It’s been raining here just about every day for the past week. And now a tropical storm is on its way. Elsa! Let it Go!

Thought I’d share a few pics with you before getting into the details of this weeks Firefly Tote SAL.

And back to the topic–the Firefly Tote SAL.

Again, the video in the second newsletter is very detailed and informative. I am changing my firefly up a little. I wanted a pocket on the back as well as the front. In the first newsletter, Anna Graham (the person behind Noodlehead.com) suggested what fabric to use. The exterior should be sturdy such as canvas or denim. The lining, pockets, and drawstring section should be a light weight cotton. But I didn’t heed her advice. I used canvas for the pockets. And adding the extra pocket caused extra layers in the bottom seam. I broke a needle. And part of that needle might be inside of my sewing machine even though I immediately took the machine apart, cleaned it, and ran a magnet around the bobbin area. Scheesch.

Last week I used a zipper that was longer than called for and just cut it off.

I do this for pouches a lot. If I sew very slowly and very carefully, I can usually get the needle to go through or around the zipper bits. Please note, this does not work for a metal zipper!!!!

I didn’t have any trouble until I was doing the topstitching along the pockets. Again, if I had used the quilting cotton there would have been no issue. I didn’t break a needle that time, it just kind of froze up and set off an alarm. Danger!

I ended up getting my old workhorse Bernina out to do the rest of the exterior. Boxing the corners was very cumbersome. Again, due to the layers of thick fabric. But I did it!

Moral of the story: Heed Ms Noodlehead’s advice.

The bag looks amazing thus far! So pretty with the Rifle Paper Company canvas and the contrasting zipper.

The last step on this week’s SAL was the drawstring closure. I used quilting cotton for this part. Something I didn’t consider was that this fabric is one way. Noodlehead does address this in the video. If I had thought about that I would have taken it into account by cutting it in half and adding 1″ for seam allowances then stitching it back together. I didn’t have any of this fabric left so on the inside of the closure the print will be going in the wrong direction. Does it matter? Nope.

I’m liking how this tote is turning out. Needle breakage and really thick seams are okey dokey since it’s so pretty. I had planned on donating this tote along with a matching pouch to the raffle at the annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival. (or will I?)