Monday, April 2, 2012

Zakka Along :: Week 1 - The Zig Zag Tote


Click button for details on the Zakka sew along.

It's time to Kick of this party with a fun and stylish Zig Zag tote. Is everyone ready?
I had the pleasure of putting this fancy little piece together for you all. I decided to make a few examples of how you can keep it simple, or spruce it up to fit your style.





The bag consists of simple quarter square triangles on the front in an offset design, with echo quilting done to make the prints really stand out. If you have made any type of bag before, then this should be basic bag construction. If you have never made a bag before, feel free to ask questions here or in our flickr group. One bag I followed the directions according to the book, and the other I went off a little to embellish and make it my own.


My first recommendation is to have fun with it. Everyones machine will sew different seams, so things may not line up according to the pattern at all times. You can trim, or adjust the design as much as you need. This bag is very forgiving, and we are all here to help if you have questions. Also I suggest you read through the pattern and make sure that you understand the basic terms listed such as sub cut, and finger press. If you are a beginner here is a link for basic sewing terms. You most likely will not have questions, as the patterns is explained very well and there is no uncommon wording.
There have been a few adjustments made since the book was released. As with all books, sometimes errors are printed. Please see the errata page for Zakka style here


Choosing fabrics was the hardest for me because I wanted to use so many colors in the bag. I think it would be fantastic to see this in a scrappy version as well. After you choose fabric, cut out all your pieces before you begin construction. This will assure you have enough supplies for the bag before you begin.
As I said before I made two bags. After making the first, I played a little with changes, and thought I would share what I did here for you all.
I put together a small list of things I changed a little after making the first bag, so you can get a feel for what you might like.

 1. I only interfaced one side of the strap. This give it a little more looseness, and I like that. You could also use the fusible fleece to line the handles. I love the way The designer explains how to make the handles. No flipping or pulling, they are perfect every time.
2. I made the inside pocket a contrasting color so that it popped a little more. The pattern suggests cutting from same fabric as the lining so if you want to change that, think ahead and make adjustments accordingly.
3. I made the pleats slightly smaller on the bottom so that I could use it to fit books in. This just made the bag a little wider and showed off the quilting a little more.




If you have ideas I would love to hear them as well.

So are you ready to make one?
Let's get started, gather your book, and supplies , it's almost sewing time.

But wait before you start sewing, there is also a fantastic giveaway here from Aurifil Threads.


Leave a comment here on week one's post, and we will choose 5 winners to send a 5 pack of Aurifil Threads to. International commenter's are welcome.


When you are finished stop by the flickr group and show off your skills.
There is also a giveaway for participants on Lindsey's blog so head over there to link up and win a bundle of Rashida's newest fabric line Washi, courtesy of Timeless Treasures.
Entries for the Washi bundle are From today April 2nd - April 8th at 11.59EST
Each weekly post will feature a new linky party to show off your project, and enter to win something cool.

HAPPY SEWING

Fabrics I used::
Flea Market Fancy Blue bouquet
Robert Kaufman Essex Linen in Natural
Denyse Schmidt for Joann's Red dot
Maya by Anthology (small triangles)
Echo (blue check)
Robert Kaufman metro living (red Geometric print)

Huge thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors



COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED
THANK YOU EVERYONE!


216 comments:

  1. What a fun first project! Thanks for the tips and variations - anxious to get started!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Can't wait to get started! I've got all my supplies!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Those bags are awesome!!! I think I will have to see if I can track down the book so I can give one a go :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the totes you made! I was feeling a little intimidated by this first project but I may have to give it a shot.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've got my supplies, but I'm waiting for the book to arrive! Looks like two good ways to do the zig zag tote(^^) and I can't wait to get started and post what I come up with! Thanks for the kick off!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a great way to begin Monday morning - your bag looks like such great fun!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your bags are gorgeous - I'm doing mine a little bit differently - I seem to be in log cabin mode :D I have the focus blocks done but haven't picked out the linen yet - a shopping trip may be in order :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have my book, but just ordered the linen last night (tap, tap, tap - that's me tapping my foot waiting for the UPS guy to get here!!!). I love seeing the Zig Zag Tote with the different fabric choices! That is something I CAN do right now - choose my coordinating fabrics! YAY!

