Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Do you say "tote" or "carry"??

I remember the first time I heard someone say they "toted" something somewhere. I thought it was such a great word. I love words that have a funny sound to them...like laugh and sausage. I digress, sorry.

Any who, I wanted to say thanks for all the sweet comments regarding the accidental piercing of my index finger. I was totally amazed at how quickly it healed. I still have a tiny bruise under the nail and the nail is definitely cracked some, but after two days I was back in fine shape and tackling another project.

I have some lovely vintage table cloths that belonged to my grandmother. I wanted to get some use out of them so I used one of the largest ones to make a baker style apron for my sister. The other half of the cloth was really stained with what looks like tea. That must have been where the kids sat for family get togethers. I used parts of this to make a tote bag. This was a beautiful table cloth, printed to look like it had been cross stitched.

and the other side...



If you can sew a bit, making a tote bag is a simple project. I didn't use a pattern, simply because I have watched so many craft shows that I new how it was done. There are lots of commercial patterns available ( Our local JoAnn's has their Butterick patterns on sale this week for .99)


or you can get instructions on line. In fact, Butterick has a great website with free projects, that you need to check out.

Speaking of JoAnn's, in addition to getting 10 patterns yesterday, I bought sewing machine needles~(Yeah, I know, I'm a glutton for punishment)~I bought a pack of quick thread machine needles that are just the bomb!

You just slide the thread down the side of the needle and it has a tiny, tiny slit in it that pops the thread right into the eye of the needle. I don't know if I have ever mentioned it before, but I am extremely farsighted. I can't see close up at all without my specs and even with them, trying to use the needle threader on my machine has to be done by "feel". So if you are like me and have to use more than the sewing machine light to sew, do yourself a favor and try these needles.

Hope everyone has a great week. I have to go for my "lady's wellness" appointment tomorrow and we know how much fun that is. Then on Friday, I'm off to the hair salon. Can't look scraggly while growing out the silver locks. Other than that, life goes on.

Well, that's all for today. Take care and do something fun!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

This came out really great!

Sandy Mastroni said...

That tote bag is really great Susan
I love love love old tablecloths
and I am glad you wrote about the needle
I was just thinking this morning I need a new needle
and I sat there for 5 minutes trying to get the thread through .
I had no idea they made a needle like this
Thanks for posting this

Pocket Full of Prettys said...

Thanks for the b-day wishes! Love your tote bag. I love those vintage table clothes, what a great way to use the material. Hugs***Renea

Lauralee said...

This was really interesting. I really like the tote bag. I wish I could do something like that. I like how you said, "laugh and sausage" and "The bomb" Haven't heard that used in a while. Yeah, bring it back! lol. And I'm actually the exact opposite, I'm far sighted. Just thought I'd let ya know. lol. Well, cool post. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad your finger is ok! I love the tote bag you made. I do not have a sewing machine. It's on my wish list. I saw how JoAnn's has the pattern sale. What a great deal, 99cents! Take care!

Anonymous said...

oh I forgot! I say tote, carry, schlep, lug, anything that comes to mind. hee hee I especially like schlep.

Tina said...

Love that little totebag! Great idea. glad your finger is better.
You make me wanna dig out that sewing machine and gt to work.

Suzie said...

Good lord poor finger. I am glad you are feeling better

Amy Gethins Sullivan said...

I was just saying to the girls, that we need to pull out the ol sewing machine & do a few fun projects...
like tote bags & pillows~
I love your tote !
Thanks for coming by~
glad your finger is feeling better~
:)
~amy~

Rebecca Ramsey said...

My in-laws say tote!
Your tote bag is really cute, and now you've inspired me. I bought this vintage tablecloth long ago and never use it. Now I know what to do with it!

Thanks for your comment about my Farmville post. I hope it didn't prejudice anyone against your home state. I LOVE Virginia and its friendly people (like you!) We used to drive through several times a year on our way to see family in Kentucky, and I always thought I'd love to live there. There are prejudiced people where ever you go in the South. Thank goodness the good far outnumber the bad!
I hope your finger is healing well. Ouch!

Sea Gypsy said...

I just love those vintage tablecloths and the tote just turned out great!!!!!! I am so glad you mentioned the needles, I need those things bad! I have been having such a hard time threading the needle. If you really get to thinking about words, they all sound funny.:)

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

I LOVE that tote bag!! I get a kick out of different words too. Like how we call it "soda," while others call it "pop." :> )
Glad to hear your pointer is back to its old self again.
~Yankee Doodle Peanut

Duchess said...

I love your wonderful Tote bag! How charming and what an ingenious use of your grandmothers' table cloth. I was really drawn to this tote because of the cute design and vintage style quality. I will have to raid the local antique store and see if I can find some table cloths to use to make my own Tote bag.

Thank you so much for sharing this and I hope your finger feels better.

Duchess
From Artbeads.com