Another tote bag

Since I made my first tote bag, I've kind of been obsessed with them.  

Soft and Stable is just the bomb for making bags that are sturdy but light.  It's really easy to work with (none of that horrible fusing that you have to do with other interfacings) and gives a very professional result.

 

This is my most recent tote bag - Lyndy from Stitchbird chose all the fabrics (main exterior fabric, contrast band, and lining) and this version will be hanging out in her shop as a sample, because Stitchbird is now stocking Soft and Stable (you can find it here, here and here).  It's rather exciting (and possibly dangerous) to have a local supplier.

I'm planning to make another tote bag for myself using this method, and if I'm in the right mood when I do so, I'll take photos and write up a little tutorial.

Linking up with finish it up friday at crazy mom quilts.

Caturday Wisdom #73

Not having to buy shoes really lets you go to town on bags. Ralph

We're back with cats this week!  Ralph likes all bags, but this one seems to be a particular favourite.  Do you have a similarly bag-obsessed cat?

A tote bag for travelling handmade

Lately I've been looking for more ways to live a little more handmade.  I'm psyching myself up to make a "proper" bag (maybe a Super Tote) so I bought some Soft and Stable in anticipation.  It's something that I read about at Sew Sweetness, and boy does Sara know her bags, so I had to try it.

 

I'm a bit nervous about sewing proper fancy bags with zips and pockets and all that jazz, but I could picture how to make a simple tote bag so I thought I would experiment with the Soft and Stable to make just that.

 

For this tote I used a relatively subtle cat fabric (which I really really love, in case you can't tell), together with Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Black (another favourite).  I quilted the exterior fabric to the Soft and Stable with lots of vertical lines.  I then added the handles, leaving room to add the lining.  I slightly boxed the corners, then added a simple lining to match.

 

I was really impressed with the Soft and Stable - it was easy to work with, and it's given the bag enough body so that it can stand up by itself, without being stiff or heavy.

I'm doing a lot of travel at the moment, and I'll be using this bag for my carry on luggage.  It fits my laptop nicely, with enough room for the miscellaneous junk that I need to carry on but can't fit in my handbag.  I'm kind of in love, and very relieved that my "make it up as you go along" method worked out well.

Have you tried Soft and Stable?  Do you have any specialty product recommendations?

Linking up with finish it up friday at crazy mom quilts and Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts.