I've been working on the tote in my Sewing Group pattern.
I made the tote with charm squares and stitched a stitchery design on the front. I also added some ric-rac braid along the top edge.
For the handles, I cut the charm squares into 3.5" widths and joined them together. (That's the strip across the bag front.) I like doing that for bags because it gives a bit of a scrappy look and because I've used the charm squares for the body of the bag, it ties it all together.
The tote is a generous size - 17" x 18".
For the tote, I also added a covered button to fasten it with. I stitched one of the flowers on the button.
I also hand quilted the bag with perle 8 thread with a simple diagonal line through each of the squares. I also hand quilted a cross hatch design on the notebook cover with perle thread as well.
I'm pleased with the finished designs and will be the 'best dressed' person at my next quilting group meeting!
I'm doubly pleased because this was one of the items on my 'hope-to-finish' list for June. Tick another one off!
The pattern is available on my website.
Giveaway...
To celebrate another 'finish' for June, if you leave a comment between now and 3.00pm Thursday (my time!), you will go into the draw to win a pattern.
Until next time
Lyn
Lynn, the Sewing Group pattern looks great, I especially love the notebook. Did you see Spooks? Just isn't the same without Adam. Sigh. Cheers Teresa
Posted by: Teresa | June 30, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Hello Lyn, We must have had the same plans, I finished a bag of last night.Enjoy your sewing group. Happy days.
Posted by: Bev C | June 30, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Love, Love, Love the tote! Just found your site tonight but will be a frequent visitor now! I am really into doing embroidery along with quilting. Have to run and check out the rest of the blog........ Thanks!
Posted by: Deb | June 30, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Congratulations Lyn, a great finish like this is worth celebrating. A lovely pattern - please put me in the draw. Cheers Julie
Posted by: Julie | June 30, 2009 at 02:05 PM
The tote is darling and well worth celebrating.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com
Posted by: Renee G | June 30, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Hi Lyn,
Lovely pattern. I've been meaning to make a mug bag for ages and yours is just perfect. Here's hoping. We are leaving for a family holiday this Thursday, heading up to the Gold Coast and Palm Cove - can't wait.
Posted by: Tina Dillon | June 30, 2009 at 03:10 PM
Hi Lyn,
Congrats on your new pattern, it is just gorgeous. Think I am going to have to add it to my large too do list. So even if Im not lucky enough to win one Im will definately be buying one.
Cheers Sue
Posted by: Sue | June 30, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Hi Lyn,
What a lovely set to take to quilting group. You certainly weren't the only one without a mug bag. I love the idea of having the mug bag, tote bag and covered notebook matching. Judy
Posted by: Judy | June 30, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Hi Lyn, What a beautiful pattern, well done. Would love to be in the draw. thankyou Julie
Posted by: JulieG | June 30, 2009 at 05:59 PM
A lovely toote. I love all kind of small tootes so I would love to win this pattern.
Posted by: abyquilt | June 30, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Congratulation on new pattern. Toots is allways handy.
Posted by: Nancy | June 30, 2009 at 06:36 PM
It has turned out really well Lyn. Well done on getting another project finished!
Posted by: Sylvia | June 30, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Today I found all these bag patterns on different blogs. I love bags and now I am starting to make one. Yours is beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing:)
Posted by: Dorraine | July 01, 2009 at 04:34 AM
Lyn what a wonderful job you have done with your sewing group. I'm always so disorganised going to classes I'm always forgetting something but with your pattern there will be no excuses anymore!! Congratulations on your final finish for June!!
Posted by: SandyG | July 01, 2009 at 07:58 AM
Lovely pattern. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Posted by: Dawn | July 01, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Hi Lyn your tote is just beautiful I love the fabric you have used
hugs Beth
Posted by: Beth Dasecke | July 02, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Is that Shangri-la fabric I see?? Very pretty. Ina
Posted by: Ina | July 04, 2009 at 05:01 AM
I know I'm too late for the draw but just wanted to compliment you on your new pattern.
The three pieces look fabulous made up in the Moda Beach House fabrics.
Margaret
Posted by: Margaret | July 04, 2009 at 05:18 PM