Something for Me
In the midst of making things for the Sweet and Sinister Swap, and the swaps I signed up for at Silver Bella, I came across the most enticing idea at Natasha’s blog – an “It’s All About Me” blog party challenge. The focus was to make something for ourselves, something we have been wanting but had not had time to make. I signed up, and got right back to work on my various swap commitments. Last weekend, however, I found myself with some time to make a lil’ something for me!
I have been trying to decide just how to tote my supplies and trinkets around for the various classes at Silver Bella in November, and finally came up with a plan for a craft tote of sorts, made to my own personal specifications. I had some wonderful old raspberry colored drapes, and a stash of Shabby Chic fabric to play with. I wanted something pretty but not too fru fru, something that could double as a (big!) purse for the flights out and back to Omaha, and something that could hold the various crafting supplies, stash of lace, ribbons and antique photos, as well as a snack or two (I have heard there’s very little down time between the classes at Silver Bella!).
Here’s what I came up with…..
The outside is Shabby Chic fabric, a wonderful paisley linen bit I picked up at Beekeepers Cottage in Lucketts, Virginia. Inside, I lined the bag with the vintage raspberry drape fabric, which also worked perfectly for the handles. The pockets on each long side are another Shabby Chic fabric scrap, a floral cotton this time, for scissors, pencils etc. 
In the middle of the bag is a removable divider that buttons on to the sides. I envision it will work for holding ephemera, antique photos and such. I like the divider option so much, I am thinking of adding a 2nd one.
removable divider pocket
removable divider pocket buttons onto main bag
To stiffen the sides and bottom of the bag somewhat, I used a fusible Pellon Peltex 71F between the lining and outer fabric. The interior pockets and dividers are made a bit sturdier with good old fashioned buckram.
The result is a lightweight yet sturdy, squishable (if needed) tote that pleases me – which was the whole point of this blog party challenge!! I can’t wait to try it out and show it off in a few weeks.
Thanks Natasha for such an inspiring and motivating challenge. I am now one step closer to being ready for Silver Bella, and have a beautiful new craft tote that I am sure will be getting tons of use!
Sue, your bag is gorgeous!!! i love the fabric that you used…you have all kinds of room in there to hold all of your supplies at SB…beautiful work!!!
Love it! With all your spare time, maybe I can persuade you to make me one.
This tote is just awesome! I know you are going to love using it and thank yourself when everything is needed during your classes at Silver Bella. Just awesome. The paisley fabric you used is divine, looks like a vintage piece of cloth! Thanks so much for joining in, I’m super glad you did!
Your tote turned out so pretty. I love the pockets that you can button in and take out. What a great idea!
Perfect carry tote for your Silver Bella adventure, with all those pockets and nooks to hold special things it is really practical but oh so very cute.
This is totally beautiful! Your skill is amazing. I wish I could sew like this. And your fabrics and color choices are so pretty. Thanks for sharing,
Kitty
Lucky girl, you get to go to Silva Bella. This tote will be perfect. You did a beautiful job with this.
Karen
Hi, Sue! I love your bag! I can’t imagine knowing how to make such a pretty yet useful item! Hope you have fun at Silver Bella! ♥
Hello Sue! I love your tote and that it is collapsible : ) They are so handy for people who want to live “green” and use instead of plastic bags. Now you can use it for every day, and be fashionable too!
Hugs ~ Nichole
I want one! Chic & functional at the same time! Have fun @ Silver Bella!
that is fantastic, love the paisley fabric. Very clever especially given how busy you are! Rachael:)
Aren’t you a clever gal to create such a Beautiful, yet practical Tote?! I love everything about it, except for one thing… it doesn’t belong to me!! tee~heeeee… just kiddin’! I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new tote for years to come… isn’t it wonderful that so many of us have now created something special for ourselves? BTW… Love the name of your blog!
Hope you’re enjoying the
swap as much as I am!
~ blessings ~
Pearl
please stop by for
a visit, and enter to
win one of my give~aways!
You will even have more fun at Silver Bella using this tote! Nice to meet you!
Your bag is lovely! Don’t you adore linen?
I must visit the Beekeeper’s Cottage the next time we are in Virginia!
Cheers,
Maggie
It’s beautiful, sweetpea! I love tote bags and carry one I made most of the time.
xoxo,
Connie
Oh, that tote is adorable! Love the trim on it!
You sure did outdo yourself. What a great tote bag. I love it. So unusual and fun. You are going to have lots of fun using that bag. Hasn’t this been a fun party.
Your Silver Bella tote turned out great. I’m sure you’ll be the envy of all the Bellas! Have fun!
xo
jeanne
You certainly have treated yourself well.
Aren’t we happy we joined Natasha’s party
Its just beautiful.I love it,and i love the colors you used.What a wonderful bag. The ideas for its use are endless. XXOO Marie Antionette
Gorgeous! Great job on your tote!
Wonderful, and it is beautifully lined! I’m also jealous you get to go to Silver Bella. Hope you have a wonderful time.
That bag is gorgeous and looks perfect for your supplies. Keep an eye on it or one of your roommates might try to pack it away
The bag is wonderful! I’ve been searching and thinking of what to take to SB to hold all my treasures……what a great idea this is!
I LOVE the Bee Keepers Cottage and The Lucketts General Store! I go there often!
I hope to meet you at Silver Bella!
Your bag is awesome , You did a wonderful job! Thanks for stopping by. 8~)
~Myrna Lee
Your bag turned out great..and I really like the divider..it will be perfect for hauling just about anything! ;0) Very nice, indeed!
If you haven’t popped by for a visit….please do!
Hugs,
Stephanie
I just love your bag..form and function …take care..
Sue,
That bag is PERFECT for SB!
You should be getting excited – 3 more weeks!!
Just how much time did you have to spend on yourself?! That’s not a 1/2 hour tote you made! Lovely choice of fabrics too!
Sandy
Oh that bag is perfect!!! Can’t wait to meet you at SB in a few weeks! I am getting so excited!
Love your beautiful bag. And, it will be perfect for Silver Bella. I hope I get the opportunity to meet you @ SB. Hard to believe it is in just a few days…
Hi Sue!
Your bag is LoVely!!! And you will be a belle for sure with that fabulous tote! Look for me… I will be the one carrying the black art tote box. Blessings, me
Wow Sue, your tote bag is really amazing. I love your fabric choices and the removable divider pocket is ingenious!!
Wow! Your bag is gorgeous! It is great to see what our clients do with things they purchase from our store! You are very talented! I think I need to check out Silver Bella! It sounds like fun!