Magnolia Lane by Laura Gunn was on my shelves but a few hours before it began calling my name to use for a project. After much consideration, I decided to use it to make a sturdy tote bag. I've made basic tote bags without interfacing, but I wanted something with strength that could possibly stand on its own.
I love the Magnolia Branches print the most, so that was an easy choice for the outside of the bag. The Painter's Canvas in brown seemed like a perfect compliment for the bottom and handles. I used the Scattered Buds for the lining, and while I sort of wish I had made a different choice, it's like finding sunshine inside the bag each time I open it!
Okay, so the shadows in my photo do not make it look overly sunshiney, but trust me, it is!
When I cut the panels for the outside, I sewed heavyweight stabilizer to them before stitching them together to form the shell. I also sandwhiched the stabilizer in the handles, which makes it a little stiff, but still, I like the strength of it.
Now I just need to find a project to make with the Blooming Tulips. It's such a fresh, cheerful, sunny print and so pretty that it, too, is calling my name. I had better decide on a project before it sells out, as it has been the most popular fabric in the collection so far!
Hi Christie,
Thanks for sharing the info about your bag. I am sold on the magnolia branch and the brown painter's canvas fabrics! I was wondering what your other choice for the lining fabric would have been, since I'm looking for a third as well. I appreciate your advice! Thanks!
Posted by: Dana Beisel | 02/01/2011 at 08:34 PM
Hi Dana! I've thought about this question, especially since I had the bolts in front of my face and felt I may have picked wrong, lol!
If I decided I didn't want any print, just a solid, I'd have gone with the painter's canvas in sage. But I'd have probably thought that was a little plain against the brown. So either the textured plaid or the painted dash would have been great choices. I really like how the textured plaid repeats all the colors in the magnolia branch, so that would likely be what I choose.
I'm so glad you like these fabrics, I hope I've helped!
Posted by: Fabric Flair | 02/01/2011 at 08:42 PM