Perfect Quilted Tote

I"ve been wanting a tote bag big enough to take my laptop to work for so long.  I really should have gotten around to making it before now, but it kept falling down the list while I thought about what pattern? what fabrics? just how big?

Front

I saw Di's wide tote when we met up for a day in York last summer and knew that it was about the perfect size.  Her bag was made from the Elizabeth Hartman Perfect Pleated Tote pattern.  In the end I decided to go with the tall tote version so I can sling it over my shoulder and it is a perfect fit for the Macbook Air I use at the office.

Back

Of course, it's way too pretty to use only for work so I'm quite sure it will get plenty of other outings too!  I chose to work up the QAYG panels from my Bonnie & Camille scraps and paired them with some Essex Linen in denim.  I just love the combo!

If you are looking for a pattern for a QAYG tote this is another good one to choose.  Although the instructions are in what seems like a rather overwhelming 80 steps, each step is detailed and very well explained and importantly, supported by photos you can helpfully refer to.  The double pocketed lining in the pic above was a cinch to whip up with such clear instructions.

My only area for concern is the topstitching on the very top seam of the bag.   With the placement of the magnetic snap so high on the facing, it was almost impossible for me to get a good line around the snap with my machine and if I were to show you, you'd see a very jagged and wonky topstitched seam.  It kind of bugs me, to be honest, but since the stitches blended in quite well to the textured weave of the Essex linen I don't think anyone else will notice.  Might have been quite different if I'd used another solid to add the contrast to the QAYG.  Next time, I think I would fit the magnetic snap lower down on the lining fabric instead to avoid this issue.  Other than that it was a great pattern with nice easy steps to follow.

So, that's my second bag done and dusted.  Thanks for the inspiration of your gorgeous version Di.

Wee pretty

A bit of late night QAYG last night started a small cosmetic purse to match my QAYG tote bag.  It didn't take much more stitching this evening to finish it.

More Bonnie and Camille goodness - using up scrappy bits and pieces.

I don't carry lots of cosmetics so I made this pouch less deep than usual.  Though I think that the contents of the pouch are beginning to betray my age.

No glamour cosmetics for me these days.  Oh no!  Hand cream, 1 lippy, glasses wipes, indigestion tablets and paracetamol are my necessities these days.  Oh well, it may be sad but it looks pretty in there!  

One last pic just to show off my co-ordinating accessories -

For a fab cause

I'm sure you've been reading around Blogland about Little Island Quilting's appeal for quilts for the street children of Mexico City.  While finished quilts are still very much desired for this great cause, there is another way to contribute if you don't have the time for a whole quilt.

When I spotted Leanne's blocks I was delighted to know that quilted blocks are also now being accepted - all the details are here.  Please, if you have an overflowing scrap bin and half an hour to spare or some orphan blocks that you could quilt up, check out this post and get on it.  There are street children in Mexico who need a little comfort and who need a little reminder that there is love for them in a harsh world.

It's Valentine's week people, let's share the love a little!!