    I am dying to try some Aurifil thread so I am hoping to be one of the lucky five!! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial to kick off this great event!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Super cute, but I do not have to book. I think I will just wing it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ive made my zig zags and now on the bag construction

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm a little low on my linen supply but I have some nice, medium weight upholstery fabrics that I plan to use. I've noticed my mind wanders to the choices in my fabric stash that I want to use to coordinate whenever I'm washing the dishes, folding laundry, driving,...

    ReplyDelete
  12. This looks beautiful! I can't wait to get started!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Gorgeous bags - particularly love the 2nd one you did where the zig zags are emphasised. Just waiting for my book to arrive then hope to be busy cutting and sewing! Gorgeous thread giveaway too.. fingers crossed! Thanks for helping with some great tips and ideas :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Both bags came out great! Thanks for the tips, I hope to get started on mine today.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the bags ~ I've really been looking forward to the Zakka Style sew along. Now I just have to pick out my fabric and get to sewing!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my. Your bags are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your expertise!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Running off to cut my fabric for the bag RIGHT NOW! And fingers crossed that I win...I've yet to experience the loveliness of Aurifil. Thanks for a great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love this tote! I cannot wait to get the book to make it! Fun fun!! I love the floral fabrics you used, such beautiful bright colors. Would you mind listing those fabrics? I am not familiar with those prints. TY for your post, you explained so well and I'm grateful for the sewing term resource. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love it - zig zags are so fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm so ready to do this! Except, I need to gather up the supplies. Hopefully, I will be able to finish it this week, in time to meet the deadline.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love the bag. Would love to try Aurifil thread. Thanks for the tutorial ...

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love your two variations. I can't wait to see everyone else's - including my own! For those of you that are waiting on the hard copy of the book to arrive, google books does have the first 5 projects visible as a "preview". Here is the link:http://books.google.com/books/about/Zakka_Style.html?id=ryVmiJIdnKwC
    That might help you get started!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Really like how you did your tote. Love the zigzag's!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love your bags. They came out really great. I just bought some of that pinkish poka-dot fabric you used in the aqua/salmon colored bag, this weekend. I can't wait to try this bag this week. But I will admit, it will be later in the week as I am trying to finish a table topper for Easter. (I started this one almost 15 years ago.

    Thank you!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. got the book for christmas got to start making !!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love the colours and lining you have used. I just got my copy of the book today so looking forward to getting started. Bit nervous as have never really done any kind of quilting before but this looks managable. Can't wait to see all the other bags that get made.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great bag!
    I'm still waiting for my book to arrive!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Terri you rocked that tote! Love both versions and really helpful tips!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love that second tote! I have had my eye on those Anthology fabrics and really want some now.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Both bags are lovely, and so completely different. I do love the hand stitching and am now tempted to do the same on mine.... Thanks for the Aurifil thread giveaway! Would love to win some!
    My fabric/interfacing/fleece is cut, now to sit down and sew!

    ReplyDelete
  31. THE BAGS ARE SO NEAT !
    APPRECIATE YOUR SHARING THESE IDEAS!
    WOULD LOVE TO WIN THE THREAD TOO!
    THANK YOU!

    msstitcher1214@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I don't have the book so likely won't be participating, but I would love to be included in the thread giveaway! Thanks.

    Your tote looks great and I think you did an awesome job choosing the fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Very cute! I love the triangles fabric, and I might give this tote a try. :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm so happy to have stopped by after reading your tweet...the tote bag is adorable (and who couldn't use just one more)!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. LOVE the tote! Have been anxiously waiting for this sew along to get started - hope I can find the time to participate along the way! Drooling over the Aurifil threads!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love your renditions, especially the blue/red version. I made mine yesterday, and I found that it really helps to use spray starch on the linen--especially for the pieced sections.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your two totes look fantastic! :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Your bags look fantastic. I really like the hand quilting on the second bag.

