Totes With Zipper Appliques

Totes With Zipper Appliques

Prompt of Inspiration

Each stitch I make, each piece I mend,
In Jesus' love, my heart ascends. 
With patience and with gentle hands, 
 I follow where His love commands.
SBNMBPrompt of Inspiration©

All Photos Are Copyright and are Coded

They can be printed from your ink jet printer

with this post.

Totes With Zipper Appliques

The Wool Tote with Felt Applique

Crafting the Ladybug Tote

Crafting the Bear Tote

Heart Applique for Your Tote 

 Materials Needed

- Beige fabric for the tote bag
- Assorted colorful fabric scraps for the ladybug's body
- Black fabric for the ladybug's head
- Zippers for the ladybug's wings, legs, and antennae
- Embroidery thread and needles
- Beads and buttons for decoration
- Brown fabric for the handles

- Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies

 Instructions

1. Cutting the Fabric
   - Cut two rectangles from the beige fabric for the front and back of the tote bag.
   - Cut smaller pieces of colorful fabric scraps to form the patches for the ladybug's body.
   - Cut a piece of black fabric for the ladybug's head.
2. Creating the Ladybug Applique
 - Arrange the colorful fabric scraps in an oval shape on one of the beige rectangles to form the ladybug's body.
   - Sew the fabric scraps onto the beige fabric using a sewing machine or by hand.
   - Attach the black fabric piece at the top of the oval to form the head.
   - Sew zippers around the edge of the oval to outline the wings and create the legs and antennae.
3. Adding Embellishments
   - Use embroidery thread to stitch leaves and stems onto the ladybug's body.
   - Sew beads and buttons onto the fabric to add decorative elements like flowers and spots.
4. Assembling the Tote Bag
   - Place the two beige rectangles right sides together and sew around the edges, leaving the top open.
   - Turn the bag right side out.
   - Fold the top edge of the bag down and sew a hem to finish the edge.
   - Cut two strips of brown fabric for the handles and sew them onto the top of the bag.
5. Finishing Touches
   - Ensure all embellishments are securely attached.
   - Press the bag with an iron to remove any wrinkles.
There you go! You'll have a beautifully crafted tote 
bag with a unique ladybug applique. Enjoy your crafting! 

Ironing

Ironing Instructions for Beaded Fabric

1. Prepare the Ironing Board: Place a clean, thick towel or ironing mat on your ironing board to create a cushioned surface. This helps protect the beads from pressure.

         2. Turn the Bag Inside Out: If possible, turn the tote bag inside out so that the beads are on the inside. This adds an extra layer of fabric between the beads and the iron.

        3. Use a Pressing Cloth: Place a clean, thin cotton cloth or a piece of muslin fabric over the area you're going to iron. This acts as a barrier between the iron and the beads.

        4. Set the Iron to Low Heat: Adjust the iron to a low heat setting suitable for delicate fabrics.  Avoid using steam, as moisture can damage some beads.

        5. Iron with Gentle Pressure: Gently press the iron over the pressing cloth, moving it smoothly and evenly. Do not apply too much pressure, as this can crush or deform the beads.

       6. Avoid Direct Contact: Ensure the iron never makes direct contact with the beads, even if using a pressing cloth. This helps prevent melting or discoloration of the beads.

      7. Check Frequently: Lift the pressing cloth occasionally to check the fabric. Continue ironing  until wrinkles are removed and the fabric is smooth.

     By following these steps, you can iron your tote bag without damaging the beads, keeping your beautiful embellishments intact. Happy sewing! 

 Fabric Recommendations

- Felt: Felt is a great choice for its sturdiness and ease of use. It's also available in various colors, allowing you to customize your tote bag with a fun, vibrant look.

- Plaid Wool: Plaid wool can add a sophisticated and classic touch to your tote bag. It's durable and has a lovely texture, perfect for a stylish and warm look.

 Zipper Recommendations

Great suggestions! Using felt and plaid wool can add a cozy and textured feel to your tote bag. Here are a few recommendations for fabrics and zippers:

Upholstery Zippers: Using very long upholstery zippers, like those designed for large seating pillows, is a fantastic idea. These zippers are robust and can handle the weight and wear of a tote bag. They come in various lengths and colors, so you can choose one that complements your fabric.

 Additional Tips

 Layering Fabrics: You can layer felt and plaid wool together to create a multi-dimensional design. For example, use felt for the main body of the tote and add plaid wool accents or pockets.

 Embroidery and Appliques: Adding embroidery or fabric appliques can enhance the look of your tote bag, making it even more unique and personalized.

- Reinforced Handles: If you plan to carry heavy items, consider using reinforced handles or adding interfacing to the fabric for extra strength.

These materials and ideas can help you create a sturdy, stylish, and personalized tote bag. Happy crafting!

