I have a number of plain canvas tote bags, given to me as gifts over the years with various "things" inside. Sturdy tote bags are something I'm using more and more, and I love the idea of recycling and stores not having to put things into plastic bags.
Last spring and summer I started experimenting with embroidery and appliqué....so this tote was the perfect blank "canvas" to practice on. As summer went by, this project got put away, and last week I found it again. Just in time too, as I needed to come up with a project that I could finish quickly and use it for the month of February for our Yarniversity 2025 Year of Finished Objects. (My February Meandro's sock project was not going as quickly as I had hoped - and I needed more time to complete it!). 
I started with drawing outlines of some pretty flowers and leaves onto this bag, with pencils and washable markers. From there I began embroidering, going thru various stitch instruction booklets I have in my library, for inspiration. Some of my favourite stitches were ones where I could outline the shape and fill in for a pop of colour. I also really enjoyed making the daisy like flowers...and cutting out leaves from felt and sewing those on to the bag. All that still needed to be done was to fill in two small blank spaces.
It's now finished - and holding March's knitting project, but that will soon be done and I'll take this tote to one of the spring outdoor markets or to the next yarn or fabric shop I visit.
I may go back and detail the handles and top of the bag....or not. The handles are double thickness and might be challenging to get an embroidery needle through. But maybe sharpies? Let me know if you have any ideas about further embellishment.
Comments ()