Yesterday I took another great class from Luanne at FabMo! If you recall, the last class I took was on zippered pouches. This class was to make a tote bag. When you take one of Luanne's classes, you get a multiple-page packet she has prepared that shows you the steps, with color photos. This packet was even bigger than the one for the zippered bag, because it shows two styles and has instructions for different sizes. It's a great resource.
Once again, Luanne had prepackaged fabric packets. She finds that this jump starts the creative process, and you can always swap out any fabrics you don't care for using her bins of FabMo fabrics. I did that straight away, because my packet included a giant floral fabric. It was pretty, a black fabric with large roses, but I am not a floral girl and someone else should enjoy it.
The tote bag is more involved that the zippered pouch, so we really used the entire class time, and then some. Once again, the class was SO.MUCH.FUN. There were 11 students, so it was a full class, jam packed with info. It was pushing it, but Sue and I both got our bags done.
Prior to the class, we went to the FabMo distribution, which just happened to be Thursday through Saturday. I was trying to be restrained, and came away with half a bag of fabrics, and some jewelry findings. Once my current schedule settles down a bit, I'd like to make a larger tote, with a longer handle, piecing together some of those great FabMo fabrics.
Though not everyone managed to finish their bags, there were some really lovely combinations in the class!
I fussy cut the fabrics to get the motifs placed where I wanted.
I especially like the pieced, padded wraparound handle and the striped silk binding.
I like using two fabrics for the lining. This bag also has a magnetic snap closure, which is optional.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! to those who celebrate. My kids have a full day planned. We are meeting in downtown San Francisco at 10:30am and they told me that we won't be done until 9 or so.
I hope I have the stamina!