this & that tote

I Must Confess

| Cindy Anderson

I am an addict!

That’s right, an honest to goodness addict. Well not in the chemical sense. I mean I am a fabric, and all things related, addict. I simply cannot pass up the opportunity to purchase the latest and greatest fabric, pattern and/or gadget. Even though I have told myself, on a daily basis, I absolutely must stop feeding my addiction I just can’t help myself. There’s something I crave about the aroma and texture of fabric, not to mention the visual appeal it adds to my stash. The thrill of acquiring new patterns tickles my fancy and keeps alive my thirst for inspiration. Each new ruler or gadget I add to my arsenal of supplies provides yet one more opportunity to improve my quilting skills.

This addiction has been known to spill over into my everyday life. I’m an artist at heart. What artist puts boundaries on their studio? I certainly don’t. My environment is my studio and when I’m in my studio I’m always creating, always looking for a new way to add color or texture to the things that surround me. Thus, I have at times accumulated a few too many decorations as is evidenced by the boxes of items now awaiting a future garage sale. Some of the excess was created by the downsizing we did earlier this year so I’ve cut myself a bit of slack in that area.

So how does one successfully overcome their addition? There are organizations that provide support for those with chemical addictions. They follow a predetermined set of steps to manage their afflictions. They also have a mantra that encourages them to focus on the traits or things that can be changed. I’m not sure their program would apply to my situation.

I figure I have these options:

  1. Remain home at all times.

  2. Disconnect the internet.

  3. Destroy all catalogues and mailings before they even enter the house.

  4. Accept my addiction.

Here’s my reaction to those options:

  1. No Way!

  2. Absolutely Not!

  3. Perhaps.

  4. Sounds more reasonable.

I figure since I have openly confessed to my addiction I have taken the first step toward conquering what ails me. Progressing beyond that step would take every once of strength I could muster, my creative juices would suffer severely, and, well, I just might wither away from the lack of inspiration. So, at this point I’m going to put recovery on the back burner. I will, however, make an honest attempt at curtailing my expenditures. Though I will have to ease into this new way of life gradually. Quitting cold turkey would be unbearable and devastating to the economy. I figure as long as itsy bitsy teeny tiny progress is made I will be happy.

P.S. Do you think my progress would be thwarted if I use the earnings from my garage sale to add to my collection? Just kidding! 😀

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p style=”text-align:center;”>Evidence of My Addiction :o)

Time to Vote

Aside | | Cindy Anderson

Remember the contest I entered? I guess that’s kind of a silly question. The contest is all that I talked about over the past several days. Well I’m sorry to say my tote was not selected. Thank you so much for reading my endless posts showcasing my creation and dream.

The three creations chosen and now offered for voting can be found at this link. If you have the chance, follow the link and register your voice by voting.

 

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Tag-Along: My Review

| Cindy Anderson

A Review

This & That Tag-Along modified tote constructed from Shelburne Falls fabrics

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There She Is!

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Her Bottom

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Her Pockets

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My Keyboard Pocket

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My iPad Pocket

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One Last Look

So What Do You Think?

Isn’t that the nicest tote bag you have ever seen? I can’t tell you how much fun I had and how pleased I am with the outcome.  As with all things in this world there are typically changes we would like to make.  This pattern, while well written and relatively easy to follow, could stand a few changes of its own.  Some of my suggested modifications have resulted through using the tote and some are purely cosmetic. Listed below are my suggestions.

Things I Would Have Done Different

  1. Day 4: I would have relocated the Velcro on the pockets.  Instead of locating it 1 1/4″ from the top edge I would have placed it no lower than 1″ yet no higher than 3/4″ below the edge of the pocket. Velcro located 1 1/4″ below the top edge of the pocket is alright if the items you carry in the pocket don’t have any depth to them. My intended use was for my iPad and my keyboard, both of which are not at all flat.  By placing the Velcro 1 1/4″ from the top edge of the pocket the available expansion room is limited.  Judging by the photo on the pattern jacket I believe they never intended for the user to stash items such as an iPad or keyboard inside.
  2. Day 4:  The pockets are lined with a light fusible interfacing.  Again, the author’s intended use most likely was not at all for iPads or keyboards.  The light fusible interfacing provides a soft yet delicate level of durability.  I would like to see a much stronger material used thus creating a much sturdier pocket.
  3. Day 5:  The outside tab that keeps the Tag-Along tote securely closed tends to want to fall open.  To remedy the situation I would add a row of stitching to anchor it along the top edge of the tote and prohibit it from falling backwards.

Things I Appreciate

1. My Tag-Along tote has been a great way to transport my iPad & keyboard.

2. Besides my intended use I have also used the pockets in my Tag-Along tote to carry loose papers along with my cell phone.

The changes I have outlined are minor compared to the joy I derive from owning my modified tote.  Given the opportunity to make a second Tag-Along tote I would jump at the chance in an instant.

Just A Reminder

Now I have one really BIG favor to ask.  On Monday, April 8th Stitched in Color will select three of the items registered in her contest.  Those three items will compete for the contest prize, a fat quarter set of the complete Shelburne Falls collection.  The winner will be chosen by YOU! Now of course I’m hoping my fabulous Tag-Along modified tote will be one of the three finalists.  If by some strange reason that doesn’t happen I still need you to visit Stitched in Color’s blog to vote for your favorite. As soon as she announces her three finalists I will send you a link to vote.  Stay tuned for further updates.

If you interested in following the construction phase from day one thru the final finish I’ve included links to the previous seven posts here:

Day 1 of 7

Day 2 of 7

Day 3 of 7

Day 4 of 7

Day 5 of 7

Day 6 of 7

Day 7 of 7