Linda's Blog: January 2018

Saturday, January 27, 2018

“Roxy” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll

They say that the roaring 20's were a time of zaniness and craziness and "Roxy" was the zaniest and craziest of the flappers. In fact, she was zanier and crazier than her 3 cousins who considered themselves to be among the zaniest and craziest. As cousins go Roxy Ash Blonde, Roxy Black, and Roxy White were very much alike and they all LOVED their older cousin "Roxy." The three were only a year apart in age, but "Roxy" was two years older. And, therefore, cooler and smarter. All four cousins were raised together. So, whatever "Roxy" liked the three cousins followed suit. They loved to dress like her, have similar hair styles albeit of different colors, and do the same things. But when it came to dancing - well that's where they differed from "Roxy."

"Roxy" was considered the best dancer in the county and there was no one who could dance better. Not even any of her younger cousins. Despite Roxy Ash Blonde best efforts she was never able to master the "Charleston." However, Roxy Black considered herself a master of the Charleston. She could move with a rhythm all her own and was fascinating to watch. In fact, she considered herself the best dancer of the 3 younger cousins. But, when it came to comparing herself to "Roxy" - well, let's just say there was no comparison. "Roxy Black" may have mastered the Charleston, but, "Roxy" owned it. Roxy White was also master at the Charleston. She taught herself very quickly and in no time had taught her cousin, Roxy Black, too. She had a certain style and flair to her "Charleston" and was also fascinating to watch. She considered herself the best dancer of the 3 younger cousins. However, she also had to admit that she was no match for her older cousin "Roxy."

"Roxy" is a 12" free-standing cloth and wood Victorian doll. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. She is wearing a fancy lace trimmed and ribbed dress with long lace trimmed sleeves and embroidered floral accents. Her dress has a pleated front panel and lace overskirt with a ribbon sash tied in a bow around her hips. She has a lace shawl and boa wrapped around her shoulders and has a long pearl necklace dangling from her neck. Her long curly blonde hair is framed by a headband with 2 feathers. Floral accents adorn the pleated bodice of the dress.

Roxy knows she is the best dancer in the county and just loves to go to the club to show off her moves. Today she is wearing her new flapper dress and has added a few surprise steps to her Charleston. She can hardly wait to see what her 3 younger cousins reactions are.

Roxy Ashe Blonde Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Roxy Black Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Roxy White Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

“Julia Bridget” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

There is a saying that "blonds have more fun!" Julia Bridget would disagree. You see, she has put that to the test many, many times. And, well, ladies with white hair actually attract the more desirable gentlemen and actually have more fun. Julia Bridget is smart, well-read, well-bred, multi-talented, caring, articulate, and warmhearted - a very popular lady with a lot of lady friends and gentleman callers.

Julia Bridget is a free-standing doll all ready for afternoon tea with the ladies. She has a lined full-length double-tiered lace & ribbon trimmed robe with a train and laced & ribbon trimmed & long puffy sleeves. Her robe's lace & ribbon trimmed collar is double-tiered. Beneath her robe she is wearing a coordinating lace trimmed dress and under that is a lace trimmed slip. She has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She has a beautiful mass of long, curly white hair which is tied in a ponytail with floral ribbons. She is carrying a bouquet of flowers with streamers and has floral accents in her hair. A floral ribbon serves as a clasp for her robe.

As far as Julia Bridget is concerned some of her blond friends may think they have more fun, but Julia Bridget knows better.

Julia Bridget Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Friday, January 26, 2018

“Augusta” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

Augusta has been to the ball many, many times and this time she's wearing her favorite red lace ball gown. But, she isn't excited because she's wearing her favorite dress. It's because some of her younger friends Augusta Lilac, Augusta Black, and Augusta Blue are debutantes and attending their 1st debutante ball. They'd been dreaming of this for years and talking about the dress they wanted to wear. So, of course, they all had to have dresses just like Augusta. Augusta's three younger friends are very much alike in their taste in clothing and usually buy the same clothes - albeit in different colors. All three wanted a beautiful dress with a long train. Well, maybe not so long that they couldn't dance, but long enough. They wanted lace and decorations and floral accents in their hair. And, most of all, they wanted their dresses to be alike, but not so alike that everyone would be able to guess. That was their private secret. But, different enough to reflect their own personalities. Just like Augusta.

