Friday, January 31, 2020

OMG: a baker's dozen

This is the last day to post about my January One Monthly Goal.  The account of my trip to Philadelphia for the ALA Midwinter Meeting will have to wait.

I've finished thirteen out of sixteen tote bags for TexFest Dos, the Magpies' meetup in February. ("Dos" because  our 2016 meetup was also in Texas.) I thought I needed fourteen bags but the guest list grew.  

The pattern is by Vicki Genz and was published in American Quilter in March, 2014.  I used vintage tablecloths from my collection and quilt fabric.  It was a good exercise to find quilt prints to coordinate with the bright colors of the tablecloths.  I could get enough for two bags from some tablecloths, depending on the size and also on the stains and tears I had to cut around.  The pattern called for snap fasteners but I used buttons, which meant I got to learn how to use the buttonholer on my now two-year-old Janome (and the button-attachment foot).


Twelve totes folded up and buttoned closed.





This is #13, unfolded.  The tote bags are 16 x 14 with a 7" gusset -- great for holding quilt show purchases.

#14 is nearly finished as I write this. I expect to get the final two done over the weekend.







Of course I still have a lot of tablecloths.  Now that I've had the courage to cut into some of them maybe I'll be emboldened to repurpose more.




P.S. I have vintage tablecloths that are the size of our dining table. I do use those.

Linking up with the OMG finish here
and with Alycia's Finished or Not Friday

9 comments:

  1. Those are adorable! I've used a tablecloth to make aprons but not bags. So clever.

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  2. I think I have a vintage tablecloth almost like the one in your #13! Mine is more blue, but the flowers look the same! Makes me smile!

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  3. Hi Nann! How wonderful that you met your OMG project goal for last month - how did it get to be February?! Your bags are fabulous, and I know they will be received and enjoyed with pleasure. I adore the idea of using old tablecloths! What a fabulously clever idea - it makes me want to rush over to Goodwill right now to see what they have. I'll bet there are some gems there just waiting to be plucked into service. Happy Saturday! ~smile~ Roseanne

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  4. you are indeed a sewing tornado! lovely bags....they will be welcome gifts for sure...

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  5. Fabulous way to use those vintage cloths -- have you ever thought about quilting one of the larger ones for your table?

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  6. Those are great totes - and what a fun way to showcase your table cloths!! Enjoy your Meet up!!

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  7. Lovely. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish.

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  8. Great totes, love the way you can close them. Pretty colors!

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  9. I use vintage tablecloths on my dining room table. I love the ones from the 40s and 50s. I have some that are stained that came from the thrift store that were always going to go into a quilt back or blocks but I've never been able to cut into them and thought instead I would try to get stains out but never have. Maybe you will inspire me to do something with them.

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