Threads Tote
May 20th, 2008
When I first got a sewing machine my boyfriend’s mom, an excellent quilter, seamstress, and knitter, gave me a subscription to Threads (thanks again, Shirley!). It clued me in to the basics and gave me something to aspire to. I remember thinking, “Oh, that’s how you would do that!”. Threads magazine has been around forever and has undergone a bit of change in the past few years. It has an updated look with projects and tips that help beginners as well as more advanced sewers. You can go as simple or complicated as you like.
The July issue has arrived and the tote bag on the cover has summer written all over it. We made it up in Olive Rose on the outside, Zazu for the lining and a little Amy Butler for the trim. It’s a great size for your summer essentials: phone, sunglasses, sunscreen, and your beach reading. Threads takes you through step by step, so this is a good project for a beginner looking to learn some new techinques. The most difficult part (and the most enjoyable!) is deciding which fabrics to use! Have fun!
May 31st, 2008 at 8:26 am
i am not a novice bag maker, but i found that that pattern was missing a lot of key instructions that a beginner would need and there aren’t many pictures at all. i finally figured it out, but in my opinion, a beginner could not have completed this bag. it turned out to be a cute bag (my mom is carrying it as we speak), but you might mention that, if someone wants to make it, they look at the pattern and make sure they understand all the directions before they buy the magazine. personally, i had never purchased the magazine before and only purchased it for this pattern, but i was disappointed that i spent the money on something i had to figure out on my own.
May 31st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Hi Robin! I’m sorry to hear that you had trouble with the purse. Thank you for your suggestions – I will keep them in mind. I’m glad that the bag turned out well in the end!
June 4th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I love your version of this bag — it’s better than their cover. And yes, Threads has been around forever . . .I have almost every issue. Okay, now I feel like a dinosaur.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I wish I had every issue! I’m sure they have served you well
June 17th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I agree about the bag – instructions are waaaaaaay too limited and I’ve been sewing for years and years. Mine is only partially completed – had to redo the pocket part – far to stiff to use interfacing there. Headed out of the country tomorrow so it will have to sit until I get back.