Sep 28, 2014

DAY 5 Rush Hour Blog Hop -- My turn

It's time for me to post my Rush Hour Hop objects!  As always, we are are encouraged by Mdm Samm at Sew We Quilt who sets the themes and works behind the scenes to make these hops what they are.  Head cheerleader for this round is the incomparable Carol of Just Let Me Quilt.  Take a bow, ladies!


Here is the list of today's fellow participants 

Monday, September 29
Life, Quilts, and Cats, too   <<< you are here>>>
Coeur d'Alene (moved from the 26th)

Studio E Fabrics is our sponsor this round and what a wonderful line of fabric to inspire us!  Have you seen their upcoming Pearle and Essentials 9??   I tell you, a red, black, white and gray lovers dream.   I think it is my favorite combination of colors, at least in my clothing and accessories.  I don't give a hang if redheads "shouldn't wear red" and never have.  Of course, it is often a choice for sports teams, either red and white with black accents, or red and black, with white accents: my beloved St. Louis Cardinals, our local high school team, the nearby college are just a few examples.  Being a t-shirt and jeans gal, you know I have shirts for a few of those teams.  I like red bandanas  and drive a red car.  I do redwork embroidery.   I love red!

Some have related stories of what "Rush Hour" means to them. I guess I was lucky that my commute was as little as 2 blocks and at most 5 miles drive time.  I never got stuck in a traffic jam, also only got to call in to work just once because snow kept me from getting to work.  I "retired" when we moved to Alabama back in 97 so any deadlines I face are self imposed for the most part.  But that didn't mean I couldn't participate in the hop!

We were not required to use the wonderful Rush Hour fabric line as long as we used red, black, white and gray.  Good thing, as I could NOT track any down when I ordered fabric back in July.  What I DID use is still Studio E but is part of their Essentials 8 line plus a mottled black Essentials from Wilmington.


  
So what did I make? A few practical items naturally or why do the work?

 First, a tablet prop as mine as a wobbly stand.  Actually it is a just a pincushion like I made for the "See You in September" hop last week.  Beats the rolled up kitchen towel I had been using and keeps the thing from toppling over.   I put some kitchen shelf gripper stuff on the bottom to keep it all from sliding though.  Just a scrap piece of fabric from the picnic hop.   I pull this table  and its contents up when the "boys" and I are chilling in front of the TV in the evening.



Next up:
 I was intrigued by the ipad/tablet stand that one of the hoppers Helen of Till We Quilt Again shared with us recently and whipped one of those up.  My friend Jane had lent me her backup Kindle and the books on it (without my asking even!)  While I know it is a bad habit to read when you are eating, it helps me avoid seeing that empty chair and missing my dear companion.  I read,  sometimes it is the only time I get a chance to all day.   Anyway, I  put gripper stuff on the bottom of this as well as it slips a bit on my table top otherwise.




One more quickie item before I get to the main event. 
 I had a lapboard that I thought could use a face lift so I dismantled it.  "Re-mantling" it meant that I had little bits of styrofoam flakes and balls blowing away with the breeze.  I've got most of it vacuumed up now but still see some down in the cracks of the driveway, LOL.  Emptying it was not near as bad as it went right into a 2 gal ziploc bag without too much fuss.  Filling it was the challenge!  I ended up using a good bit of crushed walnut shells and now it is a bit heavier on my legs.  Oh, well but it looks so much better than what was on it before!



The other thing--the ledge I built up with the long skinny stuffed tube will not stick.  Ran out of hot glue sticks and that just boogered up the fabric.  Tried double stick carpet tape and that was a bust too.  Finally I figured out last night to just put the tube under the tablet to angle it a bit.  Now I'm cooking, LOL.  Fortunately the carpet tape just peeled off.

Okay, the main event---
I had hoped to have made this BEFORE I took my trip to Colorado and Illinois in August as it would have been good for my personal item carry on,  shove my smaller purse in it and go.  There are pockets on this Creative Thimble Professional Tote everywhere!   Good sized too about 18w x 15h x 5d.  

The front side picture shows you the zipped front pocket with lined pocket behind it.  Also there are two side pleated pockets which gather up with cord locks.   I will tell you that I panicked about having to make my first button holes in about 30 some years there on those side pleated pockets. I had gotten out of the garment making business some time ago and avoided button holes like the plague even then, LOL . I sucked it up and got through it after a few practice button holes on one of the computerized machines I own.   Those side pockets are good spots for a water bottle, your umbrella, glasses case, cell phone, etc.  I did make by own fabric handles so they matched the trim and bag bottom though she gives you the option of this or webbing/belting. 



Back side picture will show the wide open topped pocket at the top but I used the optional magnetic closer rather than Velcro closure.  Good spot for the newspaper, magazines, files.  That magnetic closer insertion was a first for me.  Also I did put on the optional strap across the top that will allow you to slip the bag over your luggage handle.  It kind of blends in but I think you may be able to spot it.



