Sunday, June 24, 2012

Anthro Inspired Tote

I'm trying to teach myself how to mix prints together. I see pictures on the web where it's been done and it always looks so good. I tend to stick with the safe pairings, like a print with a solid. This is my first sort of over the top mix of prints. What do you think?
I'm not sure I have a "natural eye" for it, but I'm convinced I can learn how to do it. I think this first attempt isn't too bad. I was inspired by the Yunga tote at Anthropologie. Isn't it pretty?
Here's a few more shots of my version.  
  



I was first going to pad it well to use as a lap top bag, but during the course of making it, I decided I'd rather use it as a flea market bag. Do you ever change your mind half way through a project, or it that just me? 

It's really big and will be a great bag for carrying my purchases around. I put wall to wall open pockets on the inside to give me a place to toss my keys, camera, phone, billfold...you know, the usual "purse" stuff. And best of all, it's mostly all made from reclaimed or recycled fabric. The lining is a table cloth I picked up at the thrift store. The interior pockets are fabric dinner napkins. The daffodil print is remnants of the fabric I used for my kitchen curtains and bar stool recovers. I think the only piece of fabric that was purchased new was the animal print that I bought from the clearance area at JoAnns. Even the leather straps that I riveted on for handles came from the thrift store, (and by "I riveted" I mean Mr. ShowMe-while I watched), and the rings that the handles hang from are reclaimed drapery rings.

Do you mix patterns in your projects? If you have any tips or want to share your own projects I'd love to hear about them.

Thanks for stopping by!





16 comments:

  1. I love the mixture of colors and designs! I really should try to do this. I knew it was going to be rainy today so I planned to sew all afternoon. I started with an easy pattern and changed it and added to it until it was complicated....and not quite right! heehee! But I like the pattern and now I can see what to do next time! I'm always learning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have only just recently mixed up all sorts of different fabrics. Your bag is fantastic and extra special due to re-cycled materials. I often change my mind half way through so your not alone there!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love this bag! I love the mix of fabrics!!! Nice job! I am your newest follower!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh I just adore the fabrics you chose.. it looks gorgeous! I actually like yours better than the anthro bag.. great job! Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo party.. can't wait to see what you share next!
    xoxo
    Amie @ Pinkapotamus

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like your version better than the Anthro one. The colors are better together. Glad you shared it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fantastic combo and they look so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think it looks great - I love the mix of prints!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your choice of fabrics work very well together! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely tote! I like yours much better than the Anthropologetic one! The patterns work great together. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm your newest follower!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really like the way you've combined and co-ordinated your fabrics. It looks so much better than the Anthropologie one. A great tote!!! Thanks for linking up @Threading My Way...

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have got to get a sewing machine and make purses! They are so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I loove the way it turned out. Looks great, and so professionaly done! Thanks for leaving your lovely comment on my blog.

    Your newest follower,
    Aleksandra

    ReplyDelete
  13. Just found your blog on Threading my Way. Love your bag. I've also been admiring that bag on Anthropologie. I started following your blog. Come over to mine for a visit.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like yours better. Anthropologie's is nice too, but yours is way more interesting and I think the mix of fabrics is really nice.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Just stumbled in and am having fun reading your posts on thrifting. Anyway - I like your bag a lot. Not so hot on the original though. So, you did good!

    ReplyDelete