Tag Archives: lining

Another finish – Bright Tote Bag Lining

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2013-brighttote
I’ve finished another project from my sewing project bag. I made a new liner for a tote bag that I made back in 2013. This Bright Tote Bag was the first big loom knit project I made. I used a Martha Stewart knitting loom. I single-crochet-chained every inch of yarn I used. It took a long while, but it was really enjoyable and worth the effort. Making this tote bag project helped me better my loom knitting skills.
The stitch pattern is what I call a ‘basket-weave’. I’ve heard it called a tile stitch and a cobblestone stitch. Doesn’t matter what it’s called, it was a fun stitch to do. I think it looks pretty good for my no-pattern first attempt at a loom knit project.
I’ve always liked the look and colors of this tote. I’m happy with the beads and oblong toggle button, both of which I sculpted out of polymer clay.
However, I never liked my open-pocket lining (lower left side of the collage-photo). Since I’ve figured out the method for setting zippers in the pockets in linings, I decided it was time to replace the lining in my old Bright Tote Bag.
It has a zipper-pocket on each side inside.
One side zipper-pocket is big enough for my 8-inch kindle fire and the other side pocket is big enough for a mobile phone and some other small stuff.
I’m ever so much happier with my old Bright Tote Bag now.

Wishing everyone a happy week of sunshine and smiles.

Finished Friday – C2C Crochet Beige Tote

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I’ve finished another project from my sewing project bag. The sewing part of this project was a learning experience. I figured out techniques that I can use in future projects.beigetote-kI crocheted a tote bag, although I suppose it could be considered a handbag.
I crocheted the c2c (corner-to-corner) stitch pattern using 2 strands of 4 weight yarn, to make it sturdier to hopefully give it a long life.
My plans for this bag changed, as I went along. For the straps, I originally was going to use loom knitted icords.
By the time I finished the body of it, I changed my mind and chose to crochet wide straps using c2c. I made one long strap and looped it around the body front to back and hand stitched it together. It was half finished in the above picture.
I decided to set zippers in the pockets. It was risky for me, since I’m not very skilled at zipper setting. However, I figured out a way to set the zipper that turned out pretty decent.
The bag lining has two pockets; one pocket is deep enough for my 8 inch kindle fire and the other pocket is a good size for a mobile phone with room for other things like a comb and stuff.
I’m surprised the lining turned out as well as it did.
I used the blanket stitch to hand-sew the lining in the tote. It’s not perfect, but it’s quite okay for me.
All along, I played with the idea of either a simple flap closure or a zipper on the top. Well, I figured I’m this far into it, might as well go for it. It took me a few days to figure out how to set the zipper in the top that required only my limited skilled.
I crocheted 2 strips and hand-sewed one on each side of the zipper and then I crocheted it to my tote.
Tah-Dah! The zipper looks okay and works great.

Here’s wishing you all a weekend
full of fun and happiness.