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Perfect Quilted Tote from Oh, Fransson!

A couple of years ago someone gave me a box of quilting scraps. Her style is similar to mine and I have used many of the scraps in various projects. One of the real gems in the box was a partial charm pack of Authentic by Sweetwater for Moda. There were also some fat quarters and other larger random pieces from the line. I loved this fabric when I saw it and knew that I wanted to do something just for me with it.

After pondering it, I thought it should be some sort of tote bag, but I still wasn't sure exactly what it should look like. There are a lot of patchwork tote bag patterns out there, but not a lot of them that get me excited. When I saw the Perfect Quilted Tote pattern from Oh, Fransson! I knew it was the one. It was still quilted  patchwork and also modern and unique.

Quilted Tote

Generally, I followed the pattern, but I wanted a larger bag so I altered the dimensions. The pattern is good - clear instructions, helpful photos, and useful tips. Her instructions for making the lining are more involved than what I did. Hers has two lined pockets, one with a zipper. I simplified that because of the altered dimensions and just added a slip pocket with a pen slot on one end. I also left of the magnetic snap closure.

Quilted Tote

I started this bag one evening at the beginning of December. The next day I came down with the stomach flu. It seems strange, but it took me awhile to get over the association I had between this project and feeling lousy. I did have to set it aside to work on some gifts and I had to wait for a chance to purchase the lining fabric, but I wasn't really eager to get back at it.

Quilted Tote

This is a pretty substantial bag. It stands up just fine on its own and could handle a full, heavy load. A piece of batting is layered between the patchwork and some heavy upholstery fabric. All the quilting helps make it pretty rigid.

Quilted Tote 

Now I'm glad it's complete and I think I'll enjoy using it. I'm happy with how it turned out and happy to have used some of the Authentic fabric.
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Comments

  1. LisaJanuary 8, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    What a great bag. And the fabrics are perfect for it. I am going to have to check out that pattern. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. KarinJanuary 8, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    It looks great! Did you use natural linen for the main background fabric? It looks good and contrasts with competing with the quilting fabrics perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  3. VanessaJanuary 8, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    That is such a beautiful bag! I am a big fan of Moda fabrics in general, and that combination is nice.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jane MJanuary 8, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    I am generally not even a fan of the bags and totes with quilt fabrics since I find them too busy and frou frou....but this one is fabulous!! Great use for those pieces, modern and so very cool. Enjoy that new bag.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jo Robertson (thejoyofthehousetomyself)October 13, 2013 at 1:21 PM

    yours looks lovely. I did the same - left out the zip bit in the lining and just did a slip pocket. I found the lining and facing bit father fiddly and strange that to finish off the facing you stitch through over your carefully sewn quilt lines. I guess I could have got round this with invisible thread. Anyway- just browsing around to see other peoples efforts!

    ReplyDelete

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