The Whale Super Tote

I bought the Super Tote pattern from Noodlehead a couple of months ago with the idea that maybe someday Meg and I would open an Etsy shop. Last week I decided to get to work and make a prototype bag out of a Whale print, 21 wale, corduroy that I had banished to the back of my stash. 

 

I like to vigorously test out the end product myself to see if there are any quirks that need to be smoothed out in future versions. I'm a stickler for stability and I think the original pattern needs it's interfacing requirements to be beefed up significantly. That's really my only qualm though. Other  than that, the bag sewed up beautifully, I love the size and it has endless possibilities. I have at least 25 other versions dancing around in my head that need to be liberated so I better get sewing!

  

 This picture is just for scale purposes. The finished bag is deceptively huge and holds e v e r y t h i n g with space to spare.

The front of the bag has a large pocket trimmed with white piping.

There is a pretty, pleated gusset detail on the side.

I have to say that the recessed zipper is probably my favorite part. 

There are 4 large, internal pockets with elastic to keep everything in order.

I box stitched the handles for extra stability.

Etsy Love - House Shoes

I love Etsy and I spend too much time browsing through all of the things that are offered on that site. With that said, I bought the fabric for these shoes from a vendor in Boston on Etsy. I loved the unique utility of the prints but didn't know what to do with them. The other day I was catching up on one of my favorite craft blogs and they had found this pattern for mary jane slippers from take a guess...a vendor on etsy. I promptly went after the pattern and sewed these up in no time. They take 2 fat quarters with a little left over and I used 2 vintage buttons from my Aunt's stash. They are bright and fun and make me smile when I look at them. Hooray for Etsy and all the crafty people that put their ideas and goods up for sale :)