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...
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Sewing Vintage Modern Polka Dot Dress

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dress front

A new dress! Yes, I am glad that I finally finished it:) This is my second project based on Elizabeth Gathered Waist Dress from Burdastyle Sewing Vintage Modern Book. You can see my first project here.
For this polka dot dress,  I only used the dress bodice pattern and instead of using straight-gathered skirt from the original pattern, I used pleated skirt pattern from my stash. Also, I changed the side zipper to the middle back.

I used 2 yards of polka dot fabric, light weight fusible interfacing, invisible zipper and same color of thread. All of them are from my stash.
source
The process of making this dress is very simple and enjoyable. The instructions from the book are very easy to follow and I definitely will make another project based on this pattern.

How I worked on this dress:
  • For the dress bodice: I had the copied pattern with adjustment from my first dress, but this one I kept the style original.
  • For skirt: I am not so sure where I got the pattern, I found it inside my stash without descriptions:( The skirt style is very simple pleated skirt that for sure will suit well my body type and I can run with my little boy.
  • As I mentioned above, I change the side zipper to the middle back.
  • I iron the light weight fusible interfacing onto the neckline and armhole facings before attach it to the bodice. Sew it and secure it with hand stitching around it.
  • I finished the dress hem with 4 cm blind hem stitching.
Here are the pictures of the dress,

inner dress front


inner dress back


dress front
dress side
dress back
 
This is my July style the stash sew a long, this project was delayed because of my work on a men's shirt for my husband. The shirt is almost done, only missing to sew the sleeve hem. I will post it on the blog as soon as I finish it.


Happy Sewing!







Comments

  1. MargoJuly 26, 2013 at 12:55 AM

    Love this dress Hana! It looks so fab on you and it's great to have a dress that you can chase your kiddo around in.

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  2. FarJuly 26, 2013 at 6:36 AM

    the polkadots look good on you Hana! Great dress!

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  3. opportunityknitsJuly 26, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    It's such an elegant dress and you look great in it! I like your pleated skirt variation.

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  4. MarjorieJuly 26, 2013 at 12:23 PM

    Love it. And you look gorgeous! Every time I finish a sewing project I look like Godzilla, but am so excited to post a pic I take a shot so I look like the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

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  5. Sarah LizJuly 26, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    Another very pretty dress Hana - and the pleats are much more flattering than gathers would have been. All your work is lovely and nicely made.

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  6. SandraJuly 26, 2013 at 5:16 PM

    This is a really beautiful dress. I love the sleeve and I really like that you pleated the skirt - that is fantastic.

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  7. MaryJuly 26, 2013 at 10:17 PM

    Hana, you look wonderful in this dress. Wow!

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  8. Sew Blessed Maw [Judy]July 27, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    So cute, I love the polka dot dress, it looks great on you.

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  9. Hana July 28, 2013 at 12:27 AM

    Hi ladies! Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I really appreciate it:)

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  10. BeverlyJuly 28, 2013 at 10:17 PM

    What a pretty dress!

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  11. UnknownJuly 29, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    Hi Hana, great dress again! The neckline really suits you too.

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  12. jacquianneJuly 30, 2013 at 4:04 PM

    Hana I love the dress! It suits you so well. I am posting your picture to my pintrest account as my DD loves polka dots and would love this dress for her summer wardrobe.

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  13. SewingadictaAugust 1, 2013 at 7:40 AM

    Wow! Polka dots!! What beautiful work, dear Hana. Love this dress, it is very flattering on you!

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  14. leggings for womenAugust 14, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    Nice dress...wonderful fashion boutique collection!!!

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