"Augusta" is a 13" free-standing Victorian doll who wants to be the belle of the ball. She is wearing an 1850 Ball Gown. She has very fancy 2-layer lace covered and lace trimmed dress with long puffed, gathered & ruffled coordinated sleeves and a fancy 2-layer lace covered and lace trimmed lined train. A lace covered and lined coordinated shawl is wrapped around her shoulders. She has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She has a coordinated sash around her waist which is tied in a large bow in the back and floral lace and pearl accents on her chest and sleeves.

Augusta is so proud of her younger friends and thinks they look absolutely stunning in their ball gowns. Not beautiful enough however to be the belle of the ball. That honor belongs to Augusta and no one else.

Augusta Black Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Augusta Blue Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Augusta Lilac Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

“Alta Helen” Victorian Faceless Lady Art Doll Products

"Alta Helen" is a free-standing doll all ready to go shopping. She has a lined jacket with lace trimmed long sleeves, lined vest with floral ribbon clasp, fancy lace & floral feather trimmed lined hat with ribbons and tulle, lace trimmed dress with lace waistband, lace trimmed slip and long blonde hair. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and lace.

Alta Helen Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Thursday, January 25, 2018

“Dee” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

My "Dee" victorian doll pattern is named after my Grandmother Doris (who is shown below). My Grandmother "Dee" was born in 1896, went on to college and graduated with a teaching degree in 1917.

My great, great Aunt "Flossie" was a true believer of women's rights, as was my Grandmother "Dee". Both women were very intelligent and were very strong women. Both were very confident in themselves and both held strong beliefs and convictions. They both were believers in women's rights. Their beliefs definitely had a profound affect on my mother which, in turn, had an affect on me.

As an aside. I just love asides, don't I? The only weakness in my Grandmother as far as women's rights were concerned had to do with the wearing of pants. She strongly disagreed with this fashion statement and was very critical of my Mother for wearing them. I never saw my Grandmother in anything but a dress or skirt. God forbid a bathing suit. Yikes!

When I was designing my Victorian Ladies collection I wanted to make a simple Victorian Lady yet somewhat country doll in nature. Someone who you'd see strolling in a garden or park. Elegant but simple at the same time. With this in mind my "Dee" Victorian Lady doll design was born. Dee is a free-standing doll all ready for her Sunday picnic. She just loves to stroll among the flowers just enjoying the country air. Without a care in the world. Searching out the perfect spot to place her blanket for her country picnic.

Dee is a 16" Old Lady" Victorian, yet country doll. She is a cloth and wood doll with a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. A lace trimmed slip frames her inner body and is gathered around her waist. She is wearing a 3-tiered gathered lace trimmed dress with lace trimmed long sleeves and has a ribbon tied sash wrapped around her waist. Her shawl is crocheted and wrapped beautifully around her shoulders. Her blonde hair is tied in a bun in the back and her bonnet is decorated with ribbons and silk floral. She is carrying a basket of flowers.

Most of the time Dee she likes to be near the lake. But, today, she prefers a spot next to the flower gardens. It's a lovely day and the flowers are all in full bloom. What could be better than tea and biscuits next to the flower garden on a beautiful day? Just a perfect day for a picnic. Wouldn't you agree?

Dee is the third Victorian doll I designed and is named after my Grandmother.

Dee Doreen Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Dee Jean Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Beatrice Maid For All Seasons Products

“Beatrice - Maid For All Seasons” is a proper maid and knows her place. She is very organized and keeps the household running smoothly. Don’t cross her, however. She knows how to get even. She has a mass of dark burgundy curly hair all over the top of her head. She has a cloth body with an embroidered face with large brown button eyes, lace trimmed bloomers, lace trimmed dress adorned with 3 tiny buttons, and lace trimmed apron with bib. Alice and Denis know not to cross her. If they do she hides all the mirrors in the house.

