Your bag is adorable. I love learning from your experiences. I got in on the series a little bit late so I have catching up to do. The tip about back stitching at the seams around the top is so helpful because I have noticed that before, seeing the stitching, and it is irritating to me. I’m not a perfectionist, but I think when it comes to my sewing I kind of am, because I will remove and redo things until I’m proud of my project, especially if I’m going to give it away. I love the idea about adding a key ring to the inside. Great tutorial, thank you!
Hi Marie I will not be able to finish my bag as I have been evacuated from my home so that they can be sure that the building is safe as the flood this time was worse 😢. Love your chicken bag.❤
I know my sweet friend. I am so sorry. I seen your car after it was cover and pulled out of that muddy water! I pray so very hard your home is not like your car.
Oh my Giovanna…please be careful! I hope that you will be able to return home soon and that your building will be safe. Thinking of you!!! Sending love and hugs to you…. Lisa Marie ❤
Hi Marie, I'm working on my scrappy bag and it measures 18" wide x 14" tall. My question is - how big or what size should I make my gussets? Your bag is smaller and you made your gussets 1 3/4". By the way I love your videos and thank you for doing them. Thank you again, Laurie🙂
Good morning, Laurie! Thank you so much for your comment and question, as well as the compliment! To your question about the gusset size... As I'm sure you know, they can be most any size. It's all a matter of preference, but when I make larger bags, I tend to make a larger gusset. I'm going to drop a link below to my first bag video, where I used two 18" square panels, and I believe I cut a 3" gusset. It's been a while since I filmed, but that's my "go-to" for that size. Maybe where you have a different height than width, you might choose something in the middle, like 2.5", but it's totally up to you. 😁 I hope I was at least somewhat helpful, ha ha! ua-cam.com/video/1v0HFb6qfsU/v-deo.htmlsi=vaeftECJcE2m6QEx
My travel days are over unfortunately as am sole caregiver for my husband. I have many great stories I could tell of my younger years of travel by bus. Quite the way to travel I must say. So glad you were able to travel and visit your Mother and surprise her that is so awesome.
🥰 the rooster bag is so Adorable ❤❤ can’t wait till the next video I like zipper closures. What a fantastic idea for the keys 👍👏 I definitely need that 🙄 I waste a lot of time searching in pockets and the bottom of my purse looking for my keys.
I agree, the keys is the latest thing that I have added to my tote bags. For me, I was always digging around and searching at the bottom of my bag for my keys.
I just found your videos recently and have subscribed. I absolutely love both tote bags but the colorful funky chickens tote is 'sew' darn adorable❣️ I can't wait to see what I can find to use. I honestly never thought that I would want to make tote bags. However, I am loving this series and eventually will do some. Thanks for the great tutorials!
Thanks for subbing and WELCOME! I’m so glad you joined me on this crazy journey of scrappy tote bags and projects. Yes, one of my subscribers sent me that chicken fabric. I actually just bought a whole panel of them because I agree with you, they are just so cute. In case you missed it, the fabric is by Loralie Harris and it’s called Chicken Chique. The same friend just made a whole pile of potholders using that fabric and they are all so adorable. I’m glad you enjoyed the videos and I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know and to write a note. I still have that bag and it will probably go up on my live sale this fall. Have a wonderful day!
I did not want to neglect also to let you know that for the FIRST time in 30 years of making these totes, I have now complete confidence in the security of my handles PLUS the easiest process ever of stitching the top of the tote together. I will never make another bag without remembering you with fondness for your sharing. Thank you.
I’m so glad I was able to help you out in that way. It’s funny because I think a lot of times, we do things because it becomes a habit and we just don’t think of a different way to do them. I know that’s true for me. And that’s not to say there’s anything wrong with how we’re doing them, it’s just that we haven’t thought of a different way.
