More on the totes

This second size is much better!  My sewing machine has to go in for servicing, but as soon as it gets back, I'll be sewing totes.

Also, Marie commented suggesting I just cover the piece of plastic.  Sorry I deleted your comment before I realized it was for real, Marie.  Yes, I had thought of that.  We'll see what pans out when I start sewing.  Thanks for commenting, though, Marie!

Tote that tote

Since I have now met my goal of rugs for my fall show, I have warped up the Hammett for totes.  I did get the log cabin placemats woven off the Newcomb.  They're very pretty.  I have the Newcomb warped for more placemats, just plain weave this time.  But back to totes.

I warped the loom at 27", because I wanted to make a nice big tote.  I used thinly cut strips to de-bulk the weaving, and wove the first one at 49" on the loom.  Let me tell you, folks, that was one BIG tote.  Too big.  Way too big.  I took the stitching out and turned it back into a rug.

Tonight I un-sleyed and unthreaded several inches off each side of the warp, so I now have a 17" wide warp.  Tomorrow I'll weave a piece off and see how it does.

The rage right now is messenger bag type totes.  But some of us still like the over-the-shoulder type.  I'm thinking about an adjustable strap.

Another question I'll need to resolve is how to deal with the bottom of the bag.  I really like to put a piece of plastic in the bottom, to shape it, but that means lining the bag.  It's always a challenge to make a quality product that holds up but takes minimum hours to make.  I'll think of something!