I love getting new ideas for handmade Christmas gifts, so when Virginia of Gingercake asked me to sew my own version of one of her patterns for her 2016 Holiday Gift Series, I was excited. Her Art Caddy Tote is such a great pattern as written, but the more I looked at it, the more I thought, "Wouldn't this make a fantastic makeup bag?!" Keep in mind that on most days, my makeup routine begins and ends with lip balm. I break out the rest of my beauty stash for special occasions or for church on Sundays, but I still need a place to store it during the week. A miniature version of Virginia's Art Caddy Tote is absolutely perfect for the job.
I followed the directions pretty closely, just trimming 3" off each measurement and eliminating the crayon pockets which I didn't need for this version. Because the bag was smaller, I didn't need the heavy interfacing that's required for the full size tote, just one layer of batting for the bag and some light interfacing for the widest pockets. It's a soft bag but still has plenty of structure to it, sitting up on my counter without any danger of falling over.
I broke out my Quilt Market Sample Spree stash for this project, using Melody Miller's new Jubilee collection for Cotton + Steel, which couldn't be more perfect for a makeup bag. The only exceptions were the handles (a striped print from Wonderland by Rifle Paper Co.) and the bottom of the bag (a floral canvas from Flower Shop by Alexia Abegg) -- both for Cotton + Steel as well. I love the color scheme for this project -- so happy and girly and retro!
I was amazed at how quickly this tote came together. I cut the fabrics one evening and sewed it together the next. It's wonderful to think that I now have two projects in one with Virginia's pattern!
The finished size of my miniature version is 6 x 7 1/2 x 2 1/2". It's so compact, but look how much fits inside! Not only does this keep all the clutter off my bathroom counter, but I feel like I'm all packed and ready to go the next time we take a trip!
Virginia is hosting a weekly Rafflecopter giveaway during this series, and this week she's giving away a set of books from C&T Publishing -- including hers and mine! You can access the giveaway at this link:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Stop by her blog right here for all the details and check out the rest of the Gingercake Holiday Gift Series for more great ideas:
Happy sewing, friends!
that is adorable! Gotta go check out her pattern.
ReplyDeleteI've seen a version of this on Pinterest -- so adorable!!
ReplyDeleteCute! It's always a bonus when you can use a pattern more than one way. thanks for the info.
ReplyDeletePretty nice and useful.Thanks for the info I`m going to have a look.
ReplyDeleteThis is so practical. Love this small version. You are able to pick it up put in the suitcase and off you go. Brilliant!!!
ReplyDeletei want to make some mermaid blankets for my nieces
ReplyDeleteI am making a quilt for my daughter using wool batting. Never used wool before and am hoping it's warmer for her!
ReplyDeleteLove your bag!
ReplyDeleteI am planning to sew 2 or 3 pouches and 1 or 2 table toppers for gifts. Depends on how much I get done. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI am making pincushions for quilt friends
ReplyDelete3 twin size quilts for the grandkids and 1 lap quilt. I am already subtracting gifts from my handmade list. Thanks for the give away.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really thought about making any homemade gifts this season
ReplyDeleteHello, I love the art caddy tote and would love to make a full size version of this.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute bag. Everything you make is darling. I'll have to make one of these for my daughter for Christmas. I'll be making other bags and such this year. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI'm making a wall hanging for my sister.
ReplyDeleteWent there after looking at their beautiful customized/pre-made Flowers Delivery bouquets! I told her I love lighter colored flowers. She nodded and went to her storage room. A few minutes later, she came back with 3 pretty pink roses and small white flowers in her hand.
ReplyDeleteWe usually make our own Christmas Cards and Gift Tags.
ReplyDeleteLynsey Buchanan
I think this is a great version of the art caddy. Might need to add this to the gift making list.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute!! And inspiring!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat tote! Thanks for the intro to a new to me designer.
ReplyDeleteLove your take on the art caddy. Love your pixie cups too, what a great way to keep organized.
ReplyDeleteSo cool! I love when people make smaller versions of patterns, making it more versatile. This is a great pattern. I have made it before. Instead of an art caddy, I made it as a tool bag for my husband who has to carry a lot of tools with him on the job.
ReplyDeleteI call that a teacher's dream tote!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea for carrying around all of my make up and being to see it easily too. x
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tote!! I looks so useful for so many things! Thank you for this great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHave a super great day!
I've made this art tote for my sister, who's a 1st grade teacher and she loves it and uses it all the time <:o)
ReplyDeleteI'm making a quilt for mom for Christmas. I also have a wall hanging, table runner and various other crafty things on my to-do list.
ReplyDeleteI am planning some pouches, as gifts for teachers and family and also clothing items for my niece and maybe some infinity scarves for friends.
ReplyDeleteI have started a quilt for my son for a Christmas gift. I know it's going to take almost every spare minute to finish it, but I am going to get it done! The look on his face when he sees it, will make it worthwhile!
ReplyDelete