First up, was the Desert Bloom tote. The fabrics are by Sherri and Chelsi for Moda and they are just perfect for this cool fall weather that we are getting. I finished up with this tote and almost wanted to go rake up some leaves to jump in. But I resisted and finished up the second tote instead ;)
I was lucky enough to have a bit of Desert Bloom yardage on hand that was left from some secret sewing, so I lined it in the happy yellow and then added some navy handles. I just love how the yellow makes me smile, it is like a pocket of sunshine hidden in your tote ;)
And the second tote is the Manderley Tote. The Fabrics are by Franny and Jane, and this was a special little tote for me because Jane gave me this Charm Pack at Spring Market to make something beautiful with, I think this tote totally fit in that request :) So pretty!!!
I didn't have any Manderley Yardage though and didn't want to wait for some to ship, so I used some fun prints that went along with the beautiful charm squares for the handles and lining. I love this gorgeous grey flower from Riley Blake that I had in my stash and it made the perfect lining and then added a pop of color with this gumdrop print from Dear Stella. So fun!!
And while I was putting pictures on Instagram and Facebook of the process I got several questions on which pattern I was using. The short answer is I used the Charming Handbag Tutorial by Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts. She made it up for the Moda Bake Shop several years ago ;)
However, I do a few adjustments when I make mine - I don't cut the charms down to 4 1/2" square, I just leave them at the 5" square that they come as. I have since made a full step by step tutorial on how to make these totes here, with Amanda's permission, that includes my alterations. Just for your reference ;)
So because of that, when it is time to cut the lining, I cut mine at 18 1/2" x 18 1/2" square. I also like to do my gusset corners a little differently then Amanda does. I showed in this bag tutorial (a reversible take on this patchwork one ) how I like to do my gussets, which is what makes the bag square on the bottom ;)
They finish up at 16" high and 17" in length on the top of the bag and 13" in length at the bottom of the bag (because of the gusset :) and are 5" wide. It is a perfect side tote for Library Bags, Piano Bags, and the list can go on and on :)
And those are the main alterations that I am doing that are a little different than Amanda's tutorial ;) I should probably just make a tutorial of this tote with the alterations the next time I whip one up. Would that help???