No, you didn't miss it. I did mention in the last 2 videos that I lost some videos that I had all made up. I lost them while trying to convert them from my computer to my external hard drive. Video number 5 was one of the ones I lost and I need to refilm it. I will get it posted as soon as I can 🥰
I have been binging on your Part 4 over the last two days. I am so glad that I decided to stop and watch one of your videos. The crumb piecing really attracts me. I watched the one of the red/white/blue tote for your friend. Anyway, my background is factory sewing (which is why I started wanting to quilt -- production sewing produces a TON of scraps, as we well know from Elenor Burns). I truly appreciate production sewing/quilting. Over the last thirty years or so, I have produced 100s of these simple totes (I don't put in all the bells and whistles you do, but I foresee a day ....). I learned to make them (very basic instruction) from the Carol Duvall Show on HGTV and liked the utilitarian aspect of the creation.. From this video, you have upgraded my production ability. If you can imagine, I made ALL of those totes by finding the triangle, measuring, crossing fingers. I did learn to stitch the bottom corners together during my beginning production, but I had NEVER left the space on the side to turn it. Needless to say: YOU taught me to use pins (which I am beginning to appreciate each tote) AND! You taught me how to join the bottom corners, as well as the easiest manner of boxing the corners I have ever enjoyed. Thank you for sharing. almost ... you have convinced me to start installing zippers. (Which, interestingly enough was my first job when I started working at the clothing factory - - I was setting zippers in pockets WITHOUT a pin!) My experience with sewing machines was very scarce before that time. They said they would train me - - and, they did! No one can pay me enough to equal the enjoyment I get from turning scraps into useable projects. PRICELESS!
Well, hello and welcome! I was so excited to read your comments, and I’ll try to reply to them one at a time. First of all, I’m glad the crumb piercing really brought you in. It’s one of my favorite ways to sew, actually. Factory sewing sounds interesting. Anytime I see videos or a documentary and it shows people sewing in those rooms full of sewing machines, I always wonder how it goes and if they get bored. I suppose things get changed out fairly often, so you’re not actually sewing all the same things all the time. It sounds like you’ve been a tote bag maker for quite some time, that’s awesome!
being a bit obsessive/compulsive is not a bad thing when doing factory work. It helped that this particular factory allowed us to wear headsets - - I liked listening to Moody Bible Radio, Rush Limbaugh, and country music ( once I got an operation down, with mental entertainment I could even enjoy stitching the same four seams in the same navy color for MONTHS!) I learned to really appreciate the creativity of all the processes a pair of Levis (or any other product) goes through to get from rolls of denim to a pricey product that my family has enjoyed for decades. I spent a lot of time telling myself: I am a human being. I have superiority over all inanimate objects. Thousands of other human beings have been able to do this. I WILL be one more that succeeds! Mental attitude about life and living really does make a difference between succeeding and failing.@@MariesScrappyCreations
Hi! It's hard for me to remember which videos are which (lol), but I'm dropping a link below that will show you the same straps on a different tote bag, more in depth. I always make my straps basically all the same. ua-cam.com/video/1v0HFb6qfsU/v-deo.htmlsi=mTfjvlTFr2i5WrcN
ALSO! I had been told at one time to leave the bottom open for turning (so, it is not that I was not aware of options, I just didn't see the practicality of it). Having now experienced an opening at the bottom or an opening at the side, I have concluded that the side is the most practical AND, because of the joined boxed corners, turning the bag is MUCH easier and efficient. The only thing that I would have liked to have seen was your stitching of the side closed. It may be that you have it in another video, and in time I will find it if you have already demonstrated it in a video. One thing for sure - - I learn from watching, though I do appreciate and gain insight from commentary, also. I apologize if I seem to be a pest - - I just want to make sure that you understand that I appreciate and am enjoying what I have learned from you. (I have watched all of the series, except for the fifth video. Right now, I am trying to get sixteen wheelchair bags for a local nursing home, and I want them done by Friday ... and, if I can get them all done today, my feelings won't be too damaged, either). Good chance of that happening because you have taken the time to demonstrate and share your abilities.
Yes, I had always been told to leave the bottom open, too. I just didn’t like always seeing that seam and so that’s when I figured out that it wouldn’t hurt to leave the opening on the side where it’s less visible and easier to hide. I’m sure that in one of my videos I must have shown the closing, but in case I didn’t, what I do is put on my zipper foot, and move my needle position over to the edge, so that my stitches land about a 16th of an inch from the edge of the opening. I hope that makes sense, I’m sure you know what I mean. You mentioned that you are almost ready to try a zipper again and it sounds like you have already done it in years past, and you just need to dive back in. You CAN do it! Also, I was just thinking I may have shown it in one of my other bag videos as I have two other tote bag that weren’t a part of the five part series. If you go to my channel under bags, you’ll find them. If you can’t find them, let me know and I will give you the links. Have a wonderful day and feel free to drop in sometime on a What’s Up Wednesday at 10 AM Eastern standard time. That’s when I do a live stream each week.
