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Happy Hour Tote Embroidery Project

By Ramona Baird on April 14, 2014

PROJECT DETAILS

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

TIME REQUIRED

07:00

Description

This lunch tote is converted into a Happy Hour bag to enjoy cocktails with friends. The project used a purchased pattern; however, a purchased lunch bag could be used and the embroidery sewn on as a patch on the front.

Project Preview Video

Materials

In addition to basic sewing supplies you will need:

“Peas and Corn” round lunch tote pattern

Fabric and notions as specified in pattern (Note: read all the instructions thoroughly before cutting and sewing. Use a heavy duty needle and be sure your machine will be able to handle all the thicknesses of fabric and stabilizer used in this pattern. If you have any questions on the construction of the lunch tote, please contact the pattern company.)

For stitching out the design:

White cotton fabric for stitching the design

White cotton fabric to create the “window” for the design

Stabilizer

Embroidery thread colors to coordinate with the fabrics used in the lunch tote

For creating the insert:

1 sheet Stitch N Shape®-double sided fusible

½” elastic (the amount needed depends on the accessories used on the inset)

Fabric to cover inset front and back (leftover fabrics from the lunch tote can be used)

Bar accessories

Design used in this project

https://www.embroiderydesigns.com/productdetails/Concord-Collections/1/KH000484B

Final Product: What You Will Create

Preface:

Please read through the pattern directions for the tote. Any questions on the pattern construction, contact the author of the pattern that was used.

Step 1:

Choose accessories you’d like for your tote. Scout your cupboards for what you have, shop the thrift stores and make it vintage, or purchase new items if the tote is to be a gift.

Step 2:

Print off the instructions for the pattern. Be sure to follow the pattern instructions and print the pattern pieces at actual size.

Step 3:

Hoop the stabilizer with the white fabric and stitch out the design. Cut out all the pattern pieces from the fabric according to the “Peas and Corn” pattern instructions. Find the outside front main pattern piece. The “window” for the embroidery will be cut out on this piece before the tote assembly begins.

Step 4:

Use the other piece of white fabric and place on top of the stitched design. Draw a square ½” beyond the outer edge of each side of the design. This fabric will be used to create a “window” in the main pattern fabric piece.

Step 5:

Center the drawn square over the outside main pattern piece and stitch along the drawn line.

Step 6:

Cut out the “window”, leaving ½” seam allowances and clipping to the corners.

Step 7:

Flip the fabric window to the back side of the main piece and press.

Step 8:

Center the embroidery behind the window.

Step 9:

Fold back along each edge and pin the window seam allowance to the embroidered fabric.

Step 10:

Stitch along the original stitching around all sides of the window.

Step 11:

Trim the excess embroidered fabric around each edge of the window.

Step 12:

The finished main pattern piece with the embroidery framed in the window.

Step 13:

The back side of the finished piece.

Step 14:

Use the pattern pieces and assemble the project according to the “Peas and Corn” pattern instructions.

Step 15:

After the tote is assembled, it is time to create the insert to hold the bar accessories. Use the leftover fabric and the chosen accessories for the insert.

Step 16:

Cut two pieces of fabric from the main pattern piece, one for the front and one for the back of the inset.

Step 17:

Trim off 3/8” from all around the cut pieces.

Step 18:

Use one of the trimmed main pieces to cut out the Stitch N Shape stabilizer. Fuse one fabric to the stabilizer.

Step 19:

Fuse the other trimmed fabric to the reverse side of the Stitch N Shape.

Step 20:

Check to be sure the insert will fit nicely inside the tote.

Step 21:

Bind the edge with bias tape. Plan the placement of the bar accessories.

Step 22:

Use the elastic to hold the bar accessories in place. Pull the elastic just tight enough to hold the accessory in place and then pin the elastic in place. Stretch the elastic over the next accessory, and place a pin in the insert to hold the elastic in place. Repeat for the remaining accessories. Be sure the accessories can be moved in and out of the elastic with ease, yet not fall out when being held in the insert. Cut the elastic about half inch beyond the outer edges of the insert and turn it to the back side to be stitched in place. Remove all the accessories from the insert.

Step 23:

Sew the elastic in place as pinned on the insert. Use several back and forth stitches to be sure it is secure.

Step 24:

Re-insert the bar accessories into the insert.

Step 25:

Place the insert into the tote.

Step 26:

Zip the tote closed, and you’re off for some “group therapy! Enjoy happy hour with your friends!

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Meet the Author: Ramona Baird

Ramona Baird has been in the embroidery industry for over 23 years. She and her husband owned a commercial and retail embroidery store in Arizona for many years. She is an experienced digitizer having been mentored by award-winners Pat Williams and Lindee Goodall. Ramona is a contributor to “Creative Machine Embroidery” magazine having 5 covers to her credit. Ramona has worked for Wilcom America and served many years as Education Director for the American Sewing Guild. With a degree in fashion design, she is able to design and execute patterns which Pat Williams says are “out of the box” in creativity and application. Ramona likes to challenge the boundaries of embroidery and bring new and exciting designs, ideas, and projects to EmbroideryDesigns.com. She wants embroiderers of all levels to increase their skills and enjoyment in using their embroidery machine for gift-making and personal pleasure.

Happy Hour Tote Embroidery Project

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Preview Video

Drinks Combo Pack

Beverages

COCKTAIL PARTY I

Drink Pack

Group Therapy

Id Really Like

Heres To You

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Champagne

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One Tini Please

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Margarita

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Tropical Drink

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MARGARITA

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OLD FASHIONED

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STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI

BLOODY MARY