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Wednesday, 21 January 2015

Slaving over a hot sewing machine

Hello. I like to alternate between hand sewing and machine sewing so I don't get too bored. Today it was the turn of the machine, I fancied making some shopping bags. The fabric I have used all came from the Scrapstore, it has a backing on it so it's super thick and strong. I am trying to reduce the size of my stash, and use up some bits. There isn't enough of one colour to make a single bag, so I have mixed them up a bit.  
Previously I have made bags out of both these colours, there is just enough fabric left to make this last one. The handles on three of the bags are sewn onto the outside, because they were too thick to fold and tuck under the hem round the top.
The other side of this bag is the opposite way round, the patterned fabric panel is in the centre.

The red fabric came in strips, so I extended the width by adding a panel in the centre.

 The bag is blue, the handles are dusky pink, so what, they don't have to match.

Super strong bags, nice and cheerful to brighten up any shopping trip, and they will last a long long time. I'm very pleased with them. Now, what shall I make tomorrow, maybe some more hand stitching on the picture.
Toodle pip
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17 comments:

  1. Barbara M.21 January 2015 at 22:20

    Really nice bags, as always. I particularly like the pink and green one.

    A lot of people in the U.S., at least in my area, still do not use cloth bags. But I have seen more people using them in the past few months.

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  2. primrosesattic21 January 2015 at 22:23

    Your bags are great. That is what I need to do. I need some new shopping bags.
    Rosezeeta.

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  3. Boud21 January 2015 at 23:19

    I crocheted my own shopping bags in brilliant colors. The only trouble is getting the checkout people to use them -- they say they're too pretty! but I'm getting them trained. And I'm training myself to bring the bags into the shop, not forget them in the car..I do like your bags, very much.

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  4. Wilma21 January 2015 at 23:24

    Beautiful bags! You really have a good eye for color and pattern combinations.

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  5. Twiggy21 January 2015 at 23:45

    Very jolly and useful
    Twiggy

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  6. Anonymous22 January 2015 at 00:29

    Beautiful handmade bags ! I'd like to know how to make one, but maybe I've missed the post where you've shown us!
    AussieCheryl : )

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  7. SAK22 January 2015 at 00:34

    I love love love love your bags (and your art!). I keep a few bags in my car for shopping - but nothing this cool!

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  8. Linda Kay22 January 2015 at 02:28

    Looks like a great use of your scraps. What will you do with so many? Great color.

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  9. Jo in Oz22 January 2015 at 04:09

    Love the colours and I love tote bags. Thanks for sharing Ilona. Cheers Jo in Oz

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  10. Destemona22 January 2015 at 05:29

    Hello, you've done well using up what you have and they look really nice and strong.We see more and more people using them here which gives a person hope for the future,yes?Bye for now,D.

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  11. annie22 January 2015 at 06:45

    great bags!

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  12. Kitty Greene22 January 2015 at 06:56

    I like the cloth bags, reuseable and washable.
    If I make them combining fabrics I topstitch the outside seams with a decorative machine stitch, it opens up the seam and adds a bit of decoration.

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  13. Sue22 January 2015 at 09:02

    What brilliant use of all your oddments. I recognise the centre strip and handles of the bag in the second picture as the fabric from my bag :-)

    You could also make pencil cases or make up bags to sell on your fundraising stall with your oddments, if you have some zips, velcro or buttons to use up ... just an idea.

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  14. Claire22 January 2015 at 11:32

    Loving the bags Ilona. I still have the one I won in your give away a year or so ago and it is so strong and has served me very well :) Much Love Claire from frugal living xxx

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  15. Leguminous22 January 2015 at 13:45

    Very nice. What do you do with all of your bags? Really enjoy reading your blog.

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  16. Quinn22 January 2015 at 15:55

    I think this is my favorite batch so far :)

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  17. Heleng22 January 2015 at 20:20

    Lovely bright bags, Ilona. I've been making bags today too. I make syringe driver bags for the hospice so that patients can carry around their portable machines. If you were interested in making for a hospice near you there's details here:- http://www.makingforcharity.co.uk/node/340

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