I just finished closing the linings on 16 wheelchair bags. I found out specifically why a bottom opening is not a good idea (because I had done some with the bottom opening before I watched this video. I was so happy that you showed this particular operation - - I really needed to see how the turning could be accomplished after joining the lining/outer shell to keep the lining from getting pulled out. Doing that joining really is a good touch. Anyway, having both ends of the bottom joined, stitching the bottom closed was DEFINITELY a challenge. I will NEVER leave that open again! (I am a hard learner.LOL) Never mind my wanting to watch you do every move. I am confident I will find your video ... I was greatly encouraged by all that you showed through this series. I will get to zippers - - it is only a matter of time.@@MariesScrappyCreations
Hi Marie, Have you ever put a magnetic closure and a zipper in the top of the same bag? Just wondering if that will work? By the way thank you so much all your great videos, I'm learning a lot from you. Thank you again! Laurie
Hi! I'm sure it would work, although I think you would have to put the magnetic clasp down a little lower than what I do in the videos. I've never done it personally, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Thank you so much for your question and for watching!
Marie, Don't worry about finishing the FreeStyle Scrappy Tote Bag series!!!!! I am addicted! I love it!!! I know you have a million more idea's! Never say never 😢......😊 Ly from Oklahoma!
Very nice. Can't wait to finish mine. Kinda have a long way to go. Thanks, have a great day.
You’ll get there!
What a beautiful bag you made
Thank you! 😊. You might’ve guessed that I love making bags, ha ha!
Your bag is adorable. I love learning from your experiences. I got in on the series a little bit late so I have catching up to do. The tip about back stitching at the seams around the top is so helpful because I have noticed that before, seeing the stitching, and it is irritating to me. I’m not a perfectionist, but I think when it comes to my sewing I kind of am, because I will remove and redo things until I’m proud of my project, especially if I’m going to give it away. I love the idea about adding a key ring to the inside. Great tutorial, thank you!
Yes, those stitches showing has always bothered me, too! Thanks so much for your comment!
❤
Hi Marie I will not be able to finish my bag as I have been evacuated from my home so that they can be sure that the building is safe as the flood this time was worse 😢. Love your chicken bag.❤
I know my sweet friend. I am so sorry. I seen your car after it was cover and pulled out of that muddy water! I pray so very hard your home is not like your car.
Oh my Giovanna…please be careful! I hope that you will be able to return home soon and that your building will be safe. Thinking of you!!! Sending love and hugs to you…. Lisa Marie ❤
@@lisamarieesposito4842 Thankyou so much.❤️
@glenda crouch I am lucky with the apartment. The water didn't come in. Thanks for the prayers.
Oh no Giovanna - I hope all is well for you soon-thinking of you ❤❤
I finished my freestyle bag Marie!!! Thank you so much for this series!!!
Yay! You’re welcome!
Awesome bag, fantastic video.
Hi Marie, I'm working on my scrappy bag and it measures 18" wide x 14" tall. My question is - how big or what size should I make my gussets? Your bag is smaller and you made your gussets 1 3/4". By the way I love your videos and thank you for doing them. Thank you again, Laurie🙂
Good morning, Laurie! Thank you so much for your comment and question, as well as the compliment! To your question about the gusset size... As I'm sure you know, they can be most any size. It's all a matter of preference, but when I make larger bags, I tend to make a larger gusset. I'm going to drop a link below to my first bag video, where I used two 18" square panels, and I believe I cut a 3" gusset. It's been a while since I filmed, but that's my "go-to" for that size. Maybe where you have a different height than width, you might choose something in the middle, like 2.5", but it's totally up to you. 😁 I hope I was at least somewhat helpful, ha ha!
ua-cam.com/video/1v0HFb6qfsU/v-deo.htmlsi=vaeftECJcE2m6QEx
My travel days are over unfortunately as am sole caregiver for my husband. I have many great stories I could tell of my younger years of travel by bus. Quite the way to travel I must say. So glad you were able to travel and visit your Mother and surprise her that is so awesome.
I bet you have some very interesting stories!!
🥰 the rooster bag is so Adorable ❤❤ can’t wait till the next video I like zipper closures. What a fantastic idea for the keys 👍👏 I definitely need that 🙄 I waste a lot of time searching in pockets and the bottom of my purse looking for my keys.
I agree, the keys is the latest thing that I have added to my tote bags. For me, I was always digging around and searching at the bottom of my bag for my keys.
I just found your videos recently and have subscribed. I absolutely love both tote bags but the colorful funky chickens tote is 'sew' darn adorable❣️ I can't wait to see what I can find to use. I honestly never thought that I would want to make tote bags. However, I am loving this series and eventually will do some. Thanks for the great tutorials!
