The La Conner Tote

The Fat Quarter Shop is updating a few of their previous posts and videos. There were several choices available to their Quilt Along group and I was fortunate enough to get on the list for the La Conner Tote Bag. The original bag was made using a couple of charm packs to "create" the fabric for the two outside portions of the tote. With an "oh yes, you can use one piece of fabric" message tucked in. I decided to use one piece of fabric and broke into my serious hoard of turtle fabric. This fabric had been hidden in my stash, note I did not say languishing, for a while. It is a South Seas Import and I suspect they do not make fabric anymore.

A piece of my extensive turtle collection. The painters tape will act as the guideline for my first row of machine quilting.

There is a front and a back for the tote. I did a diagonal line from top left to bottom right

and then added a line two inches away on either side of that original line.

Next step is some lining and of course a pocket. In retrospect I should have done two pockets but since these are added before the lining and the body of the tote are attached it is too late for that. 

And finally the big reveal. 

You will note there is a row of top stitching around the top edge of the bag. Wonder clips would have been the perfect tool for this job but since I don't have any I settled for a really good pressing and some pins.
I am particularly happy with my La Conner Tote bag and would like to thank the Fat Quarter Shop for the opportunity to construct this remake of the original. sometimes a little push is all that is needed. There are a few more bloggers making this tote, check out the Fat Quarter Shop's blog (here)

Piecefully, Joanne