An Everywhere Tote

It is an odd thing to have happened to me, but it is what it is. I have become obsessed with sewing. Maybe it’s the new space I have to do sewing projects, or the new time I’ve found to myself, or just my desire to learn something new and create things from what I have.

While going through all of our stuff and figuring out to donate, give away or throw away, I found the valances that I fleetingly had in the kitchen a few months ago above the sink. Simple white sailcloth originally from Target that I nabbed at Goodwill one day. They didn’t last long once I decided I’d rather have bamboo roman shades. They’ve been sitting unloved in a box ever since.

I figured better to use them for something I’ll love and use than to let them continue on in a state of such disgrace.

I cut them up, and concocted something that resembles a tote bag. Between the main fabric and the heavier strips that were on the bottom I had myself fabric for the tote and fabric for straps. I used fabric leftover from curtains I made in my daughter’s room (I’ll have a post on that another day) for the lining. It’s the perfect size for taking to the pool, errands or just throwing in a book and bottle of water for the park. I am calling it my everywhere tote. The all white was a little too plain even for me, a lover of all things bright and white. So, I seriously flailed my way through making some things that maybe resemble flowers to add to the outside.

Of course, this means my 6 year old daughter now wants flowers added to all of her handmade tote bags. That ought to keep me busy… right after I get brave enough to try to sew the straps to the inside of a bag. Wish me luck.