thing- it's tough material! I have that tote (above) packed with fabric which is heavy!)

This one I think I might put away and save for a giveaway, or part of the "prize" for the Food Challenge recipe contest for November. I'm still thinking... and of course I lined it with my fave color ... Hot Pink! LOL It's a shopper/grocery bag style with long handles to use shoulder style.

Lesson Learned...Hopefully!

Ok, so I get this pattern that I think would be a really good “market tote”, or everything bag like the name of the pattern, and find this really neat looking quilted upholstery type fabric. I think, ok, I’ll do a prototype and see if it’s a “keeper”. Following good rule-of-thumb advice so far, right? Being the over-achiever that I am, I think “I have enough fabric for three, why not go ahead and cut out three?” Get ‘em all cut out, decide to start assembling them “assembly line” fashion…Ok, it’s getting late, just finish this one now. So on I go, smooth sailing…until I get to putting those handles/straps and finishing them! See, you’re supposed to sew two strips together, then after sewn in, fold those and sew 3 lines…well think about it. That’s a bunch of layers to be sewn and it’s a quilted upholstery fabric! DUH. Needless to say, this one will be the only one of this fabric. I’ll cut the others pieces into some pouches or something. I did like the tote, so it IS a keeper and I’ll just cut out some more of a different fabric (can still use the lining fabric too). So, here’s the finished product…what do y’all think?



(To give an idea of the size of this tote, inside I have stuffed a (folded) fitted queen size sheet and a large bath towel)

Re-Purposed Tablecloth

Ok, I realize that in order to show a before and after picture you need the before. I know that...now. I forgot to take a picture before I started "re-purposing" a tablecloth I found at a thrift store. But a tablecloth is just a piece of flat material anyway, right? (excuses, excuses). I thought about a ruffle at the bottom, but opted out. Since it's a tablecloth linen, the fabric is thicker than just plain old cotton and the ruffle just didn't "look right" to me. Anyway, just sharing what I've been up to.