Backyard Baby tote
Yesterday I decided that come hell or high water I was going to sew…..and sew I did. (we won’t talk about the state the house is in and what I should really have been doing instead – enough to say that I won’t be winning the Swiss Housewife of the Year again!)
I managed to finish my the Backyard Baby tote that I started last week – spurred on by envy for all those Mouthy Stitches totes that are floating all over blogland at the moment. The design is all my own – and before you ask, yes the 1/2″ sashing and the 1/2″ green squares were a bit of a faff – but I love the way they turned out. The dark grey fabric is a heavier weight cotton, which will make the bag a bit more robust (and should show dirt less than the lighter fabrics. It measures 15.5″ x 14″ x 4″ – a pretty useful size!
Here’s the inside for good measure – although I think I like this just as much as the official outside!
This is actually destined for under someone’s Christmas tree, but I’ve fallen so in love with it I think I’m going to have to make another couple so I can keep at least one for myself.
Helen
A huge heartfelt thank you to all who have commented over the last few days. So many of us seem to be going through the same teenage issues I’m dealing with or have done so in the past – each and every one of your comments helped me and I will get back to you in the next few days. The path is long, but as with all things, this will pass…..
November 7th, 2012 at 11:52 am
Loving the tote! What a lot of work went into that!
November 7th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Lovely Helen. It looks like little windows.
November 7th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
This is lovely Helen! I really like the fabric – we used the same fabric for one of our Bee blocks recently and it is very fun. I hope you do get around to making one for yourself too – an extra bit of TLC for you. And who wants to be Swiss Housewife of the Year anyway? I would rather have a funky bag!
November 7th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
This turned out lovely! I’m not surprised you can’t bear to part with it.
November 7th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
It’s lovely Helen – green and grey are so great together. So happy you managed to get some sewing time.
November 7th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Helen, I saw a cross stitch once that said “My house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy.” Stop sweating the small stuff– it’s a never-ending battle. . Love the tote. Do you plan your designs out with software or paper, or use the TLAR method? (That Looks About Right)
November 7th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
This is gorgeous! And I love that you’re doing things for your own peace and sanity. The house and its mess will still be there, alas!
November 7th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Love it x
November 7th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
You did such a lovely job, Helen. I love how the grey sort of makes the green and blue pop. xxoo
November 7th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Love your tote and absolutely adore the sashing and little green corner stones. I’m glad you got a bit of “me” time to sew.
November 7th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
I feel so bad for you—and for MY mom! I was one of those teens who drove my parents and teachers nuts…sorry! Now I am a quilter, so I guess I turned-out okay in the end!
Thanks for the great/inspiring/entertaining blog!
Tricia
November 7th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
I am glad you have found some time to sew and maybe escape for a few hours.
November 8th, 2012 at 3:41 am
The bag is wonderful, I love those little squares! I hope you make one just for you.
November 8th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
What a wonderful tote. I don’t think I could let it go either. The fabrics are charming. I’m glad you’re making time for you. To hell with the house. You need time to feed your spirit.
November 8th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Oh, I love your Backyard Baby Tote! You did a great combination with that dark grey. And I’m a bit envious that you finished your Babckyard Baby project. Mine is still in UFO state ;o/
Thinking of you and your teenage-toublemaklers ;o)
November 8th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Aww, love it, almost looks as if the backyard babies are fenced in! Glad you found some time to sew, and that you’ve got some professional help with your little treasure (btw, if you’ve never read the ‘Treasure’ books by Gina Davidson, it might help 😉 )
November 9th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
i’m making a quilt for Hamish with that fabric (well, me and the bumblie bees) but your tote looks super cool.
Hugs x