57 CENTS!
(They were all clearance items. Plus, I used my coupons. I was a happy girl!)
I already put up my red glitter candles on my sconces for Valentine’s Day.
And, why would I get so many place mats? Especially since I don’t use place mats. Because I wanted to make more tote bags. I originally planned on sewing a placemat beach tote bag shown in Sewing Green by Betz White (a great book, by the way).
However, as per usual, I didn’t stick to the pattern. I’m very poor at following pattern (or most directions). While the pattern in the book isn’t online, I can tell you that it takes 4 place mats. I though that was a bit excessive, even while using my free place mats. I wanted to get more, figuratively, bang for my buck.
I have about $3 in cotton belting in each tote. Give or take. It would obviously be more if I had to buy the place mats. And, the best part is that they are really sturdy and lined with a coordinating color.
This is my personal favoritebag. Actually, they are all kinda my favorite. And, I pumped out all four of them within a few hours on Saturday morning.
My friend, Stephanie, recommended trying half-square triangles. (I used the instructions here.) Since I haven’t really quilted for two years, it was a simple way to ease into it. However, it’s quite apparent that either the squares were not the same size, or my cutting was way off. (I’m guessing it was my cutting.) So, there are many imperfections. But, it looks cute nonetheless. I think I’m going to add a white strip around the whole thing before binding and quilting.
What do you think?
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abby @ tales and trials says
LOVE your placemat tote bags!! I want one. 🙂 In my opinion a girl can never have too many bags!!
Cheryl says
oh man!!! I’m totally excited to try making a tote now:) You are so crafty and clever. I wish I could crank out 4 totes in a morning. Still learning. thanks for sharing this great idea. Oh, and I totally agree with the give-a-way idea lol.
queenbee says
Love the tote bags, how about a tutorial for us beginner sewers.
Thanks for sharing!
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
They are so cute – I love the fabrics!
Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
What amazingly cute totes! You are so crafty (and thrifty). A girl can never have too many tote bags, especially ones that are as cute as those.
Nicole Peterson says
I am so wanting my sewing machine right now. Great totes and I love the color choice and fabrics for the quilt piecing. I think you are off to a great start.
Nicole Peterson says
I am so wanting my sewing machine right now. Great totes and I love the color choice and fabrics for the quilt piecing. I think you are off to a great start.
Leah says
Kim, you’re amazing! Do you have an Etsy account where you can sell all your cute stuff that you make extra of or don’t use??
Shannon says
Seriously??? You made?? With your own little hands??? They are awesome Kim. See, I had picked up a couple of the orange and yellow placemats but I was just gonna use them as placemats. So boring.
Leigh says
Uber impressed with your deals. I love the patterns on the placemats/bags. I used dishtowels to make purses last year. It is on the blog. Be sure to show us the runner when you’re done!
Mrs. 5C says
I LOVE the table runner!! And I don’t see any imperfections! It’s beautiful!!
And those totebags are GORGEOUS!! You should open up an etsy shop! 🙂
Lauren says
What a great idea! I probablly would have just kept the bags though.. I don’t sew! Great patterns!
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog says
How fun are those?! I would have never guessed their humble beginnings…or price tag :)!
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog says
How fun are those?! I would have never guessed their humble beginnings…or price tag :)!
Mrs. Adventure says
Hey princess, I haven’t gotten a email from you yet. Send me you address so I get those measuring bowls in the mail to you asap! rachaelwest33@yahoo.com
Kisses,
Rach
Mrs. McB says
Great ideas! I love the placemat totes. I have always wanted to quilt, but never gotten into it.
longbrakeliving says
I love them all! I’m especially a fan of the table runner. If I ever get off my duff and fire up my sewing machine I will have to make one. I’ve been looking for one that matches some of the colors in my dining room, and haven’t been happy with any of the choice. Perfect solution!
Kristi says
I love deals like that!!! Very good use of the place mats, too.
MV says
Cute bags – what a neat project!
CRAZYMOM says
great blog! I’m glad I found you!
Tricia says
Um, I think you rock!! That’s what I think. 😉
(p.s. I’m totally supportive of the 12 tote bags for personal use, but you could SELL those and make some cash!!! They are fantastic!)
Lil' Woman says
Adorable bags…can’t believe they were actually placemats!
Nikki says
LOL!, a giveaway is a great idea for one of those totes, but seriously, they turned out great. I can’t wait to see the finished table runner. The colors are great.
Lindsey says
So adorable!!
Emily says
You are so clever – I love using placemats and napkins for other purposes.
Nick and Cindy says
I absolutely LOVE the one on the left in the second picture. LOVE IT. And those aren’t even my colors!!
I see it’s already been suggested, but I was pulling for a bloggy giveaway too! : )
You are so creative Kim!!
Elaine says
I agree with the give-away thing. I LOVE the new colorful bags. GREAT job Kim.
Jordan says
I think that if you have so many tote bags you should do a giveaway on your blog and give one of your cute new ones to one lucky reader 🙂