Bag Lady

I love tote bags. In fact I love all types of containers, tins, boxes and jars. I have a collection on my bureau.Last year I made myself a knapsack (bought a pattern.)check out the lining. You can click the photos to enlarge.I told you I make my living as a geek. Sometimes I have to take computers apart and replace components. So I made myself a little toolbag to carry my tools. I made it so it could go across my body and leave my hands free. Here's the inside.It took me two tries to get the slots for all the tools just the way I wanted them. I made this bag in 2002, and that's Gizzy, who has gone on to the Rainbow Bridge. I use this bag every day at work.Here's the outside. I couldn't make it ugly, now could I?I made this brown bag in a previous life, it seems. As I have said many times before, brown is NOT one of my favorite colors. But I use this bag a lot. It is large, the patchwork is about 16", so the bag is about 18" square. It is not very deep, only 2", but it is great for carrying my quilts around for show-and-tell. There's a different patchwork block on the other side.
I am telling you all this because before you make yourself a bag you should ask yourself...

What do I want to carry around in it?

Because it makes a big difference in the materials you use for the bag. The toolbag body is made from denim. The knapsack is made from cotton with haircloth interfacing throughout. The brown bag uses something that was called "trigger cloth" (I think).

I promised you a tutorial, but in the meantime here are a couple to get you started.

Colorfool Creates has a great tutorial with a wonderful sense of humor.

Mama's Pocketbook goes a bit more formal.