Thanks for subbing and WELCOME! I’m so glad you joined me on this crazy journey of scrappy tote bags and projects. Yes, one of my subscribers sent me that chicken fabric. I actually just bought a whole panel of them because I agree with you, they are just so cute. In case you missed it, the fabric is by Loralie Harris and it’s called Chicken Chique. The same friend just made a whole pile of potholders using that fabric and they are all so adorable. I’m glad you enjoyed the videos and I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know and to write a note. I still have that bag and it will probably go up on my live sale this fall. Have a wonderful day!
Thank you Marie, will finish up my bag this week, looking forward to your next video😊
That’s exciting! You’re welcome
Very cute Marie - you make everything look so easy, Thank you again 😘Xx
You’re welcome 😊 I love bag making! I hope you're enjoying this series. Have fun making your bags!
Would fusible batting work? For straps
It should be fine 🙂
I did not want to neglect also to let you know that for the FIRST time in 30 years of making these totes, I have now complete confidence in the security of my handles PLUS the easiest process ever of stitching the top of the tote together.
I will never make another bag without remembering you with fondness for your sharing. Thank you.
I’m so glad I was able to help you out in that way. It’s funny because I think a lot of times, we do things because it becomes a habit and we just don’t think of a different way to do them. I know that’s true for me. And that’s not to say there’s anything wrong with how we’re doing them, it’s just that we haven’t thought of a different way.
Love all your tips and how fussy you are with the sewing process 🇨🇦
Thanks, Carrie!
Thank you so much Marie.. i really enjoyed making this bag..can't wait to see what you come up with next..sincerely Brenda
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Brenda!
I am interested in putting in a zipper for my free style tote. I am unable to find the part 5 lesson. Did I miss it ?
No, you didn't miss it. I did mention in the last 2 videos that I lost some videos that I had all made up. I lost them while trying to convert them from my computer to my external hard drive. Video number 5 was one of the ones I lost and I need to refilm it. I will get it posted as soon as I can 🥰
I love it! I enjoy watching you and learning from you. I visit you daily…❤
You’re so sweet, thanks Peggy!
I have been binging on your Part 4 over the last two days. I am so glad that I decided to stop and watch one of your videos. The crumb piecing really attracts me. I watched the one of the red/white/blue tote for your friend.
Anyway, my background is factory sewing (which is why I started wanting to quilt -- production sewing produces a TON of scraps, as we well know from Elenor Burns). I truly appreciate production sewing/quilting.
Over the last thirty years or so, I have produced 100s of these simple totes (I don't put in all the bells and whistles you do, but I foresee a day ....). I learned to make them (very basic instruction) from the Carol Duvall Show on HGTV and liked the utilitarian aspect of the creation..
From this video, you have upgraded my production ability. If you can imagine, I made ALL of those totes by finding the triangle, measuring, crossing fingers. I did learn to stitch the bottom corners together during my beginning production, but I had NEVER left the space on the side to turn it.
Needless to say: YOU taught me to use pins (which I am beginning to appreciate each tote) AND! You taught me how to join the bottom corners, as well as the easiest manner of boxing the corners I have ever enjoyed.
Thank you for sharing. almost ... you have convinced me to start installing zippers. (Which, interestingly enough was my first job when I started working at the clothing factory - - I was setting zippers in pockets WITHOUT a pin!)
My experience with sewing machines was very scarce before that time. They said they would train me - - and, they did!
No one can pay me enough to equal the enjoyment I get from turning scraps into useable projects. PRICELESS!
Well, hello and welcome! I was so excited to read your comments, and I’ll try to reply to them one at a time. First of all, I’m glad the crumb piercing really brought you in. It’s one of my favorite ways to sew, actually. Factory sewing sounds interesting. Anytime I see videos or a documentary and it shows people sewing in those rooms full of sewing machines, I always wonder how it goes and if they get bored. I suppose things get changed out fairly often, so you’re not actually sewing all the same things all the time. It sounds like you’ve been a tote bag maker for quite some time, that’s awesome!
being a bit obsessive/compulsive is not a bad thing when doing factory work.
It helped that this particular factory allowed us to wear headsets - - I liked listening to Moody Bible Radio, Rush Limbaugh, and country music ( once I got an operation down, with mental entertainment I could even enjoy stitching the same four seams in the same navy color for MONTHS!)
I learned to really appreciate the creativity of all the processes a pair of Levis (or any other product) goes through to get from rolls of denim to a pricey product that my family has enjoyed for decades.