    ReplyDelete
  39. totes love your totes, girl! but seriously, thank you sew much for this sew-along!! i just got into sewing and also just got this book and then i saw a link to the sew-along on Pinterest... let's just say i spent quite a few hours at JoAnn! so what is the plan - are you going to show us something new about the bag tomorrow, or is it just a post from someone different every Monday?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Cool, love the different variations you did :o)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Yay love the, my fabrics are all cut out and ready to sew. can't wait to see all the different variations.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love your bags! Had such fun making mine, I might make another :-)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Looks great! I hope I get the book any day now, hopefully on time to join you.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love the version you made with the hand quilting. So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Well done, they all look wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Fantastic bags, Terri! And great ideas, thanks... I got the book TODAY, just in time... now I'm off to search for the fabrics ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Great looking bags. I love the scooter used as a prop for the photo. I am a new follower by GFC. I don't know how many of the projects I will actually make, but I love you alternative ideas; and am definitely going to make this bag.

    ReplyDelete
  48. These are just perfect! I ordered the book a few days ago so that I could participate in his sew along. You have really inspired me with your topstitching so I can't wait for the book to arrive now!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Well, we are off to a great start thanks to you!

    ReplyDelete
  50. very neat bag!!! love how the topstitching adds so much to the bag!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love the hand quilting you did on the one bag - it really stands out! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oh your FMF version is absolutely stunning Terri; brilliant start to the series xxx

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a great start to a terrific project. You've set the bar high!
    thanks for the great give away opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  54. i filati aurifil sono fantastici,un caro saluto dall'italia da lory.
    www.cuoriestoffeblogspot.com.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Very beautiful bags with your great handquilting!.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Oh, well I'd like so much to receive this nice giveaway, to quilt is necessary a thread and these are lovely ^^)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am very new at blogging and super excited that I found this quilt along... and right on time to play! Exciting! I shall join the group and show off my Skillz! Thank you for the much needed inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Your two bags look fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Both of your bags are marvelous! I particularly love the one with the handstitching. I think I might have to steal that idea. :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. I can't decide if I need some linen for mine, or not. I usually don't like linen, but yours are so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love totes and this one is so cute. I love the zigzag design.

    ReplyDelete
  62. What an adorable tote I just love the fabrics

    ReplyDelete
  63. ohhh yay I have my fabric all layed out ready for cutting this pattern out this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wish all of my stuff wasn't packed up for our move! Love this bag and your fabric choice!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I absolutely love that your project features current fabric that is still available in the stores to replicate. Super cute bag!

    ReplyDelete
  66. My book came today! And I just love your tote! Great fabric choice.

    ReplyDelete
  67. That is a CUTE bag. I think I love it and must make it - now to buy the book.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thanks for the tips. I have the book now to just start ..........

    ReplyDelete
  69. I love your linings. It seems to make the bags pop even more!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Thanks for your inspiration. My book is ordered and should be here any day now!

    ReplyDelete
  71. love the tote and the fabrics....

    ReplyDelete
  72. I can already tell I'm gonna love this tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thanks Terri! Your bags are beautiful of course! I checked on my Amazon order and it hasn't even shipped yet. I cancelled and ordered straight from CT. I got the ebook bundle so I downloaded the digital version so I can get started right away, while waiting for my hardcopy! I might not use linen for this first project, as I don't have any, but I will definitely be buying some for the future projects! Thanks for the giveaway!!! Love Ya!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Can't wait to try this one. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  75. This is such a fantastic blog event...I'm ready to go! I love seeing the different examples of this bag. Between yours and the one in the book, I'm betting you can't go wrong, no matter what fabrics you choose. Can't wait to see what everybody comes up with.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Those are great totes. It looks really easy and I always need a spare nappy bag or even a teachers present!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Love the bag! Cant wait to give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Beautiful bags! I can't wait to get started!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Super cute! Would be cute to flip the zig-zags horizontally too. I love zig-zag anything!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'm off to start my bag tonight!!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Fantastic Terri!! I love this bag design and the fabric choices are so fresh. Off to purchase my copy of this book