Beatrice is a 15" colonial cloth body doll with an embroidered face. She has a full head of thick brown curly hair. She is wearing lace trimmed bloomers, a lace trimmed and button decorated dress, and a lace trimmed apron.

Beatrice - Maid For All Seasons Handmade Colonial Maid Doll

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

“Hilda” Doll - Victorian Faceless"Lady" Art Doll Products

Hilda is a very friendly lady and just loves to visit the neighbors, especially those who are new in town. She's a one woman welcoming committee and just loves to tell her neighbors all about her town and all the activities that are going on. It's a small town so Hilda is well informed as to all the activities.

Hilda is an 11" free standing cloth and wood doll. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her lace trimmed slip is gathered at the waist. She has a ruffled at the shoulder dress with long ruffled and gathered sleeves and ruffled bottom. Her shawl is fringed and a silver heart serves as a clasp. She has long black hair wrapped in a braid framing her face, and is carrying a food basket.

Hilda just loves to tell her new neighbors all that's going on. However, don't ask her for any gossip. Hilda is too much of a Victorian lady to engage in gossip.

"Milo Donald Stepping Out! and Ursula - Stepping Out!"

Milo Donald Stepping Out !

"Ursula - Stepping Out!" and her brother, "Milo Donald - Stepping Out!" have decided to go on a little adventure. Well, let's just say that "Milo Donald" convinced his sister, Ursula, that they should go on this adventure. He told her that it would be "lots of fun" and she'd have a good time. Ursula isn't so sure and really doesn't want to get in trouble with her parents, again. You see, Milo Donald, is always getting her into hot water. She loves her brother dearly, but he is a bit reckless and a bit of a wise cracker. His mouth and his antics always seems to get them in trouble. So, Ursula is a little nervous about Milo Donald's latest adventure.

"Milo Donald - Stepping Out!" is a 13" Victorian cloth bodied doll with a watercolor penciled face. His face is outlined in black and he has bright blue eyes with a pointed nose and rosy cheeks. His nose is outlined and shadowed, his eyelids are shadowed, and his lips are painted red with his mouth fashioned in a wisecrack smile. Milo Donald has cross laced and black painted boots. His pinkish shirt is gathered at the neck edge and has lace trim along the neck edge. He is wearing his favorite black plaid pantaloons which are gathered along the waistline and gathered at the top of his boots. His black two section jacket is lined and has a gathered flounce bottom and stand-up collar with lapels. It is fastened in the front with two buttons. He has a full head of curly burgundy hair. A matching black plaid and lined top hat sits on the top and back of his head.

Milo Donald really doesn't understand why his sister, Ursula, is so timid about their latest adventure. It's not like he always gets them into trouble. Well, make that once in a while he doesn't get them into trouble. Maybe this will be one of those times. What do you think?

"Ursula - Stepping Out!" and her brother, "Milo Donald - Stepping Out!" have decided to go on a little adventure. Well, let's just say that "Milo Donald" convinced his sister, Ursula, that they should go on this adventure. He told her that it would be "lots of fun" and she'd have a good time. Ursula isn't so sure and really doesn't want to get in trouble with her parents, again. You see, Milo Donald, is always getting her into hot water. She loves her brother dearly, but he is a bit reckless and a bit of a wise cracker. His mouth and his antics always seems to get them in trouble. So, Ursula is a little nervous about Milo Donald's latest adventure.

"Ursula - Stepping Out!" is a 13" Victorian cloth bodied doll with a watercolor penciled face. Her face is outlined in black and she has bright blue eyes with a pointed nose and rosy cheeks. Her nose is outlined and shadowed and her lips are painted red. Ursula has cross laced and black painted boots. She is wearing bloomers that have two layers of lace trim along the bottom hem edge and are gathered at the waist and ankles. Her slip is lace trimmed and gathered at the waist as well. Ursula's plaid print dress is gathered at the waist, wrists, and neck edge and she has a lace doily for a collar. Her dress has two layers of lace trim along the bottom hem edge and two layers of lace trim mid way up her sleeves. A ribbon is tied tightly around her waits and then tied in a bow in the back. A silk floral ribbon adorns the front of her waistline ribbon. She has a full head of curly burgundy hair which is barely controlled underneath her lined and lace trimmed bonnet which is tied in a knot under her chin. An old handkerchief is used as a shawl and is wrapped around her shoulders and tied in a loose knot in the front.

