Monday 19 April 2021

A Sunflower Tote Bag

Did you know that there are several colouring mediums that we use that can be heat set onto fabric? Inktense blocks and inktense pencils are the ones I tend to reach for when crafting with fabric and  decorating items like bags. I made myself a bag recently using some supermarket fat quarters and added a sunflower pocket. 

Here is what I used:

XL Doodle Art sunflower stamp

Versafine Clair ink

Calico 

Inktense blocks

Embroidery thread

5 coordinating fat quarters (Mine were from Aldi)

Braid

Material for straps and lining (I used a pillowcase) 


First I stamped the sunflower using the Versafine Clair ink onto the calico. I find this easiest to do using a stamp press as the magnets secure the cloth at the right tension. Versafine Clair isn't advertised as an ink to use on fabric, but having dropped a stamp inked with it on my jeans, it hasn't washed out after 3 washes, so it is fine to use! 😂 Then I painted the sunflower with the inktense blocks and a water brush (inktense pencils would work equally well). Once this is complete, iron it to heat set it. 


Next I cut 4 different strips from the fat quarters each 55cm x 10cm and sewed these together. I added a 10 cm strip at the top and bottom too, adding some braid over the seam. 


I attached the sunflower panel to a 17 x 25cm rectangle of the fat quarter using blanket stitch and made a pocket on the front of the bag, before sewing up the side seams.

Finally I made straps and a lining from a pillowcase and attached around the top. 

Here is the finished bag.


I fancy making a few more of these - I'm thinking a seaside themed one next! 
Thanks for looking! 

7 comments:

Mac Mable said...

So creative and unique and I didn't know about the inktense being suitable for fabric....Thank you for the tip x. Looking forward to seeing sea themed ones next x.

meg said...

A stunning project Sally,love your sunflower stamp and beautiful fabrics

cuilliesocks said...

What a wonderful bag Sally, beautifully made. I love the sunflower image and your lovely colouring, this would make a lovely gift for someone, Kate x

Pat said...

What a beautiful bag you've made Sally and that pretty sunflower is perfect on the front pocket. x

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

A gorgeous tote bag Sally, I love the sunflower stamp and it goes so wel with the fabric that you've chosen to use.

Sue xx

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

So clever and inspirational Sally.
Faith x

Mrs A. said...

That is worth knowing about the intense colours being ok for fabric. You have made a lovely tote bag. Look forward to seeing a beach themed one. Hugs Mrs A.