My Oldie But Goodie!

My Quilted Carryall tote bag pattern has been selling like gangbusters on Craftsy. It's one of my earliest designs, but it just keeps selling and selling. With pockets inside and out, it makes a great tote for shopping or for taking supplies to quilting or sewing class. Directions are included for two sizes and it also includes an optional eyeglasses case, and an attached coin purse that drops inside the bag when the zip-top is open if you prefer an open-top tote. No matter how you look at it, this tote has lots to offer.

Like most of my tote bags, this one is made from quilted, double-faced fabric that you make yourself. Choose two prints and a lightweight batting and quilt the pieces panel by panel. OR, if you just happen to find a quilted double-faced fabric that you love at your favorite shop, use that instead. Directions and yardage are included for that option, too.

Note: You can purchase this pattern as a PDF download from my pattern store at http://www.craftsy.com/user/153303/pattern-store

You'll find patterns for totes, travel accessories, handbags, table runners and placemats, and quilts there. And some of them are FREE. Be sure to visit my store to see all of my patterns!
http://www.craftsy.com/user/153303/pattern-store

I love seeing what others create from any of my patterns and invite you to submit your photos to me at barbara.weiland@yahoo.com. I recently heard from Mary who lives on beautiful Whidbey Island in Washington state, and she sent photos of her finished tote to share with my readers. What a great job she did! Great fabric choices!

 














Thanks, Mary, for your kind words about the pattern:

"Barbara is a mind reader!  I've been seeking a pattern for a large tote with lots of pockets yet has a shape to it rather than looking like a big sack.  Her Quilted Carry-All is exactly what I was looking for. The only problem with it is that it means I can put LOTS of things in it when I take it to shows, craft fairs, and fabric stores. Special pockets so I don't lose track of things, exterior pockets large enough for a magazine or my quilting wish list book, an attached glasses case that holds both my readers and sunglasses and, most importantly, the oversized, attached change purse so I can quickly whip out the credit card.  Uh oh!   

Great design, Barbara." 

Mary Mc, Whidbey Island, WA

Until next time,

Keep smiling and stitching!

Barbara

Lots and Lots of New Patterns
It's been forever since I posted here--and lots has happened. All of my patterns are now available as PDFs for purchase at Craftsy. You can see them all at my pattern store http://www.craftsy.com/user/153303/pattern-store. If you don't know about Craftsy, you should! It's a wonderful resource for topnotch online classes--I've enrolled in several and have access to them on my computer whenever I want to dive in and learn more! I'm focusing on free-motion quilting class with Leah Day and learned something in the first lesson. It's also a great source for quilting and sewing patterns.

I spent most of last year designing new patterns, so there are lots of new ones in my Craftsy store. We also bought a new house and moved in December, which interrupted my creative stream. The older I get, the longer it takes to get settled into a new space! But, lucky me, I ended up with the best space for my office/sewing studio ever. I'll share more about that, after I finish hanging artwork on the blank walls.

For now, I'd like to introduce you to my latest pattern--the Sew 'n' Go Quilted HandBag. It's pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself. Directions are included for quilting your own double-faced fabric since there are so few of these fabrics available for purchase. But, if you find one you like, you'll also find yardage and cutting info for that option in the pattern, too. I love making my own quilted fabrics because then they are truly one-of-a kind. 

This little shoulder bag has six pocket compartments on the inside, plus two on the outside--lots of places to stash your stuff. It doesn't take much fabric or much time to stitch this up--and if you prefer a more tailored look, don't add the optional jumbo rickrack trim.

I made the prototype for this little bag from a quilted batik and used cotton webbing for the straps. I like this one too! 

Hope you like this bag and will check out all of my other patterns for bags, quilts, and travel accessories at my Craftsy store http://www.craftsy.com/user/153303/pattern-store

Until the next time, keep on sewing and smiling!
Barbara