Tutorial: Sew an easy beginner tote bag, plus a snap-on bag organizer

Melissa from Melly Sews and Blank Slate Patterns shares a simple tote bag tutorial. It’s a good beginning sewing project because it’s all straight seams, and you end up with something you can use and feel proud of. She also includes a video tutorial for those who learn best by watching something done. If you like the sewing machine image she used for the big pocket on the front, she’s got that as a free download. And at Flamingo Toes, she’s got a companion tutorial that shows how to make a snap-on organizer pocket for your tote. It’s a tall pocket that snaps around the handle of your tote so you can keep a pair of sunglasses or keys or other small but important items, always at the ready.

Click the links below for her tutorials:

Sew a Tote Bag – Easy Beginner Sewing Project (at Melly Sews)

DIY Snap-On Bag Organizer (at Flamingo Toes)

[photo from Melly Sews]

Looking for more DIY sewing patterns to make your own bags, totes and clutches? Check these Sewing patterns out on Etsy.

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Christmas is one of those holidays that you just can decorate too much for. There’s no limit to the amount of holiday cheer you can bring into you home! There’s no such thing as too many Christmas decorations. You can bring Christmas décor into any room of the house – including the kitchen! Which is kind of fitting given how many Christmas activities and gifts are made in the kitchen. We’ve rounded up 13 Christmas kitchen accessories you can sew for your home or to give as gifts.

The list includes holiday themed hot pads, potholders ,aprons, and more that you can sew and decorate your kitchen all season long. Most are things you can make in an evening or less. These would also make wonderful hostess gifts for any holiday parties or gatherings you’re attending. Read on for the kitchen sewing ideas!