Ursula is just so unsure about this latest adventure. Do you think she should go?

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Play Ball, Please! Jeffrey Products

Play Ball, Please! Jeffrey just wants someone to play ball with him. That's all he can think about from the time he gets up until the time he goes to bed. He just wants to "play ball!" Anyone up for a little baseball. Come on now. Jeffrey wants to "play ball!" Anyone?

Play Ball, Please! Jeffrey loves baseball. Jeffrey is a free-standing boy doll. He has an undershirt, long sleeve knit shirt, and sweatshirt vest. He has knit pants and Champion athletic socks. His face is drawn and he has round black button eyes and ears. He also has a fabric covered wood head, wood body and wood sneaker feet. His hair is long, brown, and wind blown. He is carrying a ball and bat is his hands.

Play Ball Please Jeffrey Handmade Wood and Cloth Little Boy Doll

Monday, January 22, 2018

“Linda" Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

Years ago I decided that the first doll and doll pattern that I designed would be named "Linda" And, "yes" she is named after me. What a surprise? Bet you could see that coming a mile away.

If you are a reader of my Linda's Blog you know that I'm a doll maker and doll pattern designer. I'm also a bit of a genealogy buff. So, I decided to combine my love of doll making and love of genealogy by naming my doll patterns after members of my family - past and present. I thought by doing so that it would be a nice way to honor my ancestors.

I gave a lot of thought to "Linda" as I wasn't quite sure where and how to begin. Besides being a lover of dolls and genealogy I also have a passion for the clothes of the Victorian Era. I wanted my first doll, my namesake, to be a Victorian. I also knew that I wanted my dolls to be able to stand up on their own.

I'd seen a lot of porcelain dolls which were all very beautiful but, wanted something different. I wanted to design a doll who had a "distinct" personality that was not determined by her face. What I wanted was to create a "faceless" doll. My feeling is that faces overwhelm the dolls personality and, therefore, have a greater impact on her personality. I wanted the clothing, hair, accessories, color scheme, etc. of the Victorian period to determine the personality of the doll.

So, I decided that the best way to accomplish this was to use a wooden ball for the head, a 1/4" dowel for the neck, a 1" dowel for the body, and a wood circle for the base. Her wooden head would be painted with a flesh colored paint. I added a little blush for color. Her arms were going to be wires covered with batting so they were bendable. Also, her hands were going to be made out of old lace, preferably old lace gloves (talk about hard to find).

Batting was wrapped around the wood dowel for padding for the body. If I wanted her to be a little chunkier (what's wrong with chunky?) then I would just add more padding. A fitted slip was added to the lower part of her body and glued to the sides of the fitted circle so she was self-enclosed.

The fun part was that "Linda's" personality started to develop as I went along. Now this might sound a little crazy, but the doll kind of spoke to me as she was being created. If that sounds crazy to you that's okay. I know all my doll making and crafting friends will understand this.

"Linda" wanted to be a prim and proper Victorian so she decided that an 1850 Street Costume would be appropriate for herself. She wanted a lined 2-tier jacket with a 3-tiered lined shawl. She also wanted a lined bonnet, lace trimmed parasol, lace trimmed dress with long lace trimmed and gathered sleeves, lace gloves, lace trimmed slip and long curly blonde hair.

I tried to talk her out of being "blonde" with all the connotations that come with that. She didn't care. It was 1850 after all and they didn't have "dumb blondes" back then. Who came up with that term anyway? I told her that I, her namesake, had straight, fine hair. It didn't matter to her whether or not she looked like me. It was going to be long, curly blond hair or nothing. So, "Linda" had her way. Of course, my Mother would tell you that she was just like me in that regard.

