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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.

Comments

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

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  2. 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.

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

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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!

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