Finally, One Bag For Every Outfit...well, almost

Has this ever happened to you?...You put together a cute outfit for a special outing, but at the last minute you realize that (a) you don't have a bag to match, or (b) you have a great new fabric that would be perfect with said outfit, but you don't have enough time to make a bag.

Well, it had happened to me one too many times and I was determined to find a solution! That's how this particular bag design came about. (I'm sure all the big designers will have their version in the stores next year, but remember, you saw it here first. :) LOL) The one pictured above is a basic natural linen tote with a slightly funky print for the interior and belt loops.

What gives this bag its character, is a simple little sash. The pumpkin colored one is the same front and back, but the one below has a different print on each side.


Tada! A completely different look in seconds!

I love how fast (I'm a slow sewer, and I can make a sash in 20 minutes) and easy it is to change the look of my tote. And lets not forget, economical! How much do we all LOVE these designer fabrics?! (Let's give a big shout-out to Amy Butler, Jennifer Paganelli, Heather Bailey, Tina Givens, Joel Dewberry and many others.) Not to mention the fantastic vintage fabrics. But, if I had to buy a whole yard of every print I wanted, I'd be in the fabric poor house. With this design, I get a lot of designer bang out of a mere 5 inch strip of fabric! Love that!

Here's the next grouping of fabrics being considered for sashes.
And I have another bag in the works that will allow me to use my most coveted vintage fabrics. Can't wait to show you.