I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on while we are all housebound by the coronavirus. A few years ago I made a tote bag at a workshop. That inspired me to start looking for some more ideas online and to take those ideas and adjust them to the materials I had to work with.
These bags are meant to carry almost anything you can fit inside them: books, gadgets, cosmetics bags, wallets, and small items you shop for and don’t need a plastic bag for (as long as you have the receipt).
The inside has two side pockets for carrying things you don’t want to lose in the deep dark bottom of the purse — maybe your house keys, cell phone, shopping list — anything you want to have handy access to.
I got confident enough to make two bags at once, like in an assembly line. I would not have done that with my first few bags. I would have ended up making the same mistakes twice.
You might notice that I have chosen to use Velcro fasteners to close the bag, rather than putting in a zipper. I would have liked the zipper, but I once had a very nice leather bag that I really liked, but when the zipper went, that was the end of the bag. I’ve been using Velcro as fasteners for some time now, and it works quite well. In the photo below, you can see the Velcro sewn into the top inside edge of the bag.
I might have to come up with a new plan for bags to keep from getting bored.
February 20, 2021 at 10:50 am
These are beautiful bags, Anneli! The first photo has a bit of desert southwest design in it, lovely. š
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February 20, 2021 at 11:49 am
I see what you mean, John. Hadn’t really thought of that, but I think you’re right.
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February 20, 2021 at 11:53 am
Good, i have an eye for the culture since moving here. I respect these people very much. šµ
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February 20, 2021 at 11:14 am
Lovely!
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February 20, 2021 at 11:59 am
Thank you, Cindy.
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February 20, 2021 at 11:33 am
I love all the bags you have made. I have a couple here and use them quite often. They are so handy and easy on my fingers or shoulders to carry. If you are looking for a new theme for bags, maybe you could try a tropical theme. Palm trees, orchids, plumeria, beachy scenes, shells, you know the drill. I often took one of my bags to the pool with me whenever we travelled. It was great for a book, sunscreen, camera, kleenex, a towel through the handles. I was all set to spend an afternoon relaxing by the pool.
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February 20, 2021 at 11:57 am
Thanks for those ideas, Sonja. I do have some tropical bits of fabric, and I’ll keep that in mind for my next bags. Maybe more of a beach tote bag. They do hold a lot. I’m glad you’re still enjoying yours. You must soon be in line for a new one. I hope soon to have some here for you to choose from.
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February 20, 2021 at 11:57 am
Very nice, Anneli! I for one, can never have too many bags.
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February 20, 2021 at 11:57 am
Exactly! Who says we can only have one?!
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February 20, 2021 at 1:38 pm
Not me…my closet is proof! š
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February 20, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Great!
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February 20, 2021 at 12:23 pm
The first one is my favorite. But all of them are just gorgeous! How about to open up a boutique with only bags? I bet it would be a runner!
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February 20, 2021 at 1:23 pm
But then there would be pressure to do it perfectly. This way if there is a little flaw, it doesn’t matter. But thanks for the vote of confidence.
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February 20, 2021 at 1:36 pm
Anneli, you certainly have your share of talent. Your bags would sell in a NY minute in any shop downtown. Isnāt it time for another puppy? That will solve any covid boredom, immediately! Enjoying the sea lions, eagles, seagulls on beaches for herring row. Is there still a fishery?
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February 20, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Thanks, Marsha. Apparently there is still a fishery, although the misguided zealots of Denman and Hornby islands are trying to make us think they know it all.
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February 20, 2021 at 3:24 pm
Those are beautiful, Anneli, nothing like the give-away totes I get from conferences.
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February 20, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Oh dear! I have a couple of those too. quite boring.
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February 20, 2021 at 4:18 pm
What a great idea, Anneli!
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February 20, 2021 at 4:56 pm
TY, Pit.
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February 20, 2021 at 8:25 pm
These are very nice! You are so talented. š
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February 20, 2021 at 8:36 pm
Thanks, Lynette. Just an amateur having fun.
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February 21, 2021 at 10:33 am
Those are so pretty and professional! My daughter makes bags and I have a few of hers. They make great gifts too. Beautiful, Anneli. I’m glad you’re staying busy!
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February 21, 2021 at 11:25 am
I have never been bored. There are not enough hours in the day, or days in the year, or years in my life to do all the things I’d like to do. Thanks for the kind words, Diana. Now back to writing your next great book!
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February 21, 2021 at 12:09 pm
I’m the same way. Even the idea of “boredom” seems inconceivable. š
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February 21, 2021 at 2:20 pm
So how does one go about purchasing a bag? I LOVE the oriental themed one.
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February 21, 2021 at 6:55 pm
Haha. I haven’t even thought about that. I like that Oriental one too. It belongs to my mother-in-law (I made it at a quilting retreat), but I borrowed it for this post.
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February 22, 2021 at 9:42 am
Time to think about it!
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February 22, 2021 at 9:42 am
I like black and gold together….if you ever get into sales….lol!
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February 22, 2021 at 9:54 am
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Suzanne. The problem with selling the bags is the postal system. Being in a different country doesn’t make it easy. I once made a bag for a lady who needed an extra large one for carrying her cushions in, to use when she sat down after having hip surgery. Making the bag was no big deal, but the postage!!! I ended up having my sister-in-law take it to her home in the US and mailing it from there, and it was still pricey. So that’s why I haven’t thought about sales since then. Within the country is bad enough but international just isn’t practical.
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February 22, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Too true…I forget about that…still, you do lovely work.
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February 22, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Thank you. I really appreciate the encouragement.
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February 21, 2021 at 7:53 pm
Those are super nice, Anneli. Great job. You should get a booth at a craft’s fair and sell them. Although, nothing of the sort is allowed these days because of covid. š
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February 21, 2021 at 8:09 pm
So far I’ve been giving them away as gifts. We’ll see what happens. I have lots of material and lots of time, so I’ll just keep on sewing. I’m glad you like them though. It’s encouraging and I will make more.
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February 28, 2021 at 8:05 am
Those look great! A nice lockdown project.
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February 28, 2021 at 8:55 am
Yes, they do keep me amused while we are all becoming “home bodies.”
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February 28, 2021 at 11:15 pm
Beautiful blog
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March 1, 2021 at 8:05 am
Thank you.
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March 6, 2021 at 3:55 am
Anneli, wow! You are gifted and these bags are beautiful! So well made, imaginative decorations and colourings and you are right about velcro. I once bought a bag like this in Paris, the zip broke early on and I couldn’t really use it again. At home I’m known as the ‘bag lady’ I just love them and every September was a treat to be allowed to buy a new school bag. This past year I’ve missed not using a handbag on the rare occasion I’m out in shops. The book one would be a must for me if you ever consider selling them! š
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March 6, 2021 at 8:43 am
Thanks a lot for your kind words, Annika. I enjoy making the bags and one of the fun things about it is that none of them is exactly the same as another. Also, I’m trying out new things, new pattern combinations, and it’s often a surprise how they turn out. If it wasn’t for the postal costs, I would consider selling them as I’m getting to have quite a collection of them and I don’t need that many for myself, but the cost of mailing is a big issue. But I do appreciate your kind words. Have a great weekend, Annika.
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March 6, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Anneli, I imagine postal costs outside your country is a lot but domestic it shouldn’t be too bad and that is usually paid by the buyer. That is the norm for ebay etc … you are onto a winner and they make wonderful gifts for family and friends. Happy Creating – and I love how each one is unique!
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March 6, 2021 at 12:54 pm
You’re right, Annika. It’s the international mail that is the bigger problem. I have ended up giving many bags away. But it makes me happy.
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