It is hard to get a decent picture of the interior but I tried to show some of the inside pockets.  There is a set of three pockets and three zippers on the bag.  This shows the zippered pocket that acts as a divider .  My chromebook is inside.  There is also a small vinyl pocket for business cards, ID in the exterior of this pocket.  I framed mine with the black fabric and left it open at the top but didn't get a picture of it.




Here is the interior patch pocket with key fob attached. I used a swivel hook but D rings were the other option.  You decide where you want to make the pocket divisions to fit what you normally would carry.  



There is a large three pocket on the other side.  The center pocket is pleated and has a Velcro tab at the top, shown here closed



Shown here open.  The whole bag zips closed at the top and you may notice the zipper tape/teeth in this picture.



The bag is heavily interfaced with decor bond so is quite sturdy.  I was happy that I had chosen to sew with my old mechanical Singer as it is a workhorse!  When one of the computerized one balks at even 4 thicknesses of plain cloth, you can appreciate the Singer plowing through multiple layers.  I did, however, bend the tar out of several 110/18 heavy duty needles and broke a couple of 16 Jeans needles.  I have more ordered but a few tasks will wait till they arrive.  

What is next?  A blogging friend asked the other day if I was going to be getting back to quilty things rather than the craftsy things I have been doing.  LOL  eventually, yes.  I have three items kitted up with the leftover fabric. 


  • another ipad/tablet stand in red for Jane as a "thank you" for letting me borrow her kindle.  She knows about it as I asked her favorite color and she liked this red floral fabric I used
  • a this and that wallet to go with my bag
  • a wonder wallet for the loyalty cars to go with my bag
  • I also want to make a tablet case so I have some where to stow the two chargers with the tablet

Overview shot of my items


Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you enjoy the remainder of the hop.  I know the others are waiting to strut their stuff for you too!  We are, after all, as Mdm Samm says a " sew and show" blog hop!


61 comments:

  1. Love your handbag with all the storage areas! Thank you for sharing.

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  2. What handy, neat ideas you had there. I especially like your bag. I love those fabrics m

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  3. The handbag is great, and the other projects are nice, too.

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  4. Your bag makes me want to make one myself. I've shared with most everyone my fear of bags but afer seeing all the great bags on this blog hop, I've got to jump in and just do it! I was given a Singer from a friend's mother when she died. I've not sewn with it but after reading your post, I need to open it up and check that Singer machine out!
    Gmama Jane

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  5. Your projects all look fantastic. Especially that bag is amazing! Isn't it fantastic all the ideas that fly around on these blogs. I am making one of those e-reader stands too! You reminded me I need to get started. Thank you so much.

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  6. Those e-reader stands are becoming quite popular. Love your bag! I have made a couple bags but they are not my thing.. but I do enjoy seeing the ones everyone else makes. :)

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  7. I love bags in general, but they have to have plenty if space, pockets and strong handles, and yours is just fantastic! The fabrics are so well chosen, a masterpiece!

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  8. Great practical projects. I love the bag especially. That big flowery print is perfect for a bag. Nice job.

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  9. Your projects are all so useful and so pretty! I really love the bag, and the floral fabric you used for it.

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  10. Loving your projects, but really wowing over your bag! So many pockets! The things I could hide in there! Fabulous fabric as well!

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  11. Just lovely!!! your bag is adorable!!!

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  12. Good Morning what great projects, your iPad cover and lap tray...sooo very cool....I love your bag too...you have been busy...

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  13. Love the iPade cover and lap tray. I have made one of those bags and I know it was a challenge . Great projects.

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  14. Great projects. I love the holder for the Kindle. I need one of those - so I marked the tutorial so I can get back to it. Where did you find the Pellon ultra firm?
    I confess that I read while I eat. But it allows me to get a lot more reading in. When I was working, I read every day while eating my lunch.

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  15. Great job!! Love your bag. Looks VERY useful.

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  16. Beautiful bag and all your projects are so useful...makes me want each one :)

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  17. I love all of your techy gifts and the bag is extra great. I can see lots of uses for that pretty bag. Your lap tray makeover is clever..... I've thought those were really cute but didn't like the fabrics....now I can use my own fabric. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  18. What wonderful projects! You will get so much use out of them, I'm sure! They also look so pretty in those fabrics!

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  19. wow, once again you amaze me! all of these creative projects and practical too. I also read when eating lunch, I lay the napkin holder on its side and prop the kindle on it :). And that bag would be so great for flying! Thanks for sharing all the great ideas!

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  20. Busy, busy, lady...so many very nice projects! I love that laptop tray and bag! What a great way to prop up a Kindle..I'll have to make one of those!

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  21. Each are such nice items. I love the great tote and the fabrics are just wonderful.

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  22. How nice to be surrounded by beautiful and useful items made by your own hands. Love them all.

