A Handmade Gift

Since i have started sewing one of things i try to do is to make the gifts i give instead of buying them.  I love handmade gifts its just so special because it has been made with love and care and with that person in mind.

Now i have not always been able to make gifts because of time constraints however, yesterday was my sister in law (SIL) birthday yes she is a day before me ! Read my birthday post here 

I made her a tote bag using this tutorial  and this is what i attempted to make

I have been meaning to make this bag for quite sometime and thought this would be the perfect opportunity. She works as a dietitian and tends to carry books/ files to and from work and this bag is perfect for that. 

I made it yesterday using IKEA fabric and it took me approx 3 hours to make. A straight forward tutorial  and it would have taken me less time had i read the tutorial correctly LOL.

Lessons learned

How to make French seams

When sewing the main panels together i just assumed it would be right sides together so off i went vrommmmm and then when i read the next step which was to make french seams my bag didnt match the picture so read the previous step and i was supposed to sew wrong sides together!! so I had to unpick and turn the fabric around.

Gusset

This was something i had never done before and it was really fun to do.  It gives the bag the bag depth by having one it allows you to use the bag for larger things ie the volume.

For more info check this video i found What is a gusset? by  Bag People blog

You can find more bag tutorials in my bags and wallet list of tutorials

I loved it so much i plan on making one for myself and for friends as they would make great shopping bags lets try and save the environment.