Sewing Circle Tote {Quilted Tote}

This tote is......

Enormous. Amazing. Versatile. Awesome.

I bought the Sewing Circle Tote pattern some time ago from Elizabeth Hartman when my friend mentioned there was a sale. I wasn't looking for it in particular, but was looking for a bag that could hold a quilt . I'm always hauling them around in the car when I'm handbinding. So it needed hold a large one. Boy does it!

 I gathered all the materials about a week later after pushing. But I could never justify taking the time to make it, just to hold a quilt.

Fast forward to the end of December 2104, I realized we were moving and immediately bumped up to priority. I knew we might have to live somewhere temporarily if we sold our house too early and if we didn't find a house at its new destination.  I needed a bag to hold the minimal amount of tools and the like.   The sewing circle tote fit the bill.   Coincidentally, Quiltcon was also coming up and after seeing my class supply lists, I knew I needed something big enough to haul my stuff.

I won't bore you with all the details. Or maybe I will?  Once I made the decision, I had the outer shell and straps all attached and the inner zipper pouch liner almost completed before leaving Wednesday night for QuiltCon. 

I took my machine with me and I didn't finish it the night I arrived because three hour drive wore me out after a few late nights at home. I scurried back to the hotel after my first day of classes that Thursday and finished it up for the next day!

Fuzzy hotel room picture!

So glad I did!! 

It holds rulers, thread, irons.

My folding cutting/ironing mat fit beautifully in it.

And, yes...it's not a tiny one, the mat is 12" x 17"!!!

 
My rotary cutters and more rulers.

Inside pockets of End of Tote

It can fit fabric or more rulers.

Inside of other End of Tote

Or whatever you need.

Large layered pocket and pouch on inside of side of tote

The zipper pockets held everything

Layered pockets on inside of large side

and anything.

It might seem crazy, but the fact that my books can fit in the pockets?!!

 Amazing!!  I'm a quilt book girl. 

I realize that I worked tirelessly on the bag, but I am so glad I did.  The pattern instructions were very well done.  The only part I hated was the cutting...but if you've followed me long enough, you'll know that cutting is the most tedious and unfulfilling part of quilting for me. 

The fabrics are Essex linen in Charcoal and Moda Fabrics by Sweetwater with a few other fabrics thrown in from my stash. 

I used leftover Denyse Schmidt stripes for my lining. 

I'm writing this post two years later (postmarked to the date I made it) and I have to say that I have used this bag SO much since I made it. It was amazing for Quiltcon. I actually carried our "precious" things in it during our move. I haul quilts to guild meeting show and tells.  It was perfect for the one Sew-in for our guild I made it to.  I use it to haul things to the school for parties.  You name it.

psssst...that book is in this pocket and you can't even see it!!

Can I say it one more time?   I love this bag.

Quiltcon Prep

My phone app is telling me only 3 days left for QuiltCon.

I really am ill prepared.
This weekend, I had to make some decisions based on priorities 

the auction quilt and

son #1 birthday quilt won.

But I'm going to give my preparation list a go. At least I had some pins made this past week? 

The one thing I know is that in the end it won't matter if I do or don't get my "list" complete.  I just know I want to enjoy the experience as much as possible!

Layer Cake Winner {Giveaway}

The winner of the Riley Blake Fox Trails by Doohikey Designs layer cake is.....

...........number 17. Bree!!!

I hope you DO make them pop!

Thanks to everyone for their comments.  It was a very busy week for me in my non-internet life and I did want you to know that I did read everyone's suggestions and they all made me go "ohhhhh...that's a good idea!" which made me want to keep it. hehe.

  But I promise, I will be sending it off to Bree!

To everyone else?  Get out and buy that layer cake or use the ones you have to make

 your own Layers of Charm Quilt!!  

Fat Quarter Shop  will sometimes have a great deal on them...be on the lookout!!!