Needing a little down time, I designed and made this tote bag last Saturday. The fabric in the bag actually has a history. For those who have been in quilting since the 1990’s you might remember “Concord” fabrics. These were some of the first dedicated quilting fabrics available here in Australia, and some of the first ones I ever purchased for my fledgling business. The business started as “Kids in Kits”, where we provided kidswear, fully cut out, with instructions ready for the customer to sew for their special little people. Using this fabric, I designed a gorgeous little sundress and matching sun hat, and named the collection “Teaparty”. It was one of my most popular products at the time. Sadly I don’t have any photos!

While clearing out my parent’s house, after they passed, I spied a bolt of each of these two fabrics in my Mum’s sewing cupboard. She used to make little dresses for the Riverside Markets here in Brisbane, and also used this fabric. It brought back lovely memories of my Mum sitting at her machine, busily sewing up a storm ready for my younger sister to take her dresses to the markets. I was overjoyed to find the fabric, and have kept it safe ever since.

Just yesterday, leading up to Christmas, I decided to actually cut the fabric, and make a project ~ a bag I designed coincidentally in the year my Mum passed (2012).  At that time, I was doodling late in the afternoon, while waiting for the last trickle of customers at the Rosehill Show in Sydney. Coming across the drawing the other day, and scanning my fabric shelves for the ideal fabrics to use, these two jumped out at me, and said “Pick Me, Pick Me!” Was it my Mum sending a little message from beyond? Who knows? In any case, this little “Teaparty Tote” is the result. Hope you enjoy making and using this pretty bag.

Kit includes all the fabrics, including lining, and, as a bonus, we are including the lace or ric rac (whichever you prefer), as well as the picot-edged binding for the top of the bag. If you have a preference for either lace or ric rac, please write this in the comments when you order. If you have no preference, we will decide.

The bag takes just one fat quarter for the bottom section, 25cm x w.o.f for the upper section, and 45cm for the lining fabric.

You will also need bag wadding or bosal for the main part of the bag as well as heavy duty fusible webbing such as Heat ‘n Bond or vliesifix for the handles.