Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Christmas "present" bag


I like to make tote bags out of scraps. Something from nothing. Since I am not the Ugly Christmas sweater kind of gal, not since I stopped teaching middle school at least (smirk),  I wanted to wear something festive for the holiday.

The way I approached it, was to pull out the Christmas scrap bag. Take strips that were any width, but at least 30  inches long, and piece them lengthwise next to each other in a pleasing combination. Once I had a piece of pieced fabric about 17" by 30" I layered it with lining fabric, peltex stabilizer, and the top, like a quilt. I did simple quilting of straight stitch, first in the ditch with cotton, then metallic sliver down the middle of the strips for sparkle.
You might be able to see the quilting line if you click on the picture at right.
I made straps, which I'll save that tutorial another day. They were positioned with 11 inches of space left at the top to sit on a shoulder. Topstitched down.
I made the "ribbon" the width of my strip, crossed it over the strips,  and topstitched with a buttonhole stitch and hologram sliver thread in copper. The pin is a gift from a friend and since it puts holes in clothes, it now has a home!

Then I proceeded with making this quilt into a bag. RST, stitch sides with 3/8" seam. Cover with double fold bias tape and topstitch that down. (I''ll show you that later if there is interest) This finishes off the raw seam. Box the bottom, bind the top with my fast machine binding and same copper thread. Add a bow, and you're done! Could be done with any holiday fabric.

After things slow down a bit, I might make a video of some of the techniques, just to make it easier yet.
LeeAnna

18 comments:

Maria said...

Wow! I want, want , want!!!! Fabulous bag!

bearbuster said...

Absolutely beautiful! So much more than a tote bag!!

Joanne said...

Looks great! Super gift idea!
Something that everyone can use!
Great thread collection too!
Take care,
Joanne

Kathy said...

And just when I thought I didn't need another tote bag----this is such a great way to use those scraps and makes such a cute bag! Thanks!

Amy said...

I love your tote bag! great way to use up scraps.

Maya Kuzman said...

Awww.... it is so cute! You used beautiful fabric and it is exquisitely festive!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a beautiful tote bag and perfect for Christmas or anytime!! That pin is so neat too! Thanks for sharing.
Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

The Inside Stori said...

WOW....now that's a Christmas bag....wonderful!

MulticoloredPieces said...

Hi, LeeAnna. Really cool tote and the bow and pin are the perfect finishing touches! Have a happy holiday season!
best, nadia

Eileen said...

Great alternative to a Christmas sweater! Love it!

Renee said...

What a cute idea for a bag! Very festive.

Laura McGrath said...

Next year, I promise myself I'll start making things like this in August! What a beautiful bag!

janice pd said...

Really cute bag! I love when something comes from scraps and no other purchases need to be made.

Kay said...

This is a great idea, I love to use scraps up and this would make a fun present too.

Norma Schlager said...

What a great way to use up those Christmas scraps.

Regina B Dunn said...

What a great idea to carry around during the season. And yours is beautiful, too.

Sylvia said...

Fun idea for using up some of those strips in the scrap bag! Thanks for sharing your idea and how you made it happen.

Val's Quilting Studio said...

LeeAnna...seriously, this was the perfect post to rejuvenate under our crafty theme!! :)