Flannel bag

I checked out my stash of flannels and found these leftover rectangles from a quilt I made for myself a while ago (see it here and here). Since I really like those Woolies, I decided to use them all in a tote for yours truly.

This is the back side. I stitched all the pieces in a big rectangle, marked the pleates with a pin and stitched 1/8″ from the edge to secure them. I then chose a lining fabric, cut a rectangle of it with matching size, marked and secured the pleats.

I added a large pocket to the lining, made with flannel on the outside and lined with lining fabric. The picture above is not too clear, but you can see the belt I used for handles – how convenient that its colors matched the colors of my tote! I stitched the sides of both the shell and the lining.

I made sure the shell of the tote had its wrong side out. I placed the lining right side out inside the shell (I did cut a 3″ slit on the bottom of the lining). I placed the ‘belt’ handles in between the shell and lining, pinned them in place, and stitched around the opening. Then, I pulled the bag through the 3″ opening I had cut in the lining. Next, I pressed the seam where the shell was stitched to the lining, stuck lining inside the shell, and topstitched the opening. Done!

And this is my finish for today. I did not add any batting – it is a light, soft bag. I can’t wait to go somewhere with it.

Speaking of going places, have you seen block 12 of the City Girl Sew Along, called The Commons? Check it out before you leave. In the meantime, I am linking to Crazy Mom Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Quilt Shop Gal, Forth Worth Fabric Studio, Sew Fresh Quilts, and My Quilt Infatuation…

Enjoy your weekend!