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  23. Wow, Linda, you have been a work horse. So many great projects and that bag has so many handy pockets. It sounds like it is extra heavy duty with all the needle breakage that went on. I was going to make one of those Kindle props, too. Great post!

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  24. Lots of great projects Linda! Love your purse.

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  25. That great bag was worth the needles !

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  26. Those Professional Tote bags are my all time favorite. I have 3-4 myself now. They are just great for traveling or just boppin around a quilt show. Lots of room for new things I think I have to have! Love your laptop holders!

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  27. Love your tote with all the space to organize everything.

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  28. Looks like you have organization all sewn up! Love your pieces :)

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  29. Amazing projects!!! I need to make some tablet holders and your tote is fabulous!

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  30. Great Post! I love your tech holders, I have seen them and they sure look handy!! Love your Big Beautiful Bag, very nice!! Thanks for sharing your projects with us!!
    Huggs, Nancy

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  31. That bag is amazing, can't believe the buttonholes were the only things that scared you. The whole bag would of scared me! Your other projects are lovely too. I will now have to see about disassembling my lap desk, time for the teddy bear fabric to go bye bye. LOL

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  32. Lots of projects and inspiration. Cute bag!

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  33. Your bag with all of its pockets and various compartments is wonderful. Love your techie stands too.

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  34. What a functional bag with all of the separate zipper pockets inside. Because of your chromebook, cellphone, I was wondering about a magnetic field and electronics/credit cards and read http://www.ehow.com/info_8034108_things-magnets-can-harm.html. I like your daily use items to make things easier! I am enjoying the different ideas on this Rush Hour Blog Hop. Thank you. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  35. Awesome projects. I love the purse! Technology and quilting, I like the combination.

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    1. THX Linda! You came back no reply blogger probably because of the google plus profile so I could not reply to your personally. I appreciate your stopping by today and commenting.

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  36. Gorgeous bag, made with the perfect fabric!

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  37. Love the purse. Thanks for the link to purchase the pattern. It is bookmarked for future reference. Now to find the time to make it.

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  38. Beautiful job as always!! Love the bag. I would love to have one of those, but not up on the zippers, etc. Your other items are great, too! Love the fabric choices!

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  39. Linda, I forgot to ask you where you got the red floral fabric that is absolutely gorgeous?

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  40. Hi!!!! Wow!!! You have been very busy!!!! All of your projects are wonderful but I love love your bag!!!! Thanks for the fun!!!

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  41. Hi Linda! All of your device projects are sweet, but I love your bag! You did a super job and I love your fabric choices. It all looks marvy!

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  42. Love your tote!! The buttonholes wouldn't have scared me as much as the zippers - I can't even remember the last time I "installed" one of those - ;))

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  43. Well Done! I love your practical and beautiful projects you created...especially that fabulous bag to hold everything. Thank you sew very much for sharing and hopping. Creative Rush Hour Bliss...

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  44. Your tote bag is fabulous! Great job on all your projects.

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    1. Oops! Another no reply blogger. I don't think that google + is anyone's friend when it comes to blog hops. I'll post a thank you though just in case, Appreciate your coming by and leaving me a note.

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  45. Great projects! Your bag is really pretty.

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  46. cute project to hold up a phone!

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  47. Linda you've got some great projects - I need to make one of those IPad stands! And I love that bag - it would be so perfect when flying. blessings, marlene

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  48. Such great projects. You are right about being practical you should get good use out of those neat ideas.

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  49. Great projects Linda. Love the professional tote.

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  50. I love the professional tote! I have made a couple myself and know they take a lot of work. Yours looks fabulous! Great color choice for that bag with the red black and white! Your other practical projects are just as lovely. Such nice inspiration!

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  51. Linda, love what you created with your fabric. Really love that tote bag. It has so many compartments. Great job.

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  52. All wonderful projects but the bag was fab!! I love the fabrics you chose to use and the pattern is great. I love my bags with lots of pockets and yours fit that to a 'T'.

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  53. Luv the professional tote. Have made several but I thinks it ,ay be time for a new one. Great job.

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  54. Love the tote. All those pockets would make being organized so easy.

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  55. Your tote is just perfect! I love it.

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  56. That's a great looking bag! I love your fabric choices!

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  57. Oh my goodness, you had me cracking up at your laptop desk story, but really, what a brilliant idea! I picked up one at Ikea last month, and it's *okay*, but yours is gorg!! You totally inspired me to add this to a list of 'to-do's. But good to know the stuffin' makes a mess, LOL!

    (I thought at first you said "I like red bananas and drive a red car." I was like whut?! Red bananas?! Where the heck does she get those, and I wonder how they taste!

    hahaha. I need more coffee.

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  58. Your projects are wonderful! I especially like the Professional Tote! Thanks for sharing your creations with us.

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  59. bags have truly been the rage. love your bag and other projects of course

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