Catching Up

On February 2nd, I had an opportunity to sew all day, and so that is just what I did. It took me over 9 hours, but I made my first real tote bag. I found the pattern in the new McCall's Quilting magazine, called Haute Tote, that morning, and since it was going to be a snowy, slippery, icy day, I decided it was a perfect day to get settled in to try it. My friend Patty who was a few miles away, was doing the same thing. I altered the pattern in the sense that I did not make the handles the way the pattern called for. The handles on the pattern were actually braided, but if you know me, I want things done FAST, and YESTERDAY! I was not prepared to spend the time for the handles, so I did my own. Patty's tote turned out real cute, and I liked her handles. I wish I had a picture of her tote to show you, but I don't.

Anyhoo, here are a few pictures of my tote. I really like the way it turned out, I love the colors, and although right now, I am not sure what I will use it for, I am ready. I think it's first journey out will be when our quilting group takes another road trip! Get ready, Chauffeur Louie!

This first picture is in my office, and the sewing machine on top is one of my thrift store finds. It is a GRAYBAR. It is not one I would sew on though, as it really vibrates, and I believe the date I found looking for information on it was early 30's. I did clean it, and oil it though, and it is ready to go.

I am showing you two views of the tote, because both sides could end up a little different, and mine is pretty much the same, but I added buttons on both sides, and also a magnetic closure.

And, here's the lining!

I did not post this right away, as I wanted to wait and show it to our quilting group for my 'Show and Tell'. I usually don't have as much to 'SHOW' as some of the girls do, so I didn't want to let anyone peek at it before hand.