Absolutely! Here are some great tutorial videos for felt applique and zipper crafts:

Felt Applique Tutorials  U-Tube Address

1.  [Felt Crafts: How to Appliqué Felt](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-GlbFs2Zd0) - This video demonstrates how to appliqué felt pieces together with a simple whip stitch. It's perfect for beginners.

2.  [How to Sew: Blanket Stitch Appliqué](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqi86fVpJ1o) - Learn how to sew a blanket stitch appliqué, a decorative technique for attaching felt shapes onto backing fabric.

3. [Basic Applique Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u0FKtvamUM) - This tutorial covers the basics of machine embroidery applique, ideal for creating fun designs.

Zipper Flower

Zipper Crafts Tutorials U-Tube Address

1. [How To Make a Simple Zipper Pouch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc5g641ZH0A) - 

A beginner-friendly tutorial on making a simple zipper pouch with lining and a zipper tab.

2.  [DIY Triangle Zipper Pouch Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXZ6BTEnPE4) - Learn how to make triangle zipper pouches using fabric squares and zippers.

3.  [How to Sew a Zippered Coin Pouch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zevkAKCNc-0) - A quick tutorial on sewing a zippered coin pouch in less than 30 minutes.

These videos should provide you with plenty of inspiration and guidance for your felt applique and zipper craft projects. 

Patience in Crafting: A Devotional

When we craft it often requires patience to do the best possible job. We find peace in our hearts when we practice the virtue of patience. When we create with this virtue we find that our creations will be more successful. When we are preoccupied with our crafting whether it's sewing a tote bag or creating a felt applique, we often encounter moments of frustration. Threads tangle, zippers misalign, and beads fall off. It's during these moments that we learn the true essence of patience. As we persevere, taking each step carefully and thoughtfully, we experience the satisfaction of seeing our work come together.Just as in life, the process of crafting teaches us that great things take time and effort.

Crafting is a beautiful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Each stitch, each bead, and each piece of fabric represents the small acts of faith and devotion that we perform daily. It reminds us that even when we cannot see the final result, God is working behind the scenes, stitching together the pieces of our lives. Our patience is tested, but it also grows stronger as we trust in His plan and timing. Just as a crafter trusts the process, we must trust that our perseverance will yield a beautiful outcome, even if it takes longer than we anticipated.

In the words of a Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, "Patience is not an innate quality but a learned virtue, born of the Spirit and nurtured through life's trials." As we continue to craft and create, let us remember that patience is not only a skill to be developed in our hobbies but also a fruit of the Spirit to be cultivated in our hearts. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and allow patience to transform both your crafting and your faith.

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:4 (KJV 1611)

I hope this devotional brings you peace and inspiration this morning. Blessings on your day and happy crafting! 😊

Patience in Crafting: A Devotional

Patience in crafting is a virtue that brings not only beauty to our creations but also peace to our hearts.When we immerse ourselves in a project, whether it's sewing a tote bag or creating a felt applique, we often encounter moments of frustration. Threads tangle, zippers misalign, and beads fall off. It's during these moments that we learn the true essence of patience. As we persevere, taking each step carefully and thoughtfully, we experience the satisfaction of seeing our work come together. Just as in life, the process of crafting teaches us that great things take time and effort.

Crafting is a beautiful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Each stitch, each bead, and each piece of fabric represents the small acts of faith and devotion that we perform daily.It reminds us that even when we cannot see the final result, God is working behind the scenes, mending the pieces of our lives. Our patience is tested, but it also grows stronger as we trust in His plan and timing. Just as a crafter trusts the process, we must trust that our perseverance will yield a beautiful outcome, even if it takes longer than we anticipated.

In the words of Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, "Patience is not an innate quality but a learned virtue, born of the Spirit and nurtured through life's trials." As we continue to craft and create, let us remember that patience is not only a skill to be developed in our hobbies but also a fruit of the Spirit to be cultivated in our hearts. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and allow patience to transform both your creativity and your faith.

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

 - James 1:4 (KJV 1611)

Heavenly Father,

We come before you today, grateful for your boundless love and mercy. We seek your guidance and strength as we strive to cultivate patience in our daily lives. Lord, grant us the wisdom to trust in your perfect timing and the perseverance to endure life's challenges with grace. 

        Help us to remember that patience is a virtue that reflects Your own perfect will. In               moments of frustration and uncertainty, remind us to lean on you for comfort and peace. 

May we find solace in knowing that You are always at work, mending the pieces 

of our lives according to your perfect will.

         Bless those who read this devotional, Lord. May it inspire them to create beautify as unto you, not only with their hands but also with their hearts. Fill them with the assurance that you are guiding them every step of the way, and that their efforts are painted into the beautiful portrait of your predetermined goals.
     We pray also for the sickly who need you so desperately to heal them and give them comfort. Touch their lives with your healing and bring them peace and relief in their time of need. 
We ask for your blessings upon each reader, that they may grow in patience, faith, and love. May they find joy in the processes of creativity, and may their hearts be filled with the peace that comes from trusting in you.

In Jesus' name, we pray.     Amen.

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