Totes Unique - A Big Surprise

 

 

 A Big Surprise

I originally bought the Rose & Hubble Regal Lane Floral Berries Fabric to make some face coverings but when it arrived I really, really didn't like it so it was relegated to the back of the fabric cupboard.  Several weeks later, when I decided to try making a "proper" tote I ordered some Cordura waterproof canvas to make them with.  As it was a totes new experience for me I decided to do my usual staring at fabric before deciding to use some fabric I didn't like so that if it didn't work out there was nothing lost except some material.

I picked out some bright contrasting colours, from the florals in the pattern going for a lime green lining & cerise waterproof canvas base.  Considering how much I didn't like the florals when it arrived it came as a big surprise that by the time I'd finished it, I loved it!
 
Such was my surprise, I'm considering using the floral fabric for another tote.

Totes Unique - ReUsable Sandwich Bags

 

Reusable Sandwich bags

In an effort to be a bit more eco-friendly I decided to add re-usable sandwich bags to my bag making repetoire. 

I decided on a couple of designs: flip top and zip top.  Both types of bag have been French seamed and are lined with a food safe PUL.

I decided to use a waxed cotton for one version as I thought it should be ideal for packing a sandwich and/or nibbles into a pocket or rucksack when heading out on a hike.  I made these intended for use in the great outdoors, I thought that a flip top would be more durable than a zip for this version.  The red waxed cotton bag flip top was made with fabric from the Aldi EC-Aura "Summer Strawberry" FQs range.  It was insulated & quilted using Insul Bright Heat Insulating Fleece Wadding. The waxed cotton outer is spongeable & the inner washable.

The green waxed cotton, was a non-insulated version.  The flip top was made using a diamond patterned fabric I designed for making gizzit items for a South Atlantic Medal holders Facebook group & it is exclusive to them. 

The zip top version is in Rose & Hubble's   "Happy Adelie Penguins".  As it is 100% cotton & PUL it can be put through a normal cold wash cycle.  The flip top version can also be made with a cotton or polycotton outer.  I have some fabrics that would work great with this and be great for kids taking packed lunches to school.