Tote Handles

Carol asked how I make my Easy Peasy tote handles....

It's hard to explain without a photo.... I hope my Photo example helps.

First I decide what color I want my Main fabric. I cut this strip to 2 1/2" wide and desired length. (I cut these strips from centerfold to selvage on the material. I use my ruler and rotary cutter). Fold this strip in half and press wrong sides together with edges even to one side, and the ironed crease on the other side. Open the Main strip and fold and press the raw edges to the center as indicated in the photo.

This is the same way you would make a bias strip.

Cut a piece of batting 1" in width and the desired length. This batting strip is placed inside and down the center of the main fabric fold. Press all of this flat. Cut a 1 1/2" wide accent strip with desired length.

This accent strip is also made like a bias strip.

To construct.. Place the main fabric and batting with raw edges up. Next Pin the raw edges of the small bias to the cover the raw edges of the main fabric opening. As shown in the photo. Stitch down either side of the small bias to secure it and cover any openings.

I have found I love adding the accent trim to the handle.. but you can make them the old fashion way.

4 inch strips.. fold in half then fold in half and stitch down either side of strip to secure. If I do a handle this way I also add a bit of iron on interfacing to make them a bit stronger and not so wimpy.

I hope your not to confused with my instructions. Once you make one.. you will understand my concept.

Up-Cycle time again

Hello my sweet readers.. I want to first thank everyone for all their kind words and notes letting me know that I have been kidnapped and held in Scotland... I hope the problem is corrected now, and you won't receive any more emails... I am so sorry for any inconvenience you may have experienced from that email....

As most of my readers know that Winter is not my friend.. nor is it a good time of the year for me..what with the usual aches and pains.. I still have pain from the surgery. The pain from the surgery is getting better... slowly but surely :O) The little ole nerves are just slow to wake up!

I have been trying for the life of me to get my MoJo back on... but so far this is it....

I did have a few days where I felt up to sewing so I decided to take a Hospital Scrub that I had and made myself a new tote bag. I am always taking things to Big Daddy O's and Momma Bears. I thought it was about time I had a new Book bag for it.

The tote is fully lined with tons of pockets on the inside.. the band across the bottom is separated by three pockets. I even used the original pocket on the back of the tote. I wanted accent colors bright to match the whimsical cute little Children on the fabric. The tote handles are made with my famous easy peasy construction.... Ms Nadine loves how I make my handles ;O) She has used this method several times on her own recent projects.... I hope you enjoy this fun Up-cycled project :O)