Oh the agony! Being given something so beautiful and having no idea what to do with it. Even if I did think of something to make, what if I made a mistake and spoilt it?
People came up with lots of ideas (cushions, wall hanging, etc), but I really wanted it to be something Little E needed. I borrowed some great books from a friend, which had loads of ideas, but most beyond my skill level!
I decided to be patient and wait and see if anything inspired me.
Then Little E started nursery. He needs a light bag to carry a few things, such as his dummies and sleeping bag. He has a little peg to call his own to hang it on. I was sure I could make a bag!
The books above had loads of different bag patterns, but I needed something idiot proof and a tote bag seemed the simplest to make. I found the instructions confusing in the books, mainly because I am not familiar with the different terms. As before, I found a step by step video guide much more helpful.
I looked at several on YouTube, but Stitched Up appealed the most to me.
I thought this video was great. Really easy to see and hear. Nice and simple. I don't have a sewing machine, but I had no problems stitching everything by hand. I used a running stitch, mainly because it is one I can do (!), but also because it looks neat.
I was hoping to be able to cut off some of the polka dot border to make the straps, but there wasn't enough fabric. I could have tried to make a smaller tote, but it started getting complicated and I was at risk of cutting off some of the pictures. In the end, I used all the fabric I had to make the body of the bag and a good friend of mine let me rummage through her fabric bag to find something for the handles.
And... Ta dah!
I'm pretty pleased and it feels pretty sturdy, however I wouldn't trust my stitching to carry my shopping home!
The fabric pattern doesn't quite work with the bad design, as on the other side, the caterpillar is upside down...
...but I'm not too bothered. The patterns in the books that I saw always had the most amazing fabrics that worked with their design perfectly, but of course most of the time we have to make do with what we have.
Really quiet chuffed with myself. Hope it doesn't fall apart at nursery!
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