Monday, August 9, 2010

Leftover Quilt Blocks Tote Bag

I knew that I would probably have to have surgery on my ankle so I had cut out some projects and organized lots of things to do to keep me from going crazy when I couldn't walk.
I had fixed up some unused quilt blocks to make a tote bag...
The blocks were kind of wild, but I used them for a cute quilt for a really special family member, Kate!

I am not sure, but I think she liked it!
I had some of this green fabric left over from another project, so I made the lining from it...
I cut the lining the same size as the two quilt blocks and then applied an iron-on lightweight interfacing to all four pieces plus the shoulder strap/handle.
I sewed the strap with a double seam, just folded it in thirds, tucking the edge under.  So much easier than putting the right sides together and making a tube that had to be turned right side out!  Yes, I might be lazy!
I sewed the lining and the outside right sides together and then made a square corner on each bottom corner.  Sorry I didn't take pics of that.
I left a 6" gap in the bottom of the lining so I could turn the whole thing right side out when I sewed the lining to the outside.
I sewed the straps to the outside of the quilt block side
and then pinned the lining to the outside of the bag at the top, making sure that the strap was tucked safely inside.
Then I turned the whole think right side out through the hole in the bottom of the lining.
I sewed a seam about 1/2" from the edge of the top to make the top edge lie flat and I stitched the hole in the lining closed.
I made the strap long enough to use it as a cross body strap, but I can knot it for a shorter strap.
This is the finished product!
I am really loving it!
Here it is hanging on my knee walker...

20 comments:

Beverly {Flamingo Toes} said...

Your bag is darling! I love the fabrics you used and the cute strap! Really pretty. :)

Mandy England said...

Very cute! What a lucky recipient of such a lovely quilt! I'm sure she loves it :]

Kate said...

oh she does. i am the she. ellen, i love the bag!! its awesome!

Anonymous said...

I love it..all the cute colors and patterns....so cute! Definitely would match whatever you were wearing! Thanks for sharing at It's Party Time Thursday at PonyTails&FishScales!

TheVirginiaHouse said...

That is so cute! I wish I had the patience to sew like that. Thanks so much for linking up your projects and your "beachyness" to We Can Do It Cheaper!

Kat @ Black Kats Design said...

What a great way to use up those extra quilt blocks! I just love the fabric you used.

Thanks for linking up to the “Cheap Thrills Thursday” party at Black Kats Design. I hope you had fun and will join in again next Thursday!

Kat

www.BlackKatsDesign.blogspot.com

Terrell said...

This is a terrific idea!! I'm loving your blog and I'm so excited to be your newest follower! I would also like to invite you to my link party/giveaway every Friday at FrouFrouDecor! I love new friends and hope to see you there!
~Terrell @ FFD~

beth said...

Love the happy face from the recipient of the quilt! And your bag is sooo cute!

Annabelle said...

Sooo creative! Beautiful work!

Stephani said...

A bag!! I love bags!! I wish I could quilt though. It's beautiful.

Thanks for linking up on Crafty Friday!

Cecily said...

Super cute - looks fantastic!

Kristen said...

Good idea to plan ahead like that! It's a fabulous tote!

Kristin Renee' Wynegar said...

this is SO cute. It makes me want to sharpen up my sewing skills haha I

Sassy Sites! said...

genius! :)

...visiting from Sassy Sites! I am a follower! Come by my blog and say HI! :)
(you have a very Sassy Site!)

Unknown said...

How darling is this. I love it. What a great way to use up extra pieces of fabric too. Thanks for linking up. Jen

Unknown said...

CuTe! Thanks for sharing your project at Anything Related! ~Bridgette

Andrea said...

Very cute!!

Misty @Creative Itch said...

Ooooh....I LOVE that bag!! Thanks for linking @Creative Itch's "Sew Cute Tuesday"!

Anonymous said...

I really wish I knew how to sew. Its such a great trade to know! I like the bag. super cute

Britney {Jesses Girl} said...

i love how this turned out! great job!