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Monday, November 21, 2016

French Market Tote Bags


Last week I pulled out one of my many tote bags to use on an errand.  I had grabbed one of the larger bags, and my youngest (who is 8) stopped and exclaimed "I LOVE that bag!"  His enthusiasm was a little startling - especially for something as mundane as a tote bag.  But then he began to tell me about the memories he had from when he was little, of the two of us going to the library and using that bag to carry our books home.  How sweet is that?  I had no idea.  A tote bag is just a tote bag.  But maybe it's not. 

French Market Tote Bag


I do love to make tote bags.  I just think they're fun to make.  They are a pretty quick project, and sure are handy to have around!  I use mine for all sorts of things - from carrying hand stitching projects, to sneaking treats into a movie theater.  

I also love to give tote bags as a gift.  In fact, these bags in the photos are headed to my Francophile MIL who recently traveled to Paris with her husband to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  I'm hoping that these will remind them of their anniversary trip, but I'm absolutely positive that they'll also be used to sneak extra treats into the movie theater.  

French Market Tote bag - made with Colette fabric


When I make tote bags, I really love when the lining fabric is just as pretty as the outer bag fabric.  So I designed this tote bag so that the liner fabric peeks out along the top edge of the bag, and matches with the handles.  It's not as tricky as it may look -- I'll be sharing my tutorial for these bags in a few days.    

All of the prints I used for the bags are from a line called Colette, designed by Brenda Walton for Blend Fabrics.

It has these two prints that are full of charming drawings and phrases in French-- 

Colette fabrics designed by Brenda Walton for Blend Fabrics

And there's also this print with adorable hand drawn scenes of Paris.  I'll be using these in a fussy-cut project for sure!

Colette fabrics designed by Brenda Walton for Blend Fabrics

There are also a couple of sweet macaroon prints to round out the line:

Colette fabrics designed by Brenda Walton for Blend Fabrics


But these two prints are my favorite!  And see that little girl on the bicycle with the balloons - down in the bottom right corner of the bag?  She's adorable.  And she's the one that gave me the idea to make these bags!  


French Market Tote Bag from A Bright Corner blog



French Market Tote Bag from A Bright Corner blog

See more of the Colette prints here.  They'll be arriving in stores later this month  -  you can purchase them here from Hawthorne Threads.


And now to announce the giveaway winner from last week's blog post.  Congrats to comment #25:  OhioLori!  Your copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks vol 14 will soon be on it's way to you.  
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13 comments:

  1. These bags are just delightful Andy! You are seriously tempting me to go fabric shopping- not that I need any! And that story about your son remembering the trips to the library was very special! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  2. Just gorgeous. I often make bags as presents as they are quick, easy, and always useful. I love the fun fabrics you used. x

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  3. These bags are so beautiful and the fabrics are yummiest!

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  4. These bags are so beautiful and the fabrics are yummiest!

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  5. I am in love with that gray and orange combo. Really nice job!

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  6. Looove your Bags!! Such a fun Collection of fabric...now added to my Wish List! :D

    Thank you for my Win..am excited to start picking pattern from it!! :)

    Ohio Hugs!! :)

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  7. I love the bag now I want one. But to no avail I don't sew ---- where can one get the pattern for this bag? I can always beg or ask my daughter or friend to sew.

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    1. Hi Barbara - I'll be sharing the tutorial for this bag here on my blog on Monday, January 9th.

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  8. Will you be sharing your tutorial on this on your blog?

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    1. Hi Lin

      I sure will be - thanks for asking. I'm planning on sharing the tutorial on Monday, January 9th :)

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  9. Love this bag. I am going to buy (gasp) some of this material and try to make a bag just like yours. Will you be sharing your tutorial on this bag on your blog? If not, where can I get the pattern for this blog?

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    1. Thanks! I will be sharing the tutorial for this bag here on my blog on Monday, January 9th

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  10. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN. SO MANY CUTE IDEAS AND PATTERNS WITH GREAT TUTORIALS.

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