Pretty darn big, yet perfect for a tall gal like myself:
It's scary how much it holds:
And it was such fun to make!:
Here's a condensed version of the lining process. First I decided that I'd have two straps on each side, attached at 4 different places per side, to counteract the tendency of the handles to pull the bag out of shape:
I didn't want all those straps flapping around willy-nilly, so I decided on two rings to hold them together:
Once the linings were...well....aligned...
I pinned in the straps & did a final check on length & placement before sewing it all together:
Although I was tempted to keep the tote as it was:
I went ahead & added the crocheted part. ::wink:::: I sewed it by machine & I double-dog dare you to find the stitching line:
I didn't "box" the lining, but it really didn't need it. Everything fits together just fine:
Whew! I'm takin' a blog break after this one - see ya on Wednesday!
(Actually, Colin's having his official B-day party tomorrow - 4 kids plus my 2 for 6 hours...I ain't gonna have TIME to blog! LOL)
You're totally my hero! LOL Love the bag!
Posted by: Julie | June 11, 2007 at 05:47 PM
Just as I suspected...it's fan-bloomin'-tastic!
I'm going to make another but in thread this time. Care to join me, my dear?
Posted by: Pink | June 11, 2007 at 06:00 PM
Haha! Love the action shots. The bag is very cool- great colors.
Posted by: Kristen | June 11, 2007 at 06:31 PM
LOL - Thanks, Julie!
Pink - I decided I really couldn't improve much on your handle placement - it really does cut down on the floppiness of the bag, don't you think?
Thread? Hmmmm...I might be in!
Kristen - I was finished at 10:30 this morning but had to wait 5 hours for my photographer to get home. LOL
Posted by: Bron | June 11, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Brava!!!Brava!!!
Posted by: Vera | June 11, 2007 at 07:30 PM
It looks great. I really forgot the size until I saw it all put together.
Posted by: nurseshar | June 11, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Totally cool!
Posted by: Deneen | June 11, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Looks fabulous and I love the pics! You look soooo happy with the bag!
Have fun at the B'day party. I have to say I really don't envy you lol!
Posted by: Sara | June 11, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Yours turned out awesome!
Posted by: Wendy | June 11, 2007 at 11:44 PM
It turned out fantastic. I just love how perfectly the lining goes with the crochet.
Posted by: Leisel | June 12, 2007 at 01:04 AM
The bag is gorgeous-- love the color, and the size is perfect! I applaud your patience in making all those squares, hee hee.
Posted by: beezie687 | June 12, 2007 at 05:56 AM
You are to cute for words! And your bag turned out wonderfully as well!
Happy Birthday Colin :)
Posted by: jillian | June 12, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Love the pictures! The lining is perfect for the bag. That must be some sewing machine to be able to sew through all those thicknesses.
Posted by: Linda | June 12, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Great job! Have fun boys.
Posted by: Cyndy | June 12, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Oooh it looks fantastic! This is one of the bags I have on my to do list but I hate hate HATE sewing, so we'll see. I love how the fabric came together, you did a great job.
Posted by: April | June 12, 2007 at 03:47 PM
I LOVE THE WAY THE BAG TURNED OUT!!!
Way to go! Do you have any other bags on the list? If so you should join my KAL - CAL that a friend and I started!
Go ahead and check it out!
summerkalcal.blogspot.com
Marly
knitthing.mypodcast.com
knitthing.blogspot.com
Posted by: Yarn Thing | June 12, 2007 at 11:47 PM
I came back to tell you thanks for your mini tutorial about lining the bag. I think that is always the hardest part for me. I always make the inner bag too small. I will probably add a magnetic clasp to mine, just because I have one.
I like your strap idea. I have no idea how I am going to do my straps, either. I am thinking one strap that is thick at the base that gets thinner on the shoulder. I am always changing my mind, though.
I hope the birthday party was fun! You have two great kids!
Posted by: Wendy | June 13, 2007 at 05:47 AM
Thanks, Wendy. :) It's true that the more I'm around OTHER people's kids, the better I like mine! LOL
I'm glad the semi-tutorial helped and I like your idea of the magnetic clasp. I'm thinking of doing a crocheted flap & button type of closure on mine. Then again, Doug wants to use it as a beach bag, so maybe I don't need one! LOL
Thanks, Marly - I'll definitely check out your -along!
April - I hate having to line something after all the knitting/crocheting is complete. I always think that when I'm done with the yarn, I should be done with the project!
Thanks, Cyndy. :)
Linda - I didn't know if my Ellure could handle it, but it zipped through it all with no problems. Whew!
Beezie - Those squares would make a lovely afghan but I REALLY don't have the patience to do THAT! LOL
Sara - The boys were VERY rambunctious during the first hour or so & I wasn't a happy camper. Luckily for all of us they settled down! LOL
Awwww...thanks, Jillian!
Shar - I was kinda surprised at the size myself!
Posted by: Bron | June 13, 2007 at 06:38 AM
That is a fabulous bag! Love the roominess of it too! I might just have to make myself one!
Have a great day everyone!
Posted by: Margaret | June 13, 2007 at 09:33 AM
The bag looks great...the model looks a little wacky!! (just kidding!)
Posted by: Lucy | June 13, 2007 at 09:52 AM
The bag turned out great! Looks fantastic. :o)
Posted by: Terri | June 14, 2007 at 09:30 PM
Absolutely fab-u-loso! I love the colors, the lining turned out great, its superb!
Posted by: Kimberly | June 15, 2007 at 05:37 AM
I just wanted to let you know that your bag inspired me so much that I am talking to my LYS about doing a class to make it!
I simply love the colors you chose!
You really did do a great job! Not to mention the lining tutorial was FANTASTIC!!!
I really wish you would join the Summer kal cal! Please check it out okay.
Marly
summerkalcal.blogspot.com
knitthing.blogspot.com
knitthing.mypodcast.com
Posted by: Yarn Thing | June 15, 2007 at 01:47 PM
Great bag! The lining you chose really adds the perfect touch!
Posted by: Ginny | July 03, 2007 at 05:11 AM