I guess it was Nov 2009 I last went to NYC, there are two quilt stores I try to visit when I'm there. City Quilter is one and Purl SoHo is the other. Both nice shops with different vibes. I saw a bag I wanted at Purl Soho, it was in their window. It was made from Echino Oilcloth and it was simply gorgeous. Me: Is that bag for sale? Saleslady: No, that is for display, but you can buy the supplies and make your own. Me: Well, I'm willing to just buy the one already made, how much? Saleslady: I'm sorry it isn't for sale, but you really can make your own. Me: (inside my head: hahaha! just let me buy the damn thing, because I'm sure you think it is super easy, and I will never actually make it) actual voice: Sigh, ok, where are the supplies? Oilcloth, it ain't cheap. But the pattern was on their BLOG, and it was FREE! 
So, $40 later, for supplies for one of those re-useable green grocery totes that you can buy at Target or wherever for 99 cents. But the pattern was free, so thank you for small favors. 
AND when I printed out the pattern, it was 19 pages long! Next time I'll just bookmark it! My tote is on the right, I made it as soon as I got home, because damn, I just spent $40 for a grocery tote, and even though I am prone to purchasing patterns and supplies and letting them sit, even I was like, really? $40, I'm making this thing. After making mine, I had leftover oilcloth, because apparently $40 in oilcloth is really enough for TWO bags! Finally, I am using up the leftover oilcloth, and I even kept the pattern with the oilcloth, which, is so not like me. I'm giving the new bag to my sister for Christmas. I think I might have enough left for one more smaller one, yippee, 3! So, one trip to NYC = $1000 (I'm guessing that figure, I have no idea) - Oilcloth = $40 - 19 pages of paper, photo ink,= $5 TOTALS 3 GROCERY TOTES you can get for $3 from Target. Merry Freaking Christmas! 
The back that should be a front, pinning this right now (not literally, but when I'm finished here) and needs to be quilted in 24 hours. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! I hope.
The Front. 
P.S. I love my grocery tote and use it all the time.
4 comments:
You can surely do the quilting in time and it will be a lovely quilt! Your bag story is too funny, your lovely bags are one of a kind originals, surely that counts too. I never do the math on handmade items!
Oh, that bag story is too funny! Made me laugh. I'm glad you are getting use out of it. A bood "grocery" bag can have so many uses.
Tee hee. . yes the things we do! Love it! Hope your quilting goes without a hitch! ♥
Do you need to come over...I'm home Fri through Mon...you can use the HQ!
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