Tote Bag For Grandma

[Hi Im Joe]

So I made a tote bag recently for my wife. My grandma mentioned to my mom she really liked it and wanted one. So without telling her I made this one for her. I'm giving it to her today!

I did the strap a bit differently on this one. I'm not sure how much I like it but I made this bag basically out of extra scraps I had so I needed to improvise a bit. I definitely see the flaws I made...I need to practice machine stitching a lot. I'm just not very good at it yet.

Anyway...here ya go! Thanks for looking. Let me know how I can improve or things you would have done differently. After all there are so many ways to make the same thing it's always fun hearing other people's perspective.

Joe

[BryonD]

Nice work! I like the strap.

[billybopp]

Grandma is gonna be happy! It looks great, and I would never have thought to use a mystery braid for a strap. I like it!

The only thing I think I would have changed would be to edge paint the braid edges, probably before braiding. That said, it's a small thing. I also would probably have used a D or triangle rather than a square for the strap to chain attachment to keep it from sliding around.

The stitching distance from the edge varies a little bit where the bottom attaches to the sides, but I can certainly understand why that happens. You can't really use an edge guide the way that those pieces have to be sewn. I can't maintain a straight line to save my life without an edge guide. It's still pretty darn good, tho!

Hope that helps

Bill

[Hi Im Joe]

Nice work! I like the strap.

Thank you very much!

Grandma is gonna be happy! It looks great, and I would never have thought to use a mystery braid for a strap. I like it!

The only thing I think I would have changed would be to edge paint the braid edges, probably before braiding. That said, it's a small thing. I also would probably have used a D or triangle rather than a square for the strap to chain attachment to keep it from sliding around.

The stitching distance from the edge varies a little bit where the bottom attaches to the sides, but I can certainly understand why that happens. You can't really use an edge guide the way that those pieces have to be sewn. I can't maintain a straight line to save my life without an edge guide. It's still pretty darn good, tho!

Hope that helps

Bill

Thanks Bill! Yeah I should have edge finished the braid but to be honest I just ran out of time. I had to get the bag done for today. Triangle's would be awesome! I'm going to pick some up for sure. I had D's but they were 1 inch and really looked clunky. So I dug around and found the rectangles and decided to use them because they looked a little less clunky.

[builderofstuff]

I really like the design, I would say you did a great job on it. I bet she's going to be thrilled!

Chris

[Hi Im Joe]

I really like the design, I would say you did a great job on it. I bet she's going to be thrilled!

Chris

Thank you so much!

[Wild Bill46]

I too !

like the idea of a mystery braid as a purse handle. You have quite the minds eye. and the contrasting bottom looks fashionable with the handle,

Nice idea Joe !

[Hi Im Joe]

Thanks Bill! Yeah the mystery braid was necessity as it was all the leather I had left! But it worked.

[Rohn]

Looks like a nice bag. Good work. Grandma will be happy with it I'm sure.

[Hi Im Joe]

Looks like a nice bag. Good work. Grandma will be happy with it I'm sure.

Thanks Rohn! I gave it to her yesterday and she was super happy. It was a total surprise so that is always fun!