Sometimes (/most of the time) I get stuck on an idea that I can’t wait to see through. This Wildabon Market Tote is one of them.
Wildabon has been such a fun project in every way, and I’ve been eager to appliqué it on to just about everything. Here’s my Wildabon Market Tote, aka a mashup of Anna Graham’s Market Tote (from her book, Handmade Style*) and the designs from my Wildabon pattern with Leah Duncan.
With so many designs in the pattern, I like that you can pull one motif out and play with it on its own whether it’s in a bag like this or a pillow sham or anything smaller. Plus, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by appliqué or taking on something large, this is a great place to start. And, if you’re worrying about handwork and durability, don’t. I’ve been appliquéing on to bags for a while now, and I haven’t had any issues yet. Even if you are a new appliqué-er, quilting over your handwork–just like I did here–adds another layer insurance.
This was my first time sewing with leather handles, and I have to say that I’m pretty into them after this adventure. I picked these up from Noodlehead’s shop, and they couldn’t have been any easier to work with. Plus, they are so pretty! I love how they kick the project up a notch. Installation wasn’t as scary as I imagined it could be. I used (my new) teflon foot, which made it super easy, as well as polyester thread as it was recommended in the pattern. Next time, I think I’ll be ready to give rivets a try.
It’s always fun mixing fabrics, and you’ll notice euclid on the outside (which is great, because of its heftiness) with lots of friedlander and friedlander lawn on the inside. I can’t tell you how much fun it is to appliqué with fabrics thick and thin, plus the options for mixing prints…yes, this is how I like to do it!
It was fun getting that print situated on my inside pocket. I love a project where you can play around with your prints.
When I was positioning the appliqué motif, I also thought about where I’d put the handle, how the side piece would be cut and how it’d wear. I like that the design spills from the top and spreads itself across the side.
By the way, this bag can hold a lot! Here it is loaded up with my scrappy collection quilt, which–by the way–I’ve been hand quilting on and off, more off than on lately. But it’s coming together!
patterns : Wildabon from me and Market Tote from Handmade Style* by Anna Graham
fabrics : Euclid, Friedlander and Friedlander Lawn
zipper : from Zipit
leather handles : from Noodlehead
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Love your Market Bag! When I picked fabrics for mine it was between a large print canvas or a subtle cotton/linen mix and your bag blends both!
A needle applique quilt is my next challenge but I have your Savor Every Stitch to help out.
Once again, gorgeous amazing work!
It’s beautiful, Carolyn. That bag has been on my to-make list since Anna’s book came out. I hadn’t thought of appliqueing it – the possibilities have my head swimming!
I finally got into the hand appliqué game with your ebb pattern and just finished the noodlehead market tote. This combo of the two is amazing!
That’s great, Jill! And thank you!