It seems like I'm finally getting around to projects that I've wanted to make for years, which feels great! This week I tackled a tinker tote. The project is included in my lovely friend Tara's Quilt-As-You-Go Patchwork Bags class on Craftsy. The bag is fairly involved, but the results are so worth it! Tara's class is excellent. I can't recommend it enough!
I added the mug in this photo for scale. This bag is big and roomy. I love it! Tara designed the pattern to use a quilt-as-you-go method, but I wanted to change things up and make one using my favorite scrap size of all time: 2 1/2" squares. I pieced the patchwork panels and then quilted them. I had a few problems with the quilting distorting, but after ripping things out a few times, I decided that finished is better than perfect! I do love the squares! I certainly want to try making one using quilt as you go method next. Of course!
I added 4 slip pockets to the interior and rather than adding a flap, I installed a magnetic snap to the lining.
Red polka dot binding was the natural choice for finishing things off. I used denim that I had on hand for the bottom, so it shouldn't show dirt very fast and it should be durable. I love the combination of all the fabrics. It's so bright and happy!
I'm quite pleased with my finish for the week! It is scrap project # 147!
Now, it's your turn! Please link up your finishes for the week. Thank you, as always, for joining me for finish it up Friday! For those of you in the States, have a safe and great holiday weekend!
Your tote bag is adorable, Amanda! When I make something quilted, I quilt my yardage first and then cut out the pieces so that quilting distortion doesn't affect the size or shape of my pieces. I don't know what order you did things in, but I don't see any distortion or issues whatsoever in the finished bag. Do you think that pattern could be adapted for a laptop bag? I can't find one that I like and the padded sleeve that came with my laptop has no handles -- really dumb, right? All I need is to drop my laptop in the parking lot when I'm getting out of the car!
I love your bag! I need another purse like a need a hole in my head, but I may have to make one of those myself! Congratulations on another great scrap project....
Good for you! Beautiful finish. Those Craftsy classes are great aren't they? I'm taking your class, 'Colorful Scrap Quilting.' It's great because I can work at my own rate. Your directions are easy to follow, thank you.
I LOVE your Tinker Tote! The patchwork, the denim, the roomy bag design. Makes me want to make one now, too!!! Thank you again for Finish It Up Friday: it's SUCH great motivation to keep at least a little progress happening, so those finishes keep coming!
Super cute bag! I love it. Is it just me, or does anyone else get a thrill when they find a fabric they have in a project someone else made? I spied a piece of Sanibel by Heather Peterson in the 3rd photo!. I just love that line. Thanks for sharing your projects and keeping me motivated to keep plugging away on mine.
What a bright and fun tote! Love the combination of the scrappy squares and the denim. Of course the red dotty binding is so flirty. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Amanda Jean. And a wonderful long weekend to you and your family. Happy 4th!!!
That tote is so adorable!!! My daughter just walked by my computer and asked if I would make one for her ;) Instant love!
ReplyDeleteThe bag is gorgeous - just perfect with all your little squares. Great idea to use a denim bottom.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, happy-looking tote! Sure to be very useful!
ReplyDeleteLove this bag - love the curved sides on it. Beautiful with the denim and red binding added to the bright fabric patchwork.
ReplyDeletelove, love the bag so much!!
ReplyDeleteyou inspire me!!
brooke@sillymamaquilts.com
Your tote bag is adorable, Amanda! When I make something quilted, I quilt my yardage first and then cut out the pieces so that quilting distortion doesn't affect the size or shape of my pieces. I don't know what order you did things in, but I don't see any distortion or issues whatsoever in the finished bag. Do you think that pattern could be adapted for a laptop bag? I can't find one that I like and the padded sleeve that came with my laptop has no handles -- really dumb, right? All I need is to drop my laptop in the parking lot when I'm getting out of the car!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun tote!!
ReplyDeleteLove the bag! Using denim on the bottom is genius (have to steal that idea right away).
ReplyDeleteSuper cute in every way!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Smart to add the pockets to the inside.,
ReplyDeleteI love your bag! I need another purse like a need a hole in my head, but I may have to make one of those myself! Congratulations on another great scrap project....
ReplyDeleteThis is great! You make it look easy!
ReplyDeleteLove it. Pretty nice!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Beautiful finish.
ReplyDeleteThose Craftsy classes are great aren't they?
I'm taking your class, 'Colorful Scrap Quilting.' It's great because I can work at my own rate. Your directions are easy to follow, thank you.
This is great! You make it look easy!
ReplyDeleteAdorable bag! Great idea to use denim on the bottom, very practical and cute too!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to make one of these bags for my girls ... will check out the Craftsy link :)
ReplyDeleteI took Tara's class and made a Tinker Tote too - both the class and tote were excellent!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your Tinker Tote! The patchwork, the denim, the roomy bag design. Makes me want to make one now, too!!! Thank you again for Finish It Up Friday: it's SUCH great motivation to keep at least a little progress happening, so those finishes keep coming!
ReplyDeletethats such a lovely cheery bag - I love the lining as well as the squares - a perfect finish for summer!
ReplyDeleteThat bag is totally you! From the binding to the bottom your scrappy polka dot loving self is expressed. I love it.
ReplyDeleteAnother awesome scrappy finish...love, love love it!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your idea of sturdy denim for the bottom and plan to do the same on my next bag!
ReplyDeleteThe patchwork squares are so lively and bright, and the denim bottom is a great idea. And who doesn't love a polka dot binding? Cute in every way!
ReplyDeleteGreat fabric and color choices!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute bag! I love it. Is it just me, or does anyone else get a thrill when they find a fabric they have in a project someone else made? I spied a piece of Sanibel by Heather Peterson in the 3rd photo!. I just love that line.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your projects and keeping me motivated to keep plugging away on mine.
Love your little patchwork squares. They make this bag extra special!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bag! 2 1/2" squares are my favorite, too.
ReplyDeletelove it!
ReplyDeleteIt's so vibrant! The snap and no flap is brilliant! 💗💗
ReplyDeleteI love love love the bag!!
ReplyDeleteIts so pretty and bright and happy! Love it! Dee x
ReplyDeleteWhat a bright and fun tote! Love the combination of the scrappy squares and the denim. Of course the red dotty binding is so flirty. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Amanda Jean. And a wonderful long weekend to you and your family. Happy 4th!!!
ReplyDelete