Today I’m multitasking.  It’s WIP Wednesday and time for installment # 5 of 7 for my Tag-Along tote. This tote will be entered in the Stitched In Color Shelburne Falls Contest on Friday. Not much time left so let’s get started.

Where We Left Off

When we parted company on Day 4 we had just finished the pockets. Next up, tabs.

Tabs

There are two tabs. (My modification: three tabs.)

The tabs were cut from the Circle Square Lilac. Each tab has two pieces. Before proceeding with the assembly we must round off two of the corners.  These two corners will become the top edge of the tab. The pattern tells us to use a large spool for a template.

(My modification:  I chose to use a small bowl.)

Here’s a photo of my curved edge.

We Need Velcro

After drawing the curved line a piece of Velcro was attached to the right side of the fabric 1/2″ down from the future curved end of the tab.

The photo above demonstrates where the Velcro would be placed. Remember we are now looking at the right side (rs) of the fabric.  The curved line that we drew is on the underside of this tab.

Stitch the Tabs Together

Once the Velcro was attached it was time to stitch together the tab pieces. Two tab rectangles were layered right sides together (rst) to form one tab. A 1/4″ seam was stitched around three of the edges. The end opposite the curved edge was the one left open. The tab would be turned right side out (rso) through that opening.

Once stitched together excess fabric was trimmed from the curved edge, the tab was turned right side out (rso) and pressed. Leaving the raw edges untouched, I top-stitched along the remaining three edges.

Pictured above are all three tabs complete with their Velcro, rounded edges and top-stitching.

Let’s Add an Embellishment

The very last little detail was to add an (optional) button to the front side of each tab. I dug through my button box for specimens. I easily came up with these three identical buttons. Because I hate hand-stitching buttons I sewed them on with my sewing machine.

Here’s how my tabs looked.

Securing the Tabs

Time to attach the tabs to the rail fence sandwich.

The first tab is attached to the outside of the rail fence sandwich. The tab should be centered along the outside edge (between the handles) with the Velcro side up. Make sure the tab is not placed on the rail fence sandwich edge where we attached Velcro way back on Day 2 of 7. The pattern tells you to pin it in place.

(My modification: I machine basted.)

The remaining two tabs are stitched on the lining side of the rail fence sandwich Velcro side down.

Well that’s it for today.  There’s not much to finish.  Tomorrow’s the last day of construction and Friday’s the big reveal. Left on our to do list is the attachment of the pockets and center strip, trimming the corners and application of the binding.  I hope you’ll be able to be here for the finale.  It would be a shame for you to miss out.

I’m Linking Up

I’m linking up with Freshly Pieced’s WIP Wednesday.  Make sure you pay a visit to her blog.  There’s so many wonderful projects to check up on.

Here are links to the Tag-Along previous posts:

Day 1 of 7

Day 2 of 7

Day 3 of 7

Day 4 of 7