Swap Sewing and Super Tote Review

I've been a little busy lately with my new job and some swap items.  I am in both the FLiRTS swap and the Sew Sew Modern 2 swap.  Both groups have AMAZINGLY talented people so I really wanted to step it up a notch.

For the FLiRTS swap they have 3 levels and I signed up for the moderate level.  You tell your partner 5 items you would like and they will sew one up for you.  I chose to make the Noodlehead Divided Basket pattern but without the divider and I also didn't add the handles.  I think it will be a cute little basket either to hold scraps or fabric for projects.  It's a pretty good sized basket and went together very quickly (about a hour or 2 project without the paper piecing).  Just need to add a few items and then it will be shipped well ahead of the deadline.

This is my second time making the basket.  The first one I made I used the pattern exactly and it's going to be a baby shower gift.  I'm filling it with some lotions, etc. and diapers.  Possibly a changing pad if time allows.

I'm also in the Sew Sew Modern 2 swap on Flickr and have been blow away by the creativity of this group.  You make a large item and a small item that compliment each other.  I chose from the beginning to make a Big Little George pillow using the tutorial on Lilysquilts.  I love paper piecing but the curves were quite a challenge for me.  I do love how it turned out but I consider this the large items because of the amount of time put into it.  It's a small pillow though at 18".

I had been thinking about making a pouch or a fabric basket of some sort for the small item but then saw all of the great Super Tote's on Flickr and Instagram and felt the need to buy the pattern and give it a try.  The pattern went together so quickly.  It would be even quicker if I had cut all the pieces at once and then had them ready to sew.  I wanted to start sewing right away so went for the instant gratification and made the front pocket first.

I was able to finish the front pocket quickly and the exterior went together fast also.   I used a layer of interfacing to the exterior and also used a layer of duck to make it feel more sturdy.  I finished the interior yesterday and love how it turned out.  I really like the inset zipper feel it makes the tote look so much more professional.  I also love the gussets on the sides and how much you can fit into this tote.  I can easily fit my laptop and other work stuff. 

Next time (and there will be a next time very soon I feel) I will add a pocket on both sides and make one of them a zip pocket.   Next time I will add a zipper pocket and a flat pocket to oen side of the interior and only make the elastic pockets on 1 side.



Nice and roomy with elastic pockets on both sides





Love the inset zipper!!





Finished Super Tote!



The entire tote took me approx. 8 hours to complete.  This was spread out over a few days though.   I was able to use all fabrics from my stash.  The pattern can be purchased at  http://www.noodle-head.com/p/patterns.html and is a great deal at $8.

This will be mailed off in the next day or 2 as soon as I find a few fun extras to send.   Now off to work on some charity quilt blocks for a Des Moines Modern Quilt Guild.

Have a great week!

Jill