Anyway, back to the project. Since this was my first sewing machine project I took the advice of a different author and used muslin the first time. It's cheap, like $1/yard, and I'm glad I did. I just wrote with ballpoint pen which pieces were which from the instructions since they were all the same color.
Biggest problem: I can't cut straight! I measured out the fabric and cut it on a cutting mat with a rotary cutter which I was led to believe would make it easier (it's not). Not wanting to waste the whole $0.10 of muslin I was using (WTF is wrong with me? I should have just started over), I just subtracted 2 inches from the pattern directions after I jacked up the cutting a few times. So instead of a bag that was supposed to be 11" X 15" , I got a tote that was 9" X 13" which is the perfect size for... a can of soda and a matchbook? It is small.
Notes on the project (#1):
-muslin is cheap, let's not be stingy
-um, remember to remove the paper from the interfacing or your tote will be crinkly sounding like your bag is really for potato chips. Not that I would ever do something so foolish and silly...
-the directions are very clear that you should be ironing. Do it. Just suck it up and do it.
-I added the strip of Target $1 ribbon across the front seam just to add some color before I gave it to my daughter, (she was super excited about this bag, btw). I used a strip of heat 'n bond that I had on hand but had never used. It isn't sewn on. Way too thin.
-seriously hard time with the handles. My ability to sew straight at an 1/8" is not so hot. If you're doing this project as a beginner just make the handles wider so that the fold under is easier to catch if you don't sew perfectly straight.
Verdict: Pretty pleased with myself. Took longer then I expected, but was psyched to start the "real" tote bag.
Notes on the project (#2): (no photos, for reason that will become obvious)
-not having time to poke around the fabric store I just asked where the canvas was and picked out the colors I wanted for the tote. $19.99/yard folks! Having no idea that was seriously expensive I paid it and went on my foolish way.
-feeling bad for not ironing the muslin, I ironed the canvas. Or tried until it melted onto my iron. Apparently it wasn't cotton canvas. Luckily enough it just peeled off the next day in one big plastic piece.
-canvas sewn to canvas lined with canvas is THICK. Thick enough that I somehow didn't notice that I sewed the bag closed.
Verdict: TOTAL DISASTER. To sum up this tote's lessons remember not to sew the bag closed, don't iron plastic and don't pay $20 a yard for fabric when you can't sew.
Notes on the project (#3):
-if you screw something up royally, take a break. I took a day before I started over and had a fresh attitude.
-I made the handles wider to make it easier on myself. It doesn't look too off and I saved myself the heartache.
-ditched the rotary cutter. I used new expensive sewing shears and they were awesome.
-this thing is sturdy and I'm now using it everyday. I stick my purse, my water bottle and my phone in there and there is still a bit of room for papers or whatnot. I like it because it isn't so big that I can leave a bunch of crap in it, I have to empty it out regularly.
Verdict: Success! Great pattern, easy to follow directions (so long as you follow them) and a useful, attractive item. I feel like I can sew anything! You know, after I fail at it a few times. Anything!
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