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

17 comments:

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

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

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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. Looks like a great use of your scraps. What will you do with so many? Great color.

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

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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. Very nice. What do you do with all of your bags? Really enjoy reading your blog.

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  14. I think this is my favorite batch so far :)

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  15. 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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