I spent a lot of time telling myself: I am a human being. I have superiority over all inanimate objects. Thousands of other human beings have been able to do this. I WILL be one more that succeeds!
Mental attitude about life and living really does make a difference between succeeding and failing.@@MariesScrappyCreations
Please tell me where I can see a more in depth video on the straps???
Hi! It's hard for me to remember which videos are which (lol), but I'm dropping a link below that will show you the same straps on a different tote bag, more in depth. I always make my straps basically all the same.
ua-cam.com/video/1v0HFb6qfsU/v-deo.htmlsi=mTfjvlTFr2i5WrcN
You are the best love watching you
You’re so sweet, thank you!
ALSO! I had been told at one time to leave the bottom open for turning (so, it is not that I was not aware of options, I just didn't see the practicality of it). Having now experienced an opening at the bottom or an opening at the side, I have concluded that the side is the most practical AND, because of the joined boxed corners, turning the bag is MUCH easier and efficient.
The only thing that I would have liked to have seen was your stitching of the side closed. It may be that you have it in another video, and in time I will find it if you have already demonstrated it in a video. One thing for sure - - I learn from watching, though I do appreciate and gain insight from commentary, also. I apologize if I seem to be a pest - - I just want to make sure that you understand that I appreciate and am enjoying what I have learned from you. (I have watched all of the series, except for the fifth video. Right now, I am trying to get sixteen wheelchair bags for a local nursing home, and I want them done by Friday ... and, if I can get them all done today, my feelings won't be too damaged, either). Good chance of that happening because you have taken the time to demonstrate and share your abilities.
Yes, I had always been told to leave the bottom open, too. I just didn’t like always seeing that seam and so that’s when I figured out that it wouldn’t hurt to leave the opening on the side where it’s less visible and easier to hide. I’m sure that in one of my videos I must have shown the closing, but in case I didn’t, what I do is put on my zipper foot, and move my needle position over to the edge, so that my stitches land about a 16th of an inch from the edge of the opening. I hope that makes sense, I’m sure you know what I mean. You mentioned that you are almost ready to try a zipper again and it sounds like you have already done it in years past, and you just need to dive back in. You CAN do it! Also, I was just thinking I may have shown it in one of my other bag videos as I have two other tote bag that weren’t a part of the five part series. If you go to my channel under bags, you’ll find them. If you can’t find them, let me know and I will give you the links. Have a wonderful day and feel free to drop in sometime on a What’s Up Wednesday at 10 AM Eastern standard time. That’s when I do a live stream each week.
I just finished closing the linings on 16 wheelchair bags. I found out specifically why a bottom opening is not a good idea (because I had done some with the bottom opening before I watched this video.
I was so happy that you showed this particular operation - - I really needed to see how the turning could be accomplished after joining the lining/outer shell to keep the lining from getting pulled out. Doing that joining really is a good touch.
Anyway, having both ends of the bottom joined, stitching the bottom closed was DEFINITELY a challenge. I will NEVER leave that open again! (I am a hard learner.LOL)
Never mind my wanting to watch you do every move. I am confident I will find your video ... I was greatly encouraged by all that you showed through this series.
I will get to zippers - - it is only a matter of time.@@MariesScrappyCreations
Adorable bag
Thanks Mona!
Hi Marie, Have you ever put a magnetic closure and a zipper in the top of the same bag? Just wondering if that will work? By the way thank you so much all your great videos, I'm learning a lot from you. Thank you again! Laurie
Hi! I'm sure it would work, although I think you would have to put the magnetic clasp down a little lower than what I do in the videos. I've never done it personally, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Thank you so much for your question and for watching!
@@MariesScrappyCreations I think I will try it. Thank you!
@@MariesScrappyCreations I will try that. Thank you!
I love your enthusiasm Marie. Very fun video ❤
Aww, thanks Rose!
How do you upload to show a picture!
There isn’t a way to upload a picture in UA-cam comments
I love your show!
Thank you!
Marie, Don't worry about finishing the FreeStyle Scrappy Tote Bag series!!!!!
I am addicted! I love it!!!
I know you have a million more idea's!
Never say never 😢......😊
Ly from Oklahoma!
They’re so fun to make!
I love your Sassy Chick bag! Beautiful colors and just as cute as can be. Thank you Marie for a great instructional video. ❤❤❤
You’re welcome!
I am in the process of saving as many squares as possible from my grandmother's quilt - this is a wonderful way to share it with my sisters .....
Oh my goodness, that's is an incredibly loving idea... wow!!!