    ReplyDelete
  82. I really want to buy the book. Your bag is darling!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I'm waiting for my book-it should be here tomorrow or Wed. I may pull my fabrics right now so I can start on it as soon as it gets here!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Waiting on my book here...i was told between the 4th and the 10th so i may be alittle behind here....i dont plan to make everything in the book at this stage...but you never know ...lol
    Thank you for this fantastic tutorial and the chance to win...

    ReplyDelete
  85. Fun to see your accent fabric choices. Thanks for the encouragement and helpful hints.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Now, if my book would just get here!

    ReplyDelete
  87. What a great way to begin Monday morning - your bag looks like such great fun!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Loove de tote! And thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I love that tote! I'm loving zig zags right now.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I've just linked up my entry. It's funny that you love the strap construction which I hated and so did differently! I found the bag a bit too boxy and wish I'd made it wider and less deep. I love the colours you've chosen and that colourful quilting is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Thanks for a great post. I have my copy of the book, I've selected the fabric, and now I'm ready to sew!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Love the topstitching - I'm always suprised at how much this technique can transform something.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Sewing together will be so much fun. Love the bag!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Sewing together will be so much fun. Love the bag!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Gorgeous bag, lovely fabric choices and a fab giveaway too!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Love the bags! And great idea to have that pop- color in metro living! Hmmm... I have some of that at home... Maybe I should make one... Good for shopping!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Cuteness! These would be great for Easter surprises, Mother's day, graduation, summer day trips....I should get busy and make some of these asap!

    sowingstitches [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I'm a tote-aholic already. Thanks for being an enabler!

    ReplyDelete
  99. How sweet! I could definitely use one of those bags.
    I may have to go through my fabric stash and see what
    I have that would look good.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Cute tote. Can't wait to try one

    ReplyDelete
  101. Great bag, I love the red and blue color way.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Tres Joli!! Will be a great Eadter bag :-))
    Merci

    ReplyDelete
  103. I love your bag !!!!!
    I'll try it I hope this week-end ... I'm looking forward to have my book!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  104. The bag looks great, will be having a go.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Your bags are amazing - I will definitely have to find this book - thank you for the information.

    ReplyDelete
  106. This bag is awesome, I love the contrasting hand stitching, it makes the zig-zags pop. Thanks for the give away!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I love bags! Sweet ideas. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  108. Cute tote. Thanks for the chance to win the thread.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Great totes. Our town is banning the use of plastic grocery bags beginning in 2013. Have to start making some totes for grocery shopping.

    ReplyDelete
  110. I ordered my book two weeks ago in anticipation for this....waiting on it to ship! It will apparently be here sometime between April 16- 30. I am bummed out!
    Love this first project :)

    ReplyDelete
  111. I finished mine last night. I also made some variations. I put two pockets inside, one with a zipper. I attached all of my interfacing to the front as I don't like an interfaced lining. I also made the width a little smaller. I love this pattern and I love seeing all the fabric combinations. That is what is so amazing about sewing. We can all use the same pattern and they all look different and have their own personalities. I am loving this sew along!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Zig zags look fantastic, I want to make one, yes I do. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  113. The contrasting stitching adds so much! Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  114. I'm feeling very excited - love the pattern. Lots to do but I will show it off tomorrow.
    Hugs - Lurline.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Such a great start to a fun party! I love linen and this book - can't wait to play with the pattern myself!

    ReplyDelete
  116. I love the bags! I really want to make one myself!

    ReplyDelete
  117. I love the bags! I really want to make one myself!

    ReplyDelete
  118. Great bags! A person can never have too many bags!

