Curtains into a Tote

Not only is sewing a very useful thing to know how to do, it also gives you the chance to use your imagination and created something exactly how you want it. Unfortunately, it is not something I have much experience in but I love to do it. My mother-in-law is an excellent seamstress and gave me her mother-in-law's old sewing machine for Christmas a few years ago. Before we took it home she showed me the basics on how to use it, and gave me several helpful hints. I don't know what I would have done without the manual, the sewing machine is a complicated piece of equipment!

I made my sister a tote bag a few months ago. I thought it would be a simple and fun project and it was so fun picking out the fabric. However, when the bag was completed I realized the fabric I choose, however adorable it may have been was extremely flimsy and not meant for a tote bag. I needed much heavier fabric.

On my last trip to see my parents my mom offered me some old curtains that she was going to get rid of, she thought it might be the kind of fabric I would need. When I picked it up I knew right away she was right, it would be perfect for a tote bag.

I did not use a pattern because it wasn't a normal piece of fabric it was curtains, but I should have followed some kind of directions. I used my favorite grocery tote as a model but I messed up several times. I even put the handles on the wrong side at first. As you can see in the picture there were perfectly cut and sewn handles already, but I wanted the contrasting fabric for the handles, so I cut some from this piece, and sewed it on the existing.

I am not the one to give any kind of sewing advice. One thing I will say is you have to take your time, no short cuts. You will end up making more work for yourself!

Here is the finished product.