So, "Linda" got her 1850 Street Costume and long, curly, blonde hair. She was well suited to be a prim and proper Victorian "Lady" if I didn't say so myself. Plus, as she tells me, she doesn't look anything like her namesake which she is thankful for. I don't know if I should be insulted or not. What do you think?

Linda has been a lover of beautiful Victorian outfits for quite some time and just loves coordinated street outfits. She loves to take a fanciful stroll in the park each and every afternoon and loves wearing the latest in French attire. She also happens to have a weakness for anything blue. It just compliments her blonde hair like no other color can. So, today she has on her latest blue coordinated French outfit.

"Linda" is a free-standing doll wearing an 1850 street costume. She has a lined 2-tier gathered jacket with a 3-tiered lined shawl. Her beautiful long curly blonde hair is framed by her lined bonnet. She is wearing a beautiful blue lace trimmed dress with long lace trimmed and gathered sleeves. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. and she also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. A lace trimmed slip is underneath her beautiful blue coordinated dress. Her bonnet and shawl are tied around her neck and she is wearing lace gloves and is carrying a lace trimmed parasol. A floral ribbon serves as a clasp for her lined jacket.

Linda is so proud to be the first Victorian doll designed by Linda Walsh and proudly carries her name. She is a stunningly beautiful Victorian doll - coordinated blue outfit and all.

Linda Blue Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Linda Sweetness Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

“Joy” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

My Mother was a beautiful woman inside and out so when I was thinking of a design for a doll named after my mother I wanted to create something beautiful. Something elegant. Something to define the beauty of my Mother. So, "Joy" was born.

Joy is a 14" free-standing doll all dressed up and waiting to impress her friends with the latest in Paris fashion. She's been itching to wear her new outfit for weeks now but was waiting for the weather to get a little warmer for a nice stroll down the avenue. But, mother nature hasn't been cooperating and this wasn't an outfit that could be worn in the snow. So, Joy has been patiently awaiting the arrival of Spring. And, today it finally arrived.

"Joy" is a cloth and wood doll with a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. She has a lace trimmed slip that is gathered at the waist. She is wearing a very fancy lace trimmed dress with puffed sleeves and both a large & small lace and ruffled trimmed over skirt. Her beautifully coordinated lined jacket with puffed up long sleeves has double tiered lace trim along the front edge and lace & ribbon trim along the bottom edge. Covering her shoulders is a fancy lace trimmed and lined shawl. Her lined jacket and lined shawl are both tied at the front with ribbons. She has long curly hair which is tied at the nape of her neck. Her bonnet is lined and has fancy lace & floral trim along the cap. She is carrying a fancy lace trimmed parasol.

It's a beautiful day for a stroll along the avenue and Joy is hoping that all her friends will be out so she can impress them with her beautiful new fancy outfit. She's got her fingers crossed. Mother nature better not disappoint her today.

Joy Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Large Tote Bags For Christmas Presents and Free How To Make A Large Lined Tote Bag E-Book

I am a big fan of tote bags. The more the merrier. I use than for all sorts of reasons as I'm sure you all do too. For the most part they work out great, but once in awhile, they're just not big enough. As a result, I'm always on the look out for larger ones.

I'm sure all of you have your fabric stash piles like I do. For years now I've been looking at two lightweight cotton twill fabrics in a pile on top of my sewing basket. They're there to remind me to do something with them. So, of course, they've sat there for years now.

Well, this year I decided to make a few really big lined tote bags with long straps for Christmas presents.

I had previously bought 5 yards of my Beautiful Victorian Flowers Fabric #1 custom fabric design out of lightweight cotton twill and decided that I'd use it to make three lined tote bags.

My sister had given me several yards of this blue and white check fabric that she had gotten from a friend and had given to me. She was cleaning out her stash of fabrics and knew I wouldn't refuse it. It would be used at some point in time. In looking at my Beautiful Victorian Flowers Fabric #1  custom fabric design I decided the blue and white check would be a perfect compliment for a lining not only for these three bags but for the Victorian Pastel Water Lilies Flower Fabric 15 cut and sew tote bag as well.