    ReplyDelete
  119. Love the bright colors! Thanks for the chance to win some great thread.

    ReplyDelete
  120. I'm hoping to be able to play along. Thanks for the chance to win Aurifil thread.

    ReplyDelete
  121. Great tote and wonderful tips to make it successful! Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this fun give-a-way:)
    LauraT

    ReplyDelete
  122. Thanks for doing a variation as well as the original version of the bag. As a person who gets nervous about branching out, seeing other people doing it makes it seem more doable for me.

    ReplyDelete
  123. Your bag turned out wonderful! I love it!!

    ReplyDelete
  124. Thanks for the tips for the great bag! I like the fabrics you chose to use.

    ReplyDelete
  125. those threads look great. just in time for easter.
    looks like a simple useful bag. must make one.....

    ReplyDelete
  126. The tote is great! Aurifil is my favorite thread!

    ReplyDelete
  127. I love the tote...I wanna make a scrappy one...can't wait to get started

    ReplyDelete
  128. Ok. I need to get the book NOW!

    Your bags look darling. I love your choice of fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  129. This looks like some much fun. I really like the red, white and blue one. with the contrasting colors. Yes I want to make one, and I love Aurifil thread.

    ReplyDelete
  130. Love the totes! Downloaded the book, prepped the fabric and can't wait to start sewing!

    ReplyDelete
  131. So lovely! Thanks for sharing, now I really need the book!!

    ReplyDelete
  132. Great fabrics choices--both bags are lovely! I envision you on the red scooter with the bag on your shoulder zipping down a street. :)

    ReplyDelete
  133. I really like this tote so I guess I'm going to have to buy this book so I can make one!

    ReplyDelete
  134. So beautiful: the bag, the fabric, the thread! I have been wanting this book for so long! Love that I am getting to see the projects come to life!

    ReplyDelete
  135. I love Zakka Style! Thanks for the sew-along :)

    ReplyDelete
  136. I love your bags, especially the red, white and blue one.Thanks for the chance to win some Aurifil thread. I have heard so much about this thread, but haven't had a chance to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  137. Love all the variations and explanation. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  138. Yay -- so excited for the sewalong -- I got the book for my birthday in January, and I'm ready to sew!

    ReplyDelete
  139. Ive ordered this book, but it's on backorder with the quilts store... Can't wait to make this bag.. I sorta follow instructions, but usually put my twist on it... I make handles by folding rather than making tubes inside out.. Much easier...

    ReplyDelete
  140. Very nice bag--not too fussy, just fancy enough.

    ReplyDelete
  141. Love your tote and the zigzag variations. I make my totes very similar to your directions and will now be adding zigzags and echo quilting. I would love to win soem Aurifil thread. It is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  142. Nice totes with an interesting pattern to catch the eye!

    ReplyDelete
  143. Love this! Can't wait to make mine!

    ReplyDelete
  144. Great bags, Terri! I think I'll make one for Molly to use while student teaching 2nd graders. She'll love it! And I LOVE Aurifil thread! It's all I use :D

    ReplyDelete
  145. Love the look of this tote. Would love to make one. Would also love to win some Aurifil thread.. Thanks for the opportunity.
    :)Carol

    ReplyDelete
  146. I'm so excited for my book to arrive so that I can sew along! Love the Flea Market Fancy fabrics so much....they look great with the linen!

    ReplyDelete
  147. Just love the tote! Can always use a new one to carry around my projects on the go! awolk at rogers dot com

    ReplyDelete
  148. Your totes are so cute!! Finishing my zigzags today then on to the bag construction. I can't wait to finish and post of Flickr!

    ReplyDelete
  149. I love these, well done.
    Esther.

    ReplyDelete
  150. I love your totes. You can never have too many totes!

    ReplyDelete
  151. That tote is really cute! Love the idea. Clean and simple, yet fun.

    ReplyDelete
  152. That is a really nice tote! And it makes me want to make somth8ing in zigzag, too!

