Friendship Totes

I managed to escape our massive home remodel madness yesterday by taking a road trip with my dear friends Merry and Kimber - we escaped for the day to the Amana Colonies to celebrate both their August birthdays (more on our trip in a future post). I had been collecting gifts for them over the last several months and decided to make them both a large tote bag to carry everything. I actually didn't use a specific pattern - I just made my own - I used things I liked about several bags I had made in the past and a couple ideas of my own to create these extra large totes. I really had fun choosing fabrics I thought they would enjoy - Merry's tote was made with "Rouenneries" by French General for Moda (one of her favorites) and Kimber's tote was made with "Simplicity" by 3 Sisters for Moda (Kimber's favorite colors are pink and green). I used a fusible fleece to make the bags nice and sturdy...and was very happy with their 16" x 16" x 8" size. Both bags were slightly different, as I learned a few things as I went along and made some adjustments. Over-all, I was thrilled with how they turned out and may just have to make one for myself once things settle down here.

Well, I better get back to preparing tutorials for my upcoming classes (amidst the remodel - windows and doors being installed today, along with more trim work)...but I will return shortly with a post about my trip to the Amanas...