My Hi-Tech Tote

After several days of bits of sewing, I have finally finished my laptop tote, Hi-Tech Tote by Indygo Junction. It turned out better than I imagined and I am so very pleased with it. I am planning to make another one for a Christmas present. When I am constructing Hi-Tech Tote #2, I will make some changes. Here they are if anyone is considering making this one. Note: Blogger is not cooperating to load more than 2 pictures, I will edit sometime tomorrow. Drats, had all these plans for this post and my multitude of pictures.

• Move the D rings on the side up, the bag isn't that steady on my shoulder, wants to wobble back and forth. My side looks like the picture but I think the D ring right below the zipper would be better. Here is a picture:

• Consider the color of the zipper before buying the fabric. The pattern calls for a 22" sports zipper and an 18" sports zipper. These are limited colors so the zipper might be the determining factor in the fabric choice. Me? I had the fabric first, the navy looks fine, I think.
• I did this change during construction. The pattern has you put the lining fabric wrong side up, then the 1/2" upholstery foam, then the outside fabric right side up. All unfinished edges are to be serged. Well, this not so nice looking serging shows from the inside. I decided to cut 1-1/2" strips of fabric. I sewed it down on one side of the serged seam, then wrapped it around the seam and hand stitched it down. Here is a picture of the serged seam and the wrapped seam:
• For the bottom, I hand stitched the raw seams to the bottom of the bag. Then I measured the bottom of the bag, cut a piece of Timtex this size, covered it with a fabric piece. This was then stitched down to the bottom of the bag. Ta-da a much nicer inside of the bag.
• I bought the required amounts of fabric as stated on the materials needed, there is very little left. I would have liked to make the padded wrap for the laptop but I will need to do some patchwork or order more fabric.
• It is diffult sewing the upholstery foam "sandwich", Indygo Junction recommends using clothes pins to hold the "sandwich" together. I wonder about sewing 3 of the sides with the 1/2" SA, inserting the foam and then sewing the last seam. Sounds like it would work. I was using my dd's very basic Pfaff Smart machine and the needle position does not adjust. My Viking is in for cleaning and a few minor repairs, boy did I miss that adjustable needle position.

Now for the likes of this bag:

• The zipper pocket (as seen in the first picture)
• The divided side pocket
• The attention to detail by Indygo Junction.
• The padded sides, bottom, front and back. A very sturdy tote for your laptop.
• The cute details: piping, the short handles and the general look of the bag.

This was a fun project that took some thought and time but was so very worth it.

Notebook Covers All Around

Busy here making those just too cute notebook covers, thanks again to Craft Apple. The upper left was made by my 11 year-old daughter, I think she did a fantastic job. Her twin sister doesn't care to sew but didn't want to miss out on a cover. She picked out the aquas, yellows and pinks for her cover and then went into the kitchen and made a batch a peanut butter cookies. Yes, very yummy, she is an excellent cookie baker. I made the fall color one and noticed 5 of my 6 charm packs all are in the fall colors. Was I ready for fall or what?

Notebook covers are going to be a big item on my Christmas sewing list. I told my twins, we will buy 10-15 composition notebooks at Target tomorrow night. I need to restock on Heat and Bond lite, too. Oh, darn a trip to the fabric store!

Feeling Like Fall

Finally, it is feeling like fall around here. Not only the weather but the outside of my house. I haven't been sewing too much but working outside and attending my daughters' activities. Thought I would share some photos of my work.

I might add, I LOVE fall. The colors, the change in weather (cooler, it is suppose to be cooler) and the wonderful activities. Our family had a weiner roast on Sunday, mmmmm - S'mores!!

On the sewing/crafting front. I need to find buttons for my Built by Wendy blouse, it is a winner. Also, I am working on a cover for a notebook. You can find instructions at Craft Apple - thanks Lindie.

Okay, that is all for now - cooking calls.

My Birthday

Today is my birthday. Presents this morning from my family and then flowers delivered to work from my hubby!!!

It is Monday

Can you believe it is Monday again? Well it is almost over as I write this but still they roll around so quickly. It is going to be a very busy week and I took advantage of a couple quiet hours late this afternoon. I made a top for me Christine Jonson's Shirred Top , fabric from Joann's. This is one flattering top and quick, too.

How do you like my picture? The wind was blowing so hard, it knocked my dressform over once. The UPS truck was coming down the road and saw me, I bet it was wondering what this crazy lady was doing!!! This picture makes me smile, very Halloweeny (is that a word?), arms flying in the wind, headless object.

Here is my potholder from Amy Butler's book. The patches are not perfect squares, the pattern piece has curved edges. I didn't want you to think I couldn't cut straight!

Here is the back
Now one last potholder if you can handle it. This is the other one made by the other twin