This is a post about the most recent bags I have been making but I couldn’t resist adding some photos from my gardens that I took yesterday. My azaleas are just about gone but there’s always something blooming.

Okay, I digress, on to bag making!

I’ve been doing a lot of research on tote and bag making since I started using the Brother PQ1500SL. Mostly about thread. I’ve always used a polyester thread mostly from Gutterman. And a small stitch. Turns out that was all wrong. I should be using an upholstery weight thread with a longer stitch. Like 3.0. I have to say, if I make a mistake and have to rip out upholstery thread, it’s next to impossible to rip those stitches out. So it really is a strong thread and I really don’t want to make mistakes!

I have been giving the Brother a workout. Last month I made the Sandhill Sling, followed that up with a beer bag for a cat-loving friend. Then a few weeks ago I made the Project Size of the Firefly Tote, also from Noodlehead.

Then I was cleaning up my sewing room and found the pieces for a “Let’s Go Tote” all cut out and ready to stitch. Had to make it, right? I also wanted to test out my new “Let’s go Tote” tutorial. Thought that was the last time, but nope, I want to make one more before I give you the new PDF. (Will I ever be satisfied with this tutorial? I have made so many of them!) I had my Babylock Unity back by then and I added some embroidery flair to the latest edition to my “Let’s Go Totes”.

As I was going through baskets and boxes of storage, I realized that I had WAY TOO MUCH DENIM. Seriously, it was out of control. I have a hard time working in chaos and those two baskets that were assigned to holding the old blue jeans were definitely chaotic. Had to do something about it. What better than more totes!

First I made a shopping tote. For Terry’s SUV. Can never have too many shopping totes! This is more manly and will replace one with a pink interior. (I need it in my Jeep!)

I really love these bags. They are so sturdy and hold so much stuff! They are really great for the produce stand and the flea market, too.

I put the handles on the inside of this version. I actually forgot to add them to the exterior and I gotta say, it’s easier to put them on the interior. Don’t have to deal with all of those denim seams on the outside.

Then three beer bags–for future hostess gifts and an upcoming festival that I always donate to. You can get the PDF for the beer bags here. I also found some black denim and matched it up with some of the bits of Rifle Paper Company canvas fabric. It’s maybe too pretty to carry beer!

I really like how this one turned out.

I used some squares from an old Cotton & Steel charm pack and quilted the interior.

The denim pile is still out of control. All kinds of possible denim projects are dancing in my head! Stay tuned……