From Strips to Tote

While the pressing, cutting and stitching were relaxing and enjoyable, now it's time to create.

By dividing my strips into color families, I made red, green and blue braiding strips. 

It is fun to see the random patterns that develop as I braid the strips together. 

Wow, where did all these fabrics come from? 

Some were old favorites that I'm happy to have leave my stash. Some of the fabrics are more current favorites that still brighten my day. Together they work to create a colorful bag.

I love the serendipity of the braids as I lace them together.

Row after row is added until I reach a desirable size.

The ends of the braids are encased in a binding similar to how I would finish the edge of my quilts.  It is so satisfying to see the ragged, stringy edges disappear and a smooth, neat edge appear.

Just in time, my new braided tote ready for use.  

The weather is cooling and this will be a perfect match for my warmer coat. Red, of course!

Instructions for a similar tote are in my book,  

"Designer Bags and Totes" available through Herrschners.

Linked to The Art Quilt Blog

Linked to Off the Wall Fridays

On the Straight and Narrow

If you would follow me around for a day, you would see how well I travel in a straight line, keeping to my day's plan and my thoughts in focus.

OK, so that's a bit of a stretch. Most of the time, I keep my balance by jumping from one project to the next. With that in mind, my green scrap project has temporarily been laid aside.

This week, I want to share a braided bag which I made from a black dressmaker's fabric.  (Yes, there are a few larger pieces of fabric in my stash.) The fabric has a woven pattern which made interesting highlights when braided.

I know bags as big as suitcases are popular now but I wanted a small bag to tuck under my arm at special events.  This petite bag, 5" x 8", is just large enough for a few essential items like the all-important business cards.

For the skinny strap, I braided two strands of rattail cord and one decorative cord.

This made a sturdy, yet showy, strap.

The strap was woven into the top of the bag and secured with machine stitching.

Side trip complete, I'm  now back to the sewing machine and stitching more green scraps.

PS. You can find ideas for braided bags in my book, Braidcraft Designer Bags and Totes, available from Herrschners, Inc.

Braid the Perfect Accessory

"Night on the Town" Clutch

Approximately 7" x 10"

©Sharon V. Rotz

They say the perfect bag completes the look. You can create that perfect bag to compliment a special occasion wardrobe. With proms, weddings and other special evenings in the spring forecast, you can braid, yes, braid this fast and easy clutch purse using matching or coordinating dress fabric. Perhaps it will be made for you or perhaps you are thinking this would be a lovely gift for a daughter's first prom, the bride-to-be, the wedding party, or just a special friend.

I would love to guide you through the process of braiding your "Night on the Town" clutch. Join me at the Herrschner's Retail Store in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on March 12 and 19. I will be teaching the techniques in two class sessions from 1:00-4:00.

For those of you who can't attend, I will miss meeting you and hearing your stories. You can find instructions for the "Night on the Town" clutch and other bags in my book, Braidcraft, Designer Bags and Totes, available through Herrschers, Inc.