Summer Totes

Just before Christmas I was in Spotlight and noticed they had a sale on patchwork fabric including DS Quilts (Denyse Schmidt) fabrics.

I was initially attracted by the blue fabric in the front of my  pile - it's another designer patchwork fabric (but I've forgotten the name) - and then I added a few fabrics that matched it.

I didn't have anything particular in mind but just thought they looked really summery. But after a couple of days I thought they would look nice in a tote bag.  

My plan was to make two tote bags - one with stitchery and one with applique.  I wanted to make them roomy enough to take on an outing to the beach or park. The name of my new pattern? Summer Totes

I started with the stitchery one because I was a little short of hand stitching at the time.

I stitched on my favourite linen/cotton off white fabric  and DMC 326. The stitchery design will be for a panel on the front of the bag.

I'm also going to add some ric-rac braid (very summery) and some large pockets on the inside of the bag.

While stitching away I kept looking at my fabric and thought 'it's not enough' so I rushed back to Spotlight and bought a few more colours.  Should be very pretty.

Bushfires...

Well our country is literally burning at the moment.  The southern states have had high temperatures for a couple of days and fires are raging - in some places out of control.  It's paradise's turn for the heat today and I'm spending my day in the air conditioned studio. I hope that the fires don't cause any more damage to property than they already have.

Until next time

Lyn

Comments

[Jane]

It's hard to see the devastation it's causing everyday, not knowing where it will go next

I love your needlecase and scissor holder everytime I see it in the photos, makes stitching time such a joy. Looking forward to seeing the end results

[Margaret]

Your new fabric stash is gorgeous Lyn.
That looks as though it will be a fun summer tote.
Looking forward to seeing the finished bag.
I've been following reports of the fires in Tasmania on the news. It looks terrifying and so devastating for the people who have lost their homes.
In UK it is the opposite. Rain, rain and yet more rain with people having their homes flooded time and time again.
Margaret