Today's pictures lean more toward quantity than quality! :) It's a rainy afternoon and photography is challenging. But I just had to show you the bag I finished. This knitting tote, plus a few goodies tucked into its slip pockets, will be going to Debby since she won my little contest a while back. Thanks for your patience, Debby!
What I like: I love helpful tutorials! I like the rectangular shape of the bag. I love the wavy piecing and quilting. I like the flower. I like the stiffness of the tote and the fact that it stands up by itself. Even the handles stay up! (My last two bags weren't stiff enough, so I tried some new products - Pellon Fusible Fleece and Pellon Peltex 70.)
What I don't like: There's too much quilting and a little less would be more attractive. The seams of the bag were too bulky so I couldn't complete the top stitching at the side seams. The lining isn't quite how I'd like it. I fused the fleece to it, but didn't quilt it. So it doesn't look very polished.
What I learned: Fusible fleece is a great product, but it works best when quilted. Two layers plus a layer of interfacing makes seams too bulky. Peltex 70, a sew-in interfacing, is a great stiffener. To me, it seems like Timtex. Maybe I'll use Timtex on my next bag to compare. There's another interfacing called Peltex 72 that is stiff but less bulky. It's fusible on two sides. I'll try that soon, too.
My next post should have some knitting in it. I've cast on for my second sock and a shawl!
I love that bag! It's so cheery in pinks and yellows. If I did something like dye yarn, then I'd offer to trade...yarn for a bag. If you ever end up making a bag that doesn't have a home, let me know and maybe I can come up with something.
Posted by: Kristen | July 18, 2007 at 06:14 PM
The bag came out great! And the flower was the perfect touch. Great!!!!
Sheri in GA
Posted by: Sheri | July 18, 2007 at 06:32 PM
Fabulous!!! I love the colors and the flower...too cute! When I was making totes last year, someone at Joann's suggested that I use interfacing designed for window shades. I don't know if that's what you are using since I can't remember the brand names, but it really worked well. Hard to fuse...but very stiff!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | July 18, 2007 at 06:42 PM
Lurve that bag!! So cute. And I'm all about the pink!!
Posted by: Leah | July 18, 2007 at 06:56 PM
I have no idea what half of that stuff is but it's a pretty bag!
Posted by: Restless Knitter | July 18, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Great bag!
Posted by: Randi | July 18, 2007 at 10:05 PM
That's a cute bag! I usually use fleece for the quilted exterior and fusible interfacing for the lining. I think 2 layers of fleece would be pretty bulky.
Posted by: lindiepindie | July 18, 2007 at 11:31 PM
That one's even prettier than the one you showed before. It's lovely.
Posted by: Ruth | July 19, 2007 at 07:08 AM
That is so adorable!
Posted by: Carole | July 19, 2007 at 07:55 AM
Awesome bag! Now that is what I aspire to!
Posted by: Christy | July 19, 2007 at 09:51 AM
Darling. As usual, darling.
Posted by: elizabeth | July 19, 2007 at 10:38 AM
I LOVE that bag! I wish I could come up with some cute ideas like that, but when I sew, I've still got to follow a pattern. In time, I hope. You know, I could trade you more handspun for a bag like that ;) Hee hee.
Posted by: Rachel | July 19, 2007 at 02:53 PM
It's a great bag Beth!! I love the happy colors and the flower!! Great job!
Posted by: Kim | July 19, 2007 at 09:53 PM
I love the colors in that bag! The flower is a nice little addition.
Posted by: Dana | July 20, 2007 at 07:28 PM
Love, love the bag, Beth!
Posted by: Katie | July 22, 2007 at 11:03 PM
So Pretty! I love the patchwork.
Posted by: Lisa | July 26, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Beth, the tote is just beautiful! You did a fantastic job. I use Peltex for all of my bags. I find it's the best stuff...sometimes I iron it on, sometimes I don't, depending on the project. I use it as well with my felted bag linings...makes a huge difference in the finished bag.
Posted by: Lynne | July 26, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Gorgeous bag! Love the colors and your design. I like using the double sided fusible Peltex for ATCs and bookmarks. An easy way to fuse on a front and back and then finish the edges on the sewing machine with a tight zigzag. I've been using Timtex for my folios. Even though it looks just like the Peltex 70 is seems to have a stiffer body when used over time. I made folios using both Peltex 70 and Timtex, the Timtex won out for me.
Posted by: kathy | July 26, 2007 at 11:20 PM
I love your quilted knitting bag. it's lovely, and the colors are great.
Posted by: amandajean | July 29, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Hello,
I like your quilted knitting tote that is on this page.
Can you please let me know where you got the pattern for the above quilted knitting tote?
My brother would like me to make one for my neice and i have plenty of off cuts from a quilt i made using "Morris Tapestry" material. He thinks my neice would like the colours.
Pam
Posted by: Pamela Holloway | October 23, 2011 at 11:39 AM