one, two, three
I made three of these tote bags this week, which was satisfying because making things in threes always is. But also, because we have been accumulating an awful lot of plastic shopping bags lately, and having some of these in the car and the parcel tray of the pram should help phase out the plastic bags from my life. I hope.
I did make three, but Arlo forgot to bring his home from school, so there are just two to show here. He takes his lunchbox and 'homework folder' in his. I used the design from Lotta's book (again) but changed around the sizes a bit so they'll carry more groceries/books, and some fabric I found here in Norway. The yellow cotton is from an opened sheet set I was given. I think it was originally purchased in the late 70's (it still had the price tag attached) and is mostly yellow and white floral, but with a dark green and brown pattern marching all around the edge. Oh, it's a beauty. And I still have lots of it left.
These are fabulous Melissa. Lovely fabrics, and what a score on the sheet set!
Posted by: Jo | March 14, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I absolutely love this pattern. I made two of these totes for my in-laws and they raved about them. Your fabric choices are gorgeous. I love the geometric floral-ish pattern on the second bag!
Posted by: Jill | March 14, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Love love love the fabric on the second one! They are gorgeous shopping bags!
Posted by: Stefanie | March 14, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Beautiful Melissa! Really like the yellow vintage sheet fabric. I love how you give us some of the nice details around the things you make. It makes it even more special. Have a nice evening! Can't wait to see you guys! -Emily
Posted by: Ravenhill | March 14, 2008 at 09:53 AM
love the fabric combinations, they will look great in the spring Scandinavia :)
Posted by: Dina | March 14, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Kelly | March 14, 2008 at 10:05 AM
oh i like to do things in 3 too!
beautiful bags.
Posted by: celine | March 14, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I really like how you made the handles yellow on the first one. It really brings the whole thing together...so cheery too. Just in time for spring!
Posted by: Taryn | March 14, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Gosh I really adore the second tote, what a beauty, such happy fabric! Well done!!!
X Lies
Posted by: Lies | March 14, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Those are GREAT bags!!
Posted by: lera | March 14, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Lovely bags! You will be the envy of the grocery stores!
Posted by: Amy | March 14, 2008 at 11:58 AM
You have such a talent for combining fabrics and colors.
Posted by: Kristin | March 14, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Oh, I love the first one.
Don't suppose you are making any more of them for sale? Wishful thinking :-)
Posted by: flowerpress | March 14, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Do you care to share what size you made them? I have that book too and I really need more grocery bags.
Posted by: Andrea | March 14, 2008 at 01:44 PM
I love the colour combinations. I could do with three myself. Polly x x x
Posted by: Polly | March 14, 2008 at 02:07 PM
These look great!
I am so lazy I actually purchased this Lotta tote from a crazy little japanese craft shop in fitzroy. I love it and cram it to absolute capacity every day, having a larger one would be pure danger!
Posted by: Lisa | March 14, 2008 at 02:37 PM
that is so true about making things in threes, ha! and I thought it was just me. really nice fabrics too.
Posted by: kimberlee | March 14, 2008 at 05:28 PM
True beauties! The fabric combinations you made are so lovely, especially the one with yellow parts caught my eye.Plastic bags won't have a change anymore.
Posted by: Merruli | March 14, 2008 at 08:29 PM
I really like these! Beeing enviromentally( ööh, ecologically) smart also looks cool!
Posted by: isoinpapu | March 14, 2008 at 10:38 PM
both are lovely, but hte second is my favorite. i salivate everytime i look at it.
Posted by: cyndi | March 14, 2008 at 11:13 PM
They look great, and much better than those awful plastic bags, that tend to breed!
Posted by: ash | March 15, 2008 at 04:22 AM
So great! And I'm loving the yellow handles on the top one. I wouldn't have thought of that, but it is a great idea.
Posted by: Marcelle | March 15, 2008 at 04:38 AM
Melissa, I have been really enjoying making these types of bags too. A couple of years ago I made a giant one for the library but have since found out that carrying 30 books in one bag is a bit too much on the back and shoulders. I am now planning out two smaller ones to divide the books into. :o)
Lori
Posted by: lissilulu | March 15, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Great bags. I love the fabric.
I really need to make 1,2,3 for myself too.
Posted by: Anja | March 15, 2008 at 07:45 AM
i want it all! i need to move to norway or sweden just for the fabric!
Posted by: Five Flowers/ Emily | March 16, 2008 at 04:10 AM