June 20, 2014

New Chris W Designs Pattern: Stow It All Tote










It is time to show you the bag that I was testing for Christine at Chris W Designs.  She just released this new pattern today and it is called The Stow It All Tote.  You can find out more info on this pattern and see the variety of bags done by all of the testers here.  By the way, "Thank You" to my granddaughter, Maddie, for posing with this bag for me.  She is also my model for Christine's Photographic Contest found here.  (Christine has extended the deadline for that contest until the end of June.)


 This is a very large (16" W X 12" H x 4½" D) tote that stands on its own.  It can hold anything and everything that you could need to take with you.  The front of the bag has a pocketed area that is divided into three separate compartments.  It is closed by a large tab with a twist lock.  You could also put a magnetic snap there instead for a different look.  I used a very heavy black and green upholstery fabric that I had been saving for something special.  I did not have a lot of it but had enough to showcase the front, back and inside pockets on this bag.  I also used a prequilted fabric in black as the contrast.  I think it softens the bag a little.  Both the pockets and the top of the bag are trimmed with a very easy method that gives the look of a much harder to do binding.  I love that look!  It truly sets off the bag.





The back of this bag has another pocket that can be divided as the front is or left as one to house a tablet.




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The top of the bag has a recessed zipper closure to keep everything in its place





The interior of the bag is roomy and has a zipper pocket on one side and a large pocket divided into 2 slip pockets and a pen pocket on the other side.




I love this bag.  It is rated as an intermediate sewing project.  The most difficult parts of this bag are the gussets on the sides of the bag and you can certainly tackle those if you take your time.  Christine's patterns are professional as is the bag you end up with.  She explains each step clearly and concisely and shows pictures of the steps along the way.  Even if you look at the pattern and think you can't do that....I bet you can!

You can expect to see more of these bags on my blog and on my soon to come Etsy store.  Yes...I finally put that in print.  People don't believe me anymore when I say it is coming because I have been saying that for so long.  Look for it by the first of July.  Uh Oh ...now I really better get busy!!!!  I haven't left myself much time.

17 comments:

  1. Marilyn your tote looks great in your fabrics. Good luck with your Etsy Store. I have had no luck selling online, so maybe you will have better luck than me. I hope so. You do beautiful work.

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    1. Thanks, Daryl. I am going to put a limited number of bags on Etsy at first because I still need inventory for the craft shows I do. That is where I do my best. That and the orders that come in after a show.

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  2. I love your bag and the fabrics you used. I'll have to pinch the quilted fabric idea rather than quilt it myself in future, that's if I can find it. I can't believe that's your granddaughter, you don't look old enough. I wish I had a granddaughter to make bags for and to model them for me too. I think by the time I get any grand kids I'll be too old to sew them anything. Hope you have loads of sales on Etsy.

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    1. Thanks, Maria. Actually, she is my husband's granddaughter but I consider her mine too! He has 9 grandkids (8 boys and 1 girl) ages 11-23 and a great granddaughter on the way. I have 3 grandkids (2 girls and 1 boy). The oldest girl is 4 and the other boy and girl are 2 1/2 year old twins. We have been married close to 25 years so we both consider them all "ours"! But the truth being told, she will be 16 in a few days , so biologically, I am old enough to have one this age.

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  3. Great Bag, Marilyn. The upholstery fabric is great for it. Your granddaughter did a great job as a model. I saw your other pictures on the flickr contest pool and they are all great. So creative! I really wish you great sales on Etsy. It will be good for your craft show customers to find you afterwards. For me it has been good to have many items on the store rather than just a few so people can find it.

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    1. Thanks, Norma. I value your opinion since you have an Etsy store. I may be coming to you if I need help setting it up.

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  4. It's fabulous! Good luck with the Etsy store.

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    1. Thanks and thanks for the opportunity to show it off!.


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  5. Replies
    1. Thanks, Gayle. Can't wait to make this bag again.

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  6. Just discovered your blog via the SewCanShe linky. What a great-looking bag! I may have to add that pattern to my ever-growing pile of intentions, as I love making bags! :)

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    1. Thanks. I love making bags, too. This was the first time I used prequilted fabric as I am not a quilter. I love how it turned out. You will enjoy it, too when you make it.

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    1. Thanks, Ingrid. I have a couple of other bags to make first and then I will make another of these.

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  8. what a great tote, so professional looking with the quilting! visiting from Bag Brag Tues - would love a visit back *wink*

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  9. You find the neatest home decor fabric! Where do you buy most of your fabric. I mainly use fabric.com.

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    1. Gina, I get most of my fabric at JoAnn's. Love finding a special piece in the remnants and building around it. If a fabric is on sale and you find a remnant piece, the piece is 50% off the sale price.

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