1-2-3 Sew Craft Tote

My best friend turns 32 today. We've known each other since we were 18. That's 14 years, apparently. Fourteen years! We've seen one another grow up, fall in love, get married and start careers. We've supported one another spiritually. We've run half-marathons together. We've done a lot of laughing together. And I've received too many hand-made gifts from her to count. She's a knitter, and a fine one, and at least once a year for the last seven or eight years, she's gifted me some wonderfully hand-knit item. It was about time I returned the favor!



I saw this craft tote tutorial in the book 1-2-3 Sew and decided it'd be great for her to carry her knitting supplies around. The fabrics are from Amy Butler's new "Lark" line of fabric. They're home dec weight. The tutorial calls for canvas, so right away, I had a problem. But it was not too hard to solve. I lined all the outer pieces, the inside bottom piece and the compartment dividers all with fusible fleece. That seemed to do the trick, and the bag sits up nicely and holds its shape.

 I did have to go back and readjust my seams on the lining pieces multiply times, because when I went to fit it inside the shell, it was bunching up. I don't know why -- I swear I cut accurately this time. But what can you do? Taking the seams in a bit here and there worked well, and for the most part, the inside lays nicely in the shell. I love all the divided areas, perfect for stashing different crafting tools!

It also has three divided pockets in the front, for extra storage options. And while the tutorial called for straps made out of webbing, I decided to make my own from the fabric. They also have a bit of fleece inside. Saved me a trip to the store more than anything, but I think they're cute, too.

This bag took me about a week to make, but only because my sewing time is so limited to little bursts here and there. It was a very straight-forward project. A great first project to try from his new book!

Happy birthday, Kelly! Hope you love it!

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