Tote Bag Tales

As you remember, a few weeks ago I started taking a sewing class in which I learned how to make a tote bag. Well, I finally finished it! Six weeks and many hours of hard work and I have a beautiful, functional bag to show for it. Not only that, but I gained a wealth of knowledge and feel ready to tackle another project.


Here's what I learned during my adventure:
1. Fabrics are expensive.
2. Patterns are hard to read and almost impossible to understand. (This was a general concensus of my entire class.)
3. Sewing is time consuming, but rewarding.
4. Having a whole new appreciation for the contestants on Project Runway.


What I liked about the experience:
1. I now know how to use my sewing machine. Yay!
2. A boost in confidence knowing I can make something for myself.
3. Listening to my husband brag about what I made to his friends. (I love it when I can make him proud.)
4. Meeting a great group of people in my sewing class.
5. Having a new skill that will come in handy when making gifts for people.
6. Having the ability to custom make things to please my picky tastes.


What I didn't like about the experience:
1. Removing tailor tacks. Errr!
2. Not being able to afford the fabrics I really wanted to use.
3. Lack of fabric selections and supplies at the sewing stores. You'll have more luck finding exactly what you want online.

Overall, I had a lot of fun and will most likely take additional classes to keep learning all the secrets, like altering garments and making clothes. Watch out Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, I'm your next fashion designer in the making!

Even Abe approves!

Sew Excited!

Last week I started taking a Beginning Sewing class. I bought a sewing machine a year ago and thought (thought!) I knew how to use it. Nah, nope, naddah. I couldn't even thread it! How embarrassing. But who am I kidding. I haven't touched a sewing machine since Middle School and all I made back then was this stupid monkey pillow (why, oh why didn't I make the shark?!?!). Did anyone else have to make one of these in school?

Luckily, this time I'm making a tote bag. Which is perfect considering I'm preparing to visit an island in about 2 months. A new tote bag is exactly what I need. Better yet, a custom-made bag to satisfy my picky tastes. So on to the store to purchase a few yards of fabric. Talk about overwhleming! So many colors, patterns, textures, and prices to choose from. Unfortunately, I left empty handed. It was pretty clear that I needed to do my research before I stepped back into another fabric store unarmed. So I raced home and started my online search for fabric. I mocked up the bag on my computer and started creating combination after combination of colors and patterns. Here are my prototypes:

Fully prepared for my next round of attack, with my inspiration bags in hand, I entered the store one last time. And left with two beautiful fabrics perfect for a summer tote. A sturdy, mustard yellow cloth and a cheerful, teal/floral fabric to match.

When the bag is finish in another 4 weeks I'll post the results, plus any trials and tribulations in-between worth noting. Cross your fingers and wish me luck!