Sewing day(s)

Yesterday I watched a video from Quilting in the Rain, and I was inspired to sew a tote bag! Of course I didn't have all the supplies I needed, so I made a trip to JoAnn Fabrics. Yes, I purchased more than I needed. My excuse is that I am easily inspired.

When I returned home, I unpacked my goodies and prepared my materials. I figured I could finish my tote bag in no time. After all, the video is less than 25 minutes. I was so wrong!

First of all, it took me longer to quilt my fabric than I anticipated. I may use pre quilted fabric next time, although that would reduce my fabric choices, and I do have quite a bit of fabric that would look nice in a tote bag.

My next hiccup was that I cut the material for the straps the wrong size. It took me a good 15 minutes to figure out what I'd done wrong. Once that was corrected, I decided I wanted pockets... not one pocket, multiple pockets. All was going well until I realized I had forgotten a step and need to completely take apart the pockets I had made. Sigh!

I finally got everything sorted out and...

My tote bag is finished! I think I want to add a closure of some sort, but I haven't decided what yet.

My pockets worked out well. There are actually 12 pockets in there. Six of them are loaded with little project bags for Palmetto Tat Days. I have plenty of room for my tatting notions, which are still in use, and there's plenty of room for my wallet, keys, and cell phone. I won't have to carry a purse! I think I may make some more of these totes now that I know what I am doing. 😊

So, guess what I did when sewing frustrated me?

If you guessed tatting an Ice Drop, you are correct! This is my Minty Fudge pattern tatted in size 20 Lizbeth #119, Jelly Bean. I do love this color!

If you'd like to try it, here's my Minty Fudge pattern:

Round 1:

•  Ring: 4-4-4-4, reverse work.
  
•  Chain: 6-6, reverse work.
  
•  Repeat for a total of 6 rings and 6 chains.
  
•  Join last chain to base of first ring with a lock join, reverse work.
  
  Round 2:
  

•  Ring: 6-6-6. Fold ring away from you, toward center of first round.
  
•  Chain: 8. Lock join to base of ring from first round.
  
•  Repeat for a total of 6 rings and 6 chains, joining rings as you go. Note: insert
  
•  glass gem before joining last ring to first ring.
  
  Round 3:
  

•  Chain: 16, reverse work.
  
•  Ring: Tat 6 picots separated by 1 ds + 6 picots separated by 1 ds, joining to picot
  
•  of round 1 chain, reverse work, slide bead(s) into place.
  
•  Chain: 16, reverse work. Lock join to base of ring in first round.
  
•  Continue in this manner for a total of 6 pattern repeats. Cut, tie, hide ends.