I made my first tote bag from some materials I bought on the fly from Japan — they’re mostly scraps that are bundled all together in one bin and I had to rummage them for good stuff that’s a little cheaper than what’s on their shelves.

And so I made this tote! Chutchut™ was thrown in the mix for good measure.

The straps are longer, because I want them to hang over my shoulders and I can stick my arm in them to look for stuff without contorting my hand, and then make an ass out of myself if I had to hold it out at arms length to search for stuff.

The flap was handstitched to the bag, and it was a good start for a zigzag stitch too. My needle broke twice (thank goodness it did not fly into my eye — I didn’t have any bigger needles anyway).

I made a pocket for it as well, and I like how it turned out.
I didn’t make a lining for it since the fabric already had batting and a back fabric made out of cotton muslin. I just did some overlock seams for the side and it was good enough to go.

I loved the huge button, and these small matte ones at the back of the bag. Before you know it, I would have finished up my supplies in a few weeks!

But I’ll be going to China for an exhibition for work, so no fun and games for next few days. I’ll be back only on Sunday night, so that leaves me plenty of time alone in my hotel room with my laptop. My sketchbook will keep me company too, so it isn’t all that bad. That’s all I need, really.

On to my next adventure!