I decided a 22" wide by 21" long by 6" deep lined tote bag with a square corner would be a perfect size for these three as well. I figured I would start with the three yards of my Beautiful Victorian Flowers Fabric #1  custom fabric design out of cotton twill first.

Here's how I made my tote bag:

Supplies Needed Per Bag:

1 Yard of 58" wide Lightweight Cotton Twill Fabric - Beautiful Victorian Flowers Fabric  (for bag)
1 1/4 Yards of 42" Wide Cotton Fabric (for lining)
Sewing Thread and Upholstery Thread
1/2" Lace Trim - 1 1/2 Yards
1 Yard of Fusi-boo Batting

Instructions:

RS - Right Sides RST - Right Sides Together RSO - Right Sides Out
WS - Wrong Sides WST - Wrong Sides Together WSO - Wrong Sides Out

1) Cut two sections of lightweight cotton twill fabric 22" wide by 21" long, two sections of the cotton fabric lining 22" wide by 21" long, and two sections of the fusi-boo batting 22" wide by 21" long.

2) Cut two sections of the lightweight cotton twill 5" wide by 31" long and two sections of the fusi-boo batting 3" wide by 29" long for the handles.

3) Iron the two lightweight cotton twill sections and two cotton fabric sections for the tote bag.

4) Sandwich one of the fusi-boo pieces in between the WS of one of the lightweight cotton twill fabric pieces and WS of one of the cotton fabric pieces so you have a 3-layer tote bag section. Do the same with the other lightweight cotton twill piece, fusi-boo piece, and other cotton fabric piece. You should have two 3-layer tote bag sections.

5) Iron the RS of the lightweight cotton twill fabric and then turn the 3-layer tote bag section over and iron the RS of the cotton fabric so the fusi-boo fabric is fused to the WS of both the lightweight cotton twill and cotton fabrics. Do the same for the other 3-layer tote bag sections.

6) The edges of the two 3-layer tote bag section will be labeled as shown in the illustration above.

7) Baste the top edge of each of the two 3-layer tote bag section pieces.

8) The edges of the handles will be labeled as shown in the illustration above.

9) Turn one of the handle pieces over and place one of the 29" by 3" Fusi-Boo pieces on the WS of the handle piece so it is evenly centered. Do the same for the other handle piece.

10) Turn the side edges of the handle fabric over 1" WST so they cover the edges of the fusi-boo as shown in the illustration above and iron the 1" sides. Do the same for the other handle piece.

11) Fold the bottom side edge over 1 1/2" so it meets the top side edge and iron both sides so the fusi-boo is fused in between the side edges of the handle. The handle piece should now measure 1 1/2" by 31". Do the same for the other handle piece.

12) Top-stitch the 31" folded over side edge 1/4" from the edge and then top-stitch the other side edge 1/4" from the fold. Do the same for the other handle piece and then iron both and set them aside.

13) Place the two tote bag sections RS so the lightweight cotton twill fabrics are RST and so the basted top edge, side edges, and bottom edges are even.

14) With RST stitch the two tote bag sections along the sides edges and bottom edge using a 3/4" seam allowance. Trim the seams leaving a 3/8" seam allowance.

15) Finish stitch along the side edges and bottom edge using a zig-zag stitch or overlock stitch.

16) You want to square the bottom left and right corners of the tote bag sections to form a square bottom 6" wide with 3" on the left side and 3" on the right side. Measure 3" up from the bottom left corner edge and mark the four Point A’s on the side edge of the two tote bag sections as shown in the illustration above. You should have two Point A’s on the left hand side edge of the sewn tote bag sections and two Point A’s on the right hand side edge of the sewn tote bag sections. Measure 3" across the bottom edge from the left corner bottom edge and the mark the four Point B’s on the bottom edge of the two tote bag sections as shown in the illustration above. You should have two Point B’s on the left hand side bottom edge of the sewn tote bag sections and two Point B’s on the right hand side bottom edge of the sewn tote bag sections. Mark the four Point C’s on the side edge of the two tote bag sections as shown in the illustration above. You should have two Point C’s on the left hand side edge of the sewn tote bag sections and two Point C’s on the right hand side edge of the sewn tote bag sections. Mark the four Point D’s on the side edge of the two tote bag sections as shown in the illustration above. You should have two Point D’s on the left hand side edge of the sewn tote bag sections and two Point D’s on the right hand side edge of the sewn tote bag sections.

