Tutorial: “Totes” appliqued tote bag

Bev from Flamingo Toes shows how to embellish a plain canvas tote with bold letter appliques. Her design was inspired a tote bag she saw recently online, which was a basic canvas tote with the word “totes” appliqued in large letters. Her version uses vintage sheet fabric to make the applique instead of brown vinyl as the inspiration bag did. You can take this idea and spell out any word or name on your bag. In addition to adding the appliques, she also added a contrast lining. It’s a fun pop of color and pattern and makes a prettier finish inside the canvas tote. Go to Flamingo Toes for the tutorial.

[photo from Flamingo Toes]

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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!