Friday Finishes – Quilted Tote Bag
Happy Friday!
My youngest turns 30 next week and I will turn 60 at the end of the year! Kids and I decided to take a mini beach vacation this weekend to celebrate both milestones 🙂
I needed a larger tote bag for all my beach necessities ♥
I just finished taking a wonky log cabin class at our LQS and decided to use those blocks to make the tote. I used leftover layer cake squares cut into 2.5 inch strips to make the blocks. It was a fun technique to learn, I am a creature of habit so my blocks tend to look the same — but I’m OK with that.
wonky log cabin blocks 
wonky log cabin blocks
I had 12 blocks finished — not exactly beach colors but what the heck!
- I used 9 blocks for the front and 3 on the back.
- The blocks were 6.5 inches unfinished.
- I added borders around the blocks to make a 20 inch square
- Quilted the front and back using fusible foam – Pellon Brand
- Created the lining (20 x 20 inch square) fused with Shape Flex Interfacing – added pocket 14 x 20 inches –subdivided into 4 sections
- Sewed front pieces to back pieces for both the exterior fabrics and lining, leaving an opening on the lining for turning
- Cut out a 3 inch square for boxing out corners
- fabric for handles 5 x 30 inches – I used fusible fleece in the handles
- fabric for button loop 4 x 10 inches – used shape flex interfacing
- assembled the bag normally and edge stitched around the top
- finished size 19 x 16 – I still need to find a button 🙂
I’ve made several totes in the past, this was the first time I used foam. It was wonderful to work with. The body of the tote is amazing — soft and very sturdy — stands on its own.
Hopefully hurricane Barry doesn’t interfere with the kids flying out of Houston — if not I will post a picture of us next week.
Have a great weekend!
Love your improv bag! I like using foam too; I love to quilt it (and I can actually handle some free motion on the foam, go figure?). Hope your get together isn’t hampered by the storms!
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Thanks Wendy — it was fun working with the foam.
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Too, too, too CUTE! I love that bag. Here’s hoping your children arrive safely!
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Thanks Susan!
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Hi Karla! Happy Birthday to your youngest. I hope he doesn’t have trouble getting out of Houston. Looks like New Orleans is already dealing with a boatload of water, but then they’re so low they can’t help but. I know you’ll have a great time at the beach or whatever you end up doing – and that snazzy new bag is just perfect for anything. Who said it’s not beach colors?? It’s classy looking, I think. You’ll be the envy of everywhere you go with it, and then IF they find out you made it yourself?! Well, hang on to it tightly – someone may just think they need it for themselves. I think it looks fabulous. ~smile~ Roseanne
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Thanks Roseanne! my daughter and son in law will arrive in the morning. Stevie’s flight hasn’t been cancelled so everything is looking good♥ Their flights are 30 minutes apart.
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Oh, so glad to hear that!! Have fun – I know you will. ~smile~
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How did I missed this post??? Love your tote!! Great using foam for a tote! Happy birthday to you both. Best wishes.
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Thanks Linda!
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