    ReplyDelete
  153. Love the bag, will have to get the book. And really love Aurifil thread, use it all the time, can't live without it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  154. I love how you made both of yours, so cute.

    ReplyDelete
  155. Great bag, so useful and easy peazy to make your own customised version.

    ReplyDelete
  156. Love the hand stitching on the second version.

    ReplyDelete
  157. Love your bags. Out if town for a week, then I plan to get started. Already received book.

    ReplyDelete
  158. Nice tote. I like the one with red pattern inside. The big color seams are so "njami".

    ReplyDelete
  159. I'm dying for my linen to show up in my mailbox so I can get started (do you know how hard it was to find someone who wasn't out of stock!?)!! Your bags are really cute, cant wait to get mine going.
    Thanks for the giveaway to start this party!

    ReplyDelete
  160. Love your bags. Makes me wonder if I should join along.

    ReplyDelete
  161. Thanks for pointing out the contrasting pocket and strap construction! I hate turning bag straps right-side-out, and this method worked great!

    ReplyDelete
  162. Your bag is fabulous! Going to love seeing all the projects from everybody!

    ReplyDelete
  163. Your tote looks amazing! Great fabric choices & it's really helpful to read about your process & suggestions before tackling this project. Thanks for a lovely giveaway as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  164. Your bag looks very charming. I am impressed the detailed work on it.

    ReplyDelete
  165. I love the bags in both colors...I can't wait to get started!!

    ReplyDelete
  166. Love your totes. Now I just have to go make one.

    ReplyDelete
  167. Wonderful fabrics in your totes. They are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  168. Just woken to heavy rain... Yay.. I can spend the day sewing.. Got stocked up on linen for this sewin.. Would love some Aurifil thread to showcase the Quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  169. Oh, this is a great tote! I'm tempted to make one. (I need another project about as much as I need another head...)

    ReplyDelete
  170. Great tutorial and two awesome bags . Hope I win the threads !

    ReplyDelete
  171. love seeing the maya fabric in your bag! can't wait to cut into mine - i love it!

    ReplyDelete
  172. I love both the bags! I can't wait to get started on mine!

    ReplyDelete
  173. Love the bag, can't wait to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  174. Cute bags; thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  175. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the variations. I like the metro living in red you lined the second bag with.

    ReplyDelete
  176. I love both versions. I'm always amazed at what different effects you can achieve with even small variations of a pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  177. ohhh I love love love all your bags!

    ReplyDelete
  178. I love this bag. Thanks for the chance to win some aurifil.

    ReplyDelete
  179. I think these totes would make excellent end-of-year teacher gifts! Maybe I will be super crazy and start (and finish!) them now, instead of waiting until the night before we present them!!

    ReplyDelete
  180. The bags are way too adorable! so much inspiration to go buy this book and dig in for this upcoming Easter weekend!I love the simplicity of the design but the "POP" it makes in style. I would use this as my library bag or my new take-a-long craft bag... Loves it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BTW that zipit shop on Etsy... totally fantastic! I hadn't thought of looking for supplies like that on Etsy... Got me some zippers in bright colors woot woot!

      Delete
  181. OMG your bags are amazing!!! And so is your giveaway!!! Aurifil thread YES PLEASE! Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  182. i love the different versions. i was thinking of changing it up myself. the threads are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  183. Love your echo quilting and thanks for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  184. I love all the pretty combinations everyone is using! Great giveaway! Mine is in the pool and I need to get crackin on the next project!

    ReplyDelete
  185. my book is on the way :-) i can´t wait to get started .

    thanks for the giveaway !

    edith

    ReplyDelete
  186. Lovely bags! I just finished mine and used all three your tips. You say the handles are well explained. I had to do it my way, not understanding it at all.
    To the back I added 2 strips that I used in the zig zag.
    And ... I hand quilted it too (o:
    Happy Easter!

    ReplyDelete
  187. Your bags are really lovely, I hope to make one of my own too. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete