Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Mother's Day Preview

Don't worry--I just called my mom and warned her not to check my blog today because I can't resist posting her Mother's Day gift early. She was disappointed to skip a day of reading my blog, but she understood (I'm an instant gratification girl). So, here it is.
This is the "All-Day Tote" from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. I'm so excited about the way it turned out! I just love this tote and I can't wait to make one for Faith and for myself too. It's a large rectangular tote with a flat bottom, so it has tons of room in it, and I love the pockets, especially the front pocket which holds a folded newspaper or magazine. There's also a water bottle holder on one end and a key clip on the inside.
It calls for one pocket on the inside; I ended up adding extra pockets to cover up some "disappearing" fabric marker that didn't disappear. You can't see them here, but there are pockets on all 4 sides and I bought some little items (mints, a pill box, a small bottle of hand sanitizer) to "stock" the pockets. I think she's really going to like that key clip too.
Lotta's patterns in this book are very basic--I was surprised that the pockets are unlined, for instance. Also, there is no mention of interfacing anywhere. I typically make non-interfaced bags, but I'd like to learn how to make a proper stiff bag some day (my machine might have issues with stitching through multiple layers, though). This pattern does call for heavier-weight cotton, and I was so glad I used it. This is an Ikea fabric that is pretty sturdy.
I made fabric covered buttons to embellish the exterior, as Lotta shows on hers. I haven't made covered buttons since I was a teen. Aren't they fun? One of my resolutions this year was to get things done early, and I'm so glad to have this gift made comfortably before Mother's Day. And I know my mom is going to love having a hand crafted bag from her girl. What are you all planning for your moms?

24 comments:

mom go green said...

the bag looks so great! i love your fabric choices and color combos. i have the lotta sewing book and have yet to try it. need to wind my bobbin first. but - you've inspired me AGAIN! thank you.

Rachel said...

Your bag is fantastic - puts mine to shame! I obviously still have some practising to do! I love the combination of the green with the black and white, really striking. And those buttons are so cute. I'm going to see if I can get that book in the UK. Many thanks for your lovely comment!

Carrie said...

That fabric is great. She's gonna love it!

crunchy peas said...

Oh wow! I love it! Nice work. I was at Ikea last weekend (we don't have one close by- we have to travel 3 hours to get there). I never realized that they have fabric by the yard for sale. My husband quickly ushered me past that section. He knew that it could be trouble!

Amy said...

the bag looks wonderful! I am sure your mom will just love it!

ames said...

That bag is fantastic! It really makes me crave green apples, too, such a tasty color. Don't you just love IKEA's prints?

I've been meaning to get my hands on Lotta's book, you've definitely convinced me it's worth a look. For Mother's Day I made my mom a crochet hook roll that I'll be posting pictures of in the near future...not nearly as multi-purpose though!

Barbara said...

Your mum is going to love that bag I imagine. The covered buttons and all the little pockets make for a great bag. We've had Mothers Day already in the UK (March).
Your picnic with your baby boy looked like wonderful fun.

Laura said...

Oh, this bag is just lovely!!! You did a fabulous job! I really wish you would open an etsy shop and sell your wonderful, cutie things!!! Your Mom is going to cry(because she will be so touched and will love it so much) when she sees this!!! You are the queen of planning ahead!!

Kelli said...

Great job. I wish I could do half of what you do in a day. Your a great inspriration. Love the colors of your bag

Erin said...

Wow, the bag is so beautiful. You must be so efficient with your time.

After seeing your bag, I finally ordered both the sewing books you mention in your posts-Bend the Rules Sewing and now Lotta's Simple Sewing. I'm going to have to find my time:)
-Erin

Shannon said...

I totally stalk your blog, but I HAVE to comment, that bag is SO AWESOME! Seriously, i love the whole dang thing! Looks hard and complicated, but fabulous! Well done!

Erna said...

that bag is great! lovely fabric! wow you're so on time with your gift!! hmm I wanted to let my children paint an cushioncover for her...better do that today :)

Anonymous said...

you are such an inspiration, you make me want to go, go, go-grab life by the horns and just DO IT!
I love your blog, check it almost every day, and am constantly inspired to do things for myself, for my family, and for others.
Thank YOU!
Nicole

Carrie said...

It came out so pretty! I love your choice of fabrics and the covered buttons add such a darling touch!

Meg said...

I love it! The colors are great, and the covered buttons on the outside just make it perfect! I didn't know Ikea sold fabric--there's one about a half-hour from me that I may have to check out now...

I'm making a bag for my mom as well, but I'm low on fabric, so it'll be a smaller tote. And then I thought I'd throw in an apron for fun, too. And seeing your pictures has inspired me to hit the local library book sale this morning to find some goodies to put inside the bag.

You have a lucky mom!

Suzanne said...

She is going to love that bag! Very sharp indeed:-) And is that a Kleen Kanteen bottle in the pocket?

melissa s. said...

LOVE that bag! i have that same ikea fabric, and i'm getting inspired to break it out and use it!

Lina said...

Good job on the bag Mary-Beth. Got to love that Ikea fabric and the green too.

Billie said...

Nice tote, love the fabric! I've been wanting this book for some time, an excuse to go buy. I'm new here (via fickr), you have a very nice blog, too. I would like to make my Mom something, I was thinking about a tote ... well, I better get moving!

periwinkle said...

Thats a great bag, love all the little pockets and things- I'll have to have a look for that book.
Lisa x

::m:: said...

love the bag!!

missy [project mcb]

amanda said...

I love this bag, Mary Beth! You mom is going to be the hippest Nana on the block.

MA said...

Fabulous bag! I love your choice in fabrics. I too have that book, but have not yet been brave enough to try that tote - although I did complete the more simple tote in the book. How do you cover buttons with fabric? It it just a kit you buy? Sorry, always learning, right? Thanks, I very much enjoy your blog.

Mary Beth said...

Hi Shimmy Shake. The bag is easier than it seems. Each step is simple--there are just a few more steps than with the simple bag. I say, go for it. The covered buttons--yeah, it's just a kit you buy at the fabric store with the other notions. It's so fun to decide which fabrics to use. Enjoy!