ButtonS and ScrapS

This project was made as part of a Craftsy course:
Stupendous Stitching: Adventures in Surface Design »

Materials

Lake Blue/Green Brocade for Exterior , Colorful Printed Cotton Scraps, Grandma's Embroidery Thread, Rattail Cord, Bright Button Colors, Metal Key Fob Clasp.

What was your inspiration?

I am inspired by Carol Anne Waugh's Online Craftsy Course, "Stupendous Stitching." I keep practicing French Knots, and tried different numbers of wraps around the needle to form French Knots. I think 3-4 wraps for the French knots are much better looking than 5 wraps. Good experiment and because the tote is for me, I'm not taking those Fat French Knots out. I'm keeping them in--to remind me not to make them too plump next time.

You know--I was just going to use simple faux pleats to decorate this tote. HOWEVER--after taking Carol Anne's course, she inspired me to decorate more, experiment more, and expect more. Thank you, thank you, Carol for the great classes.

I added colorful rattail, then printed cotton scrap (triangles). I was having so much fun playing--I added big and small buttons and hand-stitching with embroidery floss.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of finding new ways to use up small scraps of fabric. Try using a different liner fabric inside each pocket--it's fun and unexpected.

I like to quilt my own fabrics using polar fleece for batting. I use older/ugly fabrics to make the bottom layer. No one sees that layer, so why not?

Using a quilted fabric is ideal to make really sturdy shopping totes. I put 4 deep pockets on the inside, and one big pocket on the front (hidden by the faux pleats). On either side of the big hidden pocket are two shallow pockets to hold a camera and cell phone.

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

My advice is sew more, eat less. That's my new diet trick. Keeps my fingers out of the snacks and busy making fun bags and totes for sale, and for gifts.