WALLET TOTES

Having finished the quilt, I decided that I would take things a little easier and go back to trying out bag patterns.  This turned out to be a really good idea.  I had pattern for a two tone tote from one of the free sites which I had just the right fabric type and colour for.  I cut it out and virtually had it done in a couple of hours - this is a record for me, a personal best - and I had used the electric machine! The bag was finished the following day and given to my Aunt to use on her holiday this week. Needless to say, she loved it!

       I didn't take photos as I went along because I was 'in the zone' and on a mission to get it done.  
      Plus my antiquated mobile doesn't take them and there wasn't anyone around who could.  
      Must get this situation rectified!  Here are the two bags done.

So now bereft of any projects, I sat with files of patterns to select my next one.

I found this project - Wallet Totes - again from one of the sites I trawl and thought (in a moment of insanity) that it would make a good project and give me some more practice of working with zips. I have made two Kennedy bags (see previous posts) and they had zips, I have also made a quilted cosmetic bag but really, three zips done; more practice required.

So I spent last night selecting materials, finding zips and cottons and cutting out.  As it was still relatively early, I then put three bases together to the zip part and then did one, just to try it. Success so far.....  I also managed to find hubby's phone and took a sneaky photo just as I was about to start sewing........

The zip sewing took a little practice - the first one zip I sewed I sewed too close to the teeth and then couldn't fasten it up.  I unpicked the zip but unfortunately there was not enough of the pink material shown in the photograph above to recut the bottom pieces so I now only had two examples cut....

I then managed to sew the second one - the pale blue one - inside out (!) and due to the weave of the fabric, I couldn't unpick it without spoiling either the zip or the material.  I was getting really frustrated now so I switched off the machine and went to refill my cup.

Taking a deep breath, I began my final cut example.....  They say thrid time's a charm and it was!  It went really well.  The zip around the whole bag bottom went so much better than I had expected - still not completely happy with it as there is a little 'pleat' near the zip head when the bag is open.  However here are the finished photos of the bag; closed, outside and inside.

I now have a few more larger zips where I need to work out how much larger I need to cut the base - I can hear you groaning from here, stop it!! I know maths isn't my strongest subject but I think I can so this...  The finished bag is a little on the small side, but my Aunt (my bestest 'customer') loves it and uses it to carry books in when we find them on our travels......

bag fully closed

bag open - outside

bag open - inside