Easy Tote Bags (Sewing Project For Beginners)

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Hi there, I made two tote bags using cute cat-printed home decor fabrics. These tote bags are easy and fast to make, a perfect sewing project for beginner sewists. The final size is approximately 34 cm long x 34 cm wide and 9 cm deep. The size is enough to carry books or shopping stuff. The process started with cutting the fabric,  - The tote bag's body: 42 cm long x 38 cm wide (on fold). - Handle: 62 cm long x 8 cm wide (2x). - Bias tape band 4 cm wide. Fold the fabric right sides together and sew both sides. And then, clip and sew the bias tape band to secure the fabric (to avoid fraying). Cut the corners, 3 cm x 3cm square, after the seam allowance. Sew the corner and secure it with bias tape band ( both sides). Here is the look after I sew the corners. I work on the handles by folding them in half and then clip the seam allowance 1 cm inside. Fold the seam allowance 1 cm inside and fold the fabr...

Burda Sew Along: Light Cowl Top 01/2013 And Tie Skirt 08/2012

Burdastyle outfit
I am joining Modern Vintage Cupcakes  and The Curious Kiwi in a sew along, Wellington Sewing Bloggers Network (WSBN) Burda Magazine Sew Along.
I've been working with Burdastyle pattern and I love them so much. So, why I don't join!
Well, my first project for the sew along is Light Cowl Top from Burda magazine 01/2013. A friend of mine brought me the magazine from Portugal.

Here are more details of the top:
Materials:
I used the left over printed silk rayon fabric from Color Block Dress and same color of thread. No zipper or even button for this top. It was very easy project.

Pattern modifications:
as I mentioned above, I used Light Cowl Top pattern size 34. I measure the length of the top about 14 cm under my waist. I added 1" on the body side because I had a bigger waist than the original pattern (I had size 38 for my waist). Also, I made a bigger back neck about 1/2'' and replaced the facing strip for the back neck edge with a normal back neck facing. Here is the picture,
How I worked:
I copied all the pattern pieces and made some adjustments on the body side and the top length. Then I transfer the patterns to the fabric, cut it all.
Then I sew it according to the sewing instructions. I didn't find any problem during sewing process.
And here are more pictures of the top,

Cowl top front
Cowl top front


Cowl top back

Now, I'll explain about my second project for the sew along. I chose Tie Skirt from Burda magazine 08/2012 to matching with the top. I bought the magazine in Portugal on my summer holidays last year.
Here are more details of the skirt,
Material:
1.5 yards of linen in orange color, same color invisible zipper, fusible interfacing and same color of thread.

Pattern:
I used Tie Skirt pattern 08/2012 size 36. No pattern alterations or even muslin this time. I omitted the tie belt and finished the hem line with blind hem stitching.

How I worked:
I copied all the pattern pieces and added seam allowances to all the edge 1.5 cm and hem allowance 4 cm. Then transferred the pattern to the fabric and cut it all.
I iron fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the skirt facing.
I sew the skirt according to the instructions. Well, I'll say that the skirt also a very easy project to make. And I'll definitely make another one soon but I'll add more length to the skirt.
Here are more pictures of the skirt,

Skirt front


skirt side
skirt back with invisible zipper inserted

And here are more pictures of me wearing my brand new outfit,

 
my picture for MMM'13 day 29
Happy Sewing!

P.S. I'll be joining Sarah on her Sew Along during 1st June to 31st December, if any of you are interested with it please head over her blog for more details, Style Stash Sew Along.

Comments

  1. Hello Hana - again, another lovely outfit - you do sew nicely. Burda patterns seem to work well on you - I find the Big 4 (Vogue, McCalls, Butterick, Simplicity) a little on the large side.

    Please don't forget to reply to your email that Blogger has sent you so I can add you. The link needs to be activated via Blogger.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Sarah. I'll check my email soon. I was very busy lately with sewing and taking care my little son.
      Thank you!

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  2. A lovely job of both projects. I really like the colour of the skirt - fun!

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  3. Love the fabric of the top. Great outfit.

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  4. Hana, I love both of those! They look great on you.

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  5. Hi Beverly! Thank you for stopping by:)

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  6. Hi Hana
    I love, love this skirt and top. the orange skirt is gorgeous with that to fabric..

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