Lace tote bag

This is my new favorite tote bag. I've had the idea in my head for ages and the other day while I was reading for class, I had to stop and write it down just so I could concentrate on my school work. I finally sat down on Friday afternoon and whipped this out. It's my first tote, so I didn't expect it to be perfect. I mostly wanted to just make it so the idea would stop haunting me. I needed to clear my head.

It felt so good to be back at the sewing machine--cutting, winding, stitching. It's a magical process that I'm definitely not afraid of anymore. Remember this? My sewing machine used to scare the crap out of me!

When I showed this bag to my sister, she instantly declared it her favorite of all the things I've made and requested one in black for Christmas. Too bad I've already bought supplies to make her something else!

I love the way this bag came together. The outer fabric is vintage, given to me by my mom from her stash. The lace is from the flea market. I found the coolest booth where I scooped up tons of tiny vintage crochet hooks and uncovered a couple of pieces of lace marked "free." I asked the lady running the booth about the lace, and she said she always likes to mark a few items free, just to see if anybody will find them. Needless to say, I'll definitely be stopping by her booth at the New Year's flea market! The inner fabric is a soft sage green with multi-colored polka dots that I fell in love with at the craft store. It's whimsical, but pairs well with the wheat-colored cotton and white lace.

Plans are already in the works for more tote bags. I definitely learned a few things in making this one and want to put my new knowledge to use.

I hope you are having a lovely week--being creative, learnings lots, and trying new things!