I got around to the embroidery tote this past week, and made good progress. I had embroidered several things on a cream color tone on tone print including this sentiment, along with a couple of sewing machines. The Japanese print I loved only had a small amount. So I cut it into four equal pieces. I added more tone on tone white to the bottom of the embroidery to match that measurement. Then, the sides were sewn to the middle and this became the front of the bag. The width is 22 inches, limited by the size of the zipper I had. The sentiment “I Make Pretty Things” is from Designs by Juju, Sewing Sayings 4.

I measured and cut larger of the sewing machines to a pocket size for the bottom front. The embroidery design is available at EmbroideryDesigns.com, pattern #MEC1016. I changed the colors to match the fabrics.

These are ready to be quilted.

I found a nice ginkgo print in gold on black for the center panel of the back. All three pieces are loaded onto the longarm with more of the cream tone-on-tone for backing.

After doing a stand and stare for a while, considering various quilting designs and ruler work, I decided the best idea was to just do a free hand meander. I began in the middle using a cream color thread on both top and bobbin. I quilted about half way across and all the way down one side of the cream section.

At the bottom, I did the same thing working my way back up to the top. I did quilt over the top of the stitching.

I did the same on the section with the sewing machine for the pocket.

I switched top thread color to black to quilt the edges. I made sure the balance was as good as the bobbin is still cream for the backing fabric. The backing will be the inside lining of the bag.

The back is quilted all in black thread.

On the pocket section, the top edge is bound in the ginkgo fabric. I didn’t finish the sides or bottom as those will be enclosed in seams.

I positioned the pocket on the front of the bag top and stay stitched it in place so it wouldn’t shift when putting the straps on the bag.

Next, I made the inside pocket for the back side of the tote. I put this on the inside.

To keep it from shifting, I stay stitch the edges on the sides and bottom.

The center section of the pocket will be large enough to hold a magazine, or my laptop.

Both sides are now ready to be assembled into the bag.

If you’d like to quilt along with this project, here are the cutting dimensions.
Center Front and Back – 12-1/2 inches wide by 18 inches high
Front pocket – 12-1/2 inches wide by 10 inches high
Side panels – 5 inches wide x 18 inches high
Inside pocket – 22-1/2 inches wide x 12-inches, cut 2 (or one piece 22-1/2 x 24 inches folded in half)
Handle webbing – 3 yards
Zipper – 22 inch length in coordinating color

We’ll assemble the bag next time. What do you think so far?

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