Called a pocket tote not because of the pocket on the front,
but because it folds up into the pocket on the front!
(as a side note, I just listed this in my etsy)
I'm so excited about this new bag! Maybe you remember the wrap-it-up shopping bag from a while back? I was trying to make a new bag that wasn't quite as bulky when it was all tucked away and I think this is going to work. The pocket is about 5.5 X 5.5 or so and less than an inch thick with the bag tucked inside. So what do you all think? Do you have a preference for one or the other, and why?
And looky what I started today:
I ooouu'd and aww'd over Nanette's teapots, and with her blessing, I have made up my very own similar pattern. I absolutely am enamored with these teapots! I started this one thinking I'd make myself a potholder but now I'm not so sure that's what it'll end up as. As I was ironing the ric-rac, it started to get a leetle bit shiny so I'm just thinkin' that something straight out of the oven is probably gonna melt it right off. I'm guessing there's some polyester in that there ric-rac and I need all cotton. Lesson learned. So now what? (besides a handle for the lid?? I just realized I didn't make a lid handle!!) What should I do with this beautiful teapot??
Chain stitched wool would work and withstand the heat. Very cute by the way.
Posted by: Marcia | 21 February 2009 at 08:45 PM
LOVing the teapot - I can see it as part of an apron, or add a few 3-D details (buttons or some other detail) and frame it in a shadowbox to be hung in the kitchen, or wrap it around a canvas frame and lean it on a small easel; i could even see it as a quilt square.
Posted by: Crystal | 21 February 2009 at 08:48 PM
SO cute! I have a thing for teapots.
Great job!!!
Posted by: Missy | 21 February 2009 at 09:10 PM
I love the always peaceful calming colors of your pictures and projects!
I think you should make enough of those teapots in varying mix and match blues and reds and turn it into a quilt. wallhanging, couch, bed sized - whatever.
I love that little bag! what a great idea for resuable shopping totes - I'm turned off by the idea of the reusables by the sheer amount of space they take up when NOT used - let alone remember to have them with me. Several of these would fit nicely in my bag.
Posted by: amylouwho | 21 February 2009 at 09:33 PM
That little teapot is just adorable. I'd still make a potholder and just use the other side LOL. Or a cute apron pocket maybe? Your new bag is very cool too -- I think I like the new one in a nice simple little pocket a bit better than the older one. On the other hand, the older one looks a little more secure when folded up?
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 21 February 2009 at 11:10 PM
the tote is very practical..I like the fabric you chose.
now for the lil teapot,,I think as an embellishment for a tea towel hanging in the kitchen. I also fancy the apron idea.
Posted by: Kellie h | 21 February 2009 at 11:35 PM
The little bag is adorable . What a bout a special button for the teapot lid ? I love it .
clares craftroom
Posted by: clare bower | 22 February 2009 at 02:48 AM
I love the new bag design better!!! I think one less handle is nifty, especially when carrying like 3 bags in each hand...
Posted by: allyson | 22 February 2009 at 07:07 AM
Way cute teapot! I love the fabric choices. ooxx`jodi
Posted by: Jodi | 22 February 2009 at 07:21 AM
That teapot is too cute! I think it would be cute incorporated into an apron or maybe as part of a table covering...pretty much anything that you choose to use it in will be cute, I think. I also love the bag...so useful but practical...and handy to keep in your purse! =)
Posted by: Anna M. | 22 February 2009 at 02:40 PM
Both are great Penny! I like how the bag folds into the pocket - very smart :) The teapot block would look great on a towel or apron. . .
Posted by: Amy @ parkcitygirl | 22 February 2009 at 03:45 PM
i'm all about all things teapot..and that is just stinkin' adorable!!!!
i feel some sewing time coming this afternoon :)
Posted by: shelia fisher | 23 February 2009 at 08:26 AM
love the wrap up bag and as for the tea pot - gorgeous! I have a good idea for what you could do with it...but it does involve sending it on a leetle trip across the atlantic ;-)
Posted by: annieb | 23 February 2009 at 08:50 AM
That bag is so cute! I love the little pocket, it's perfect for throwing in your purse. The little teapot is straight out adorable! I just stumbled upon your blog yesterday and I love it!
Posted by: Chiemi | 23 February 2009 at 09:18 AM
i really like the fold it up into the pocket bag.
Posted by: britt | 23 February 2009 at 12:59 PM
Very cute, love the fabrics. Good job.
Posted by: Nanette | 23 February 2009 at 02:27 PM
Great little bag - love that fabric!
Posted by: Kate | 23 February 2009 at 02:40 PM
I love the bag and its colors, Penny - so fresh and crisp! How about a potholder for the teapot - and a great button for the lid? Or maybe make it part of an apron skirt? It will be adorable whatever you decide!
Cheers!
Posted by: Candace | 23 February 2009 at 05:19 PM
Love the little purse and the teapot!! I have a pattern similar to the purse, but haven't made it yet. Maybe I need to get the sewing machine out again!! Thanks, as always for your lovely comments on my blog!! I really do appreciate it!!
Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne | 23 February 2009 at 05:32 PM
So sweet, that bag..love the fabric! and the teapot is too cute. You could use it as a pocket on an apron. Or what about a kitchen towel? Cute, cute...great color combo!
Sheree
Posted by: sheree | 24 February 2009 at 04:47 PM
Oh Penny, I love the teapot!! What an adorable purse too and great idea.
Posted by: Judy | 01 March 2009 at 12:30 PM