17) With RST bring the Points B on the left hand side bottom edge of the sewn tote bag sections to meet the Points A, on the left hand side edge, as indicated in the illustration above and pin to hold. Do the same for the right hand side Points A and B.

18) Sew straight across on the left hand side edge from Point C on the front hand side edge to Point C on the back left hand side edge. Your sewn line should measure 6". Do the same for the two Point C’s on the right hand side edge of the sewn tote bag. This should create a triangle on the sides and a rectangle on the bottom of the sewn tote bag. Fold the triangle down along the bottom edge and hand stitch at the top of the triangle to hold it to the bottom edge seam with upholstery thread.

19) Turn the bag RSO and iron the seams.

20) Measure 4" from the top front top edge and top front right edge. Do the same for the top back top edge.

21) With RST place the bottom edge of one of the straps at the 4" mark on the top front left top edge and the top edge of that same handle RST on the top front right top edge with the handle facing downwards towards the bottom of the tote bag and pin both to hold. Do the same for the remaining handle and top back top edge.

22) Turn the tote bag inside out so the handles are facing downwards on the inside of the bag and the cotton lining fabric showing on the outside. With RST fold the top edge of the tote bag and handle under twice and pin to hold.

23) Stitch the top edge of the folded under top edge of the tote bag 1/4" from the bottom edge of the folded down section.

24) Pull the handles up and with RST pin the handles to the top edge of the tote bag. Stitch 1/4" from the top edge of the folded down area and handle.

25) Turn the tote bag RSO. Cut a piece of the 1/2" lace trim to fit around the top edge of the tote bag overlapping the edges by 2". Fold one edge of the lace trim WST and then pin the lace trim to the top edge of the tote bag along the sewn line on the bottom of the folded down section. Continue pining around the top of the tote covering your sewn line until meeting the lace trim again. Fold the edge of the lace trim under 1" and pin to hold. Stitch the lace trim to the tote bag stitching along the center line of the lace trim.

26) Your tote bag should look as shown in the picture above.

27) The inside of the tote bag should look as shown in the picture above.

Since I was making them anyway I decided to create an e-book tutorial showing you how I made my large tote bags.

Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make A Large Lined Tote Bag

To view and download my free e-pattern please CLICK HERE. You'll be brought to Google Drive where you can view my free e-pattern. Then just download my free .pdf e-pattern by clicking on the down arrow in the top center.

Once my e-product is downloaded to your computer you can save it and print it. I hope you enjoy my free e-products.

For more information on all my free e-patterns, e-printables and e-books please CLICK HERE.

Please respect My Terms of Use: All patterns, e-patterns, printables, e-printables, e-books, graphics, tutorials, how-to's, articles and other e-products © 2004-2023 Linda Walsh Originals-Designs by Linda Walsh. All rights reserved. Commercial selling or reselling by any means prohibited without the written consent of Linda Walsh.

Patterns, e-patterns, printables, e-printables, e-books, graphics, tutorials, how-to's, articles and other e-products are for personal use only. You may not modify, photocopy, download, upload, post, transmit, display, perform, publish, license, reprint, create derivative works from, mass duplicate, re-sell, digitize, and reproduce in any other form (print, digital or electric) or commercially apply, embed, share, Email, or redistribution in any other means. Use of any of the above is prohibited without the written permission of Linda Walsh.

However, you may link to my website(s)/blog(s) and the individual page(s)/blog post(s) (including 1 picture) but do not copy, reprint or duplicate my website(s)/blog(s) or individual page(s)/post(s ) without my permission.

Items made from Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns are intended for personal use for fun or small scale personal and business profit as long as you credit us with the design. Large scale commercial use (i.e. mass production) of items made from Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns are by permission only.

Please see my Terms and Conditions for additional information.