off on an adventure...
Things will be quiet around here while I go gallivanting off to California. AGGGHHHH!!! I'm both excited and freaked out at the same time. I know that things will be fine, but this is the first time I've been away from my babies. ever. for 7 whole days!
Because I didn't already have enough to do to prepare for this trip, I decided to make myself a new bag, my travel bag. I decided to use my pleated tote pattern because I wanted something big, big enough to carry purse stuff along with a little knitting and a few magazines.
I did a few things different this time around, and I'm quite pleased. On the pleats, I stitched them down about 2" from the top of the bag. I think this gives it a more tailored, finished look. I also made my straps differently, using this tutorial as a guide.
While I'm on the topic of the pleated tote, have you checked out the flickr group? There are some wonderful versions out there. I'm so impressed! Just a note about the pattern instructions, they're misnumbered, I seem to have left out a few numbers. Oops. All the steps are there, I just don't know how to count. I need to correct that, but haven't gotten around to it.
Enjoy your week, friends! I'll check in when I get back home.
I love your bag and I love those straps!! I must give those a try some time :)
Have a super trip!!!
Posted by: Karyn | July 29, 2007 at 09:48 AM
Have a wonderful trip won't you!
Posted by: Ali | July 29, 2007 at 09:51 AM
have fun, beki! can't wait to see what you knit up while you are gone. love the new bag - so cute!
Posted by: erin | July 29, 2007 at 10:25 AM
pretty, pretty bag! you'll have a great time - I didn't think I'd make it for 7 days but i did and they did and I'm glad I went. have fun sweetie!
Posted by: estea | July 29, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Aw, leaving the little ones is tough the first time! And subsequent times, too... I've never been away for 7 days, but I did 3 last year when my boys were 6 and 3 and I almost didn't go! Glad I did, though, because once I was on the road and involved in the polymer clay retreat I'd gone to, it was the *best* time! Turns out I really needed the time away, and the kids had a blast having a Daddy weekend. I've done it a few more times since, and I always feel a little weird leaving but then am glad I did.
Posted by: Lisa Clarke | July 29, 2007 at 10:40 AM
enjoy your trip! of COURSE you needed a new bag! :)
Posted by: kirsten | July 29, 2007 at 10:46 AM
I know it's work related, but have a run time in CA~ Your bag is not only beautiful, but functional. Hopefully when you get back my package to you will have finally arrived :)
Posted by: kat | July 29, 2007 at 10:53 AM
oops, i meant fun, not run :)
Posted by: kat | July 29, 2007 at 10:53 AM
I love the tote! Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by: Anina | July 29, 2007 at 11:04 AM
I love how the bag turned out and I really like the appliqued flowers. Have a fun trip! Talk to the kids every day and it won't seem so bad. :0)
Posted by: Robyn | July 29, 2007 at 01:42 PM
Lovely, lovely bag! I'm sure your family will all miss you too! Nonetheless, have fun and enjoy!
Posted by: jessi | July 29, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Hope you enjoy your trip here to CA! I don't know where you are headed but it has been hot here in the Bay Area. Bring lots of kid pics and I am sure that they will chat your ear off on the phone! Don't work too hard! : ) I love that bag too! I am thinking of trying it with kid pics appliqued, have you tried printing photos on fabric yet??
Posted by: Kim | July 29, 2007 at 02:41 PM
have a fabulous time beki!! safe travels!
Posted by: heidi | July 29, 2007 at 03:22 PM
Enjoy your trip and make sure to chat daily with the family as that will keep you sane. The bag is gorgeous and I can't wait to see what you knit up while you are away.
Posted by: southerngirlmusings | July 29, 2007 at 03:35 PM
The bag is awesome! Enjoy your trip!
Posted by: Steph | July 29, 2007 at 03:40 PM
love your new bag!!! hope that you don't get too homesick for your little ones. that is a long time to be away.
Posted by: amandajean | July 29, 2007 at 06:15 PM
Absolutely love it, have a great time. Don't worry about the kiddies, I felt the same way and it was more me feeling guilty, they were fine with it!
Posted by: Tricia | July 29, 2007 at 06:44 PM
LOVE your bag! Now I'm going to have to make that too! LOL! I'm going to run off the tut. and I'm going to try it as soon as I can. I love the pleats! Too cute! Have a wonderful trip. I remember leaving my little ones the first time. It is hard, but it'll be OK!
Posted by: Carla | July 29, 2007 at 09:20 PM
I hope you have fun, Beki! It's going to be hard being away from the kiddos, but enjoy the peace and quiet! :o) That's a great bag for the trip.
Posted by: lindiepindie | July 29, 2007 at 10:27 PM
I like your bag. Hope California goes well for you.
Posted by: Rachael | July 29, 2007 at 11:21 PM
And yet another gorgeous bag, you are amazing my friend. So you messed up the with the numbers, hmmm I'm sure I'll find out once I get around to making the bag (if only there was more time "sigh")
Posted by: Brigitta | July 30, 2007 at 03:25 AM
Lovely bag!!!!! Enjoy your trip, lucky girl! :-)
Posted by: Marianne | July 30, 2007 at 04:33 AM
Say hello to my beloved CA for me. :) Have fun!
Posted by: stacy | July 30, 2007 at 07:47 AM
I grew up in Northern California.
Stand by the ocean and take in a deep breath for me, please?
Barbara C.
Posted by: Barbara C | July 30, 2007 at 08:48 AM
Love the bag!! Hope you have a great trip!!!
Posted by: Dee Light | July 30, 2007 at 09:09 AM
What a great variation on your bag! I've been meaning to write to tell you that I've made two bags using your pattern (one for me and one for my sister), and I have fabric picked out to make a third sometime this week or the coming weekend (this one will be for a friend). I love your pattern! Thank you so much for taking the time to put it together and post it online. Have a wonderful trip to CA!
Posted by: Karen | July 30, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Beautiful bag, Beki. Have a fun and safe trip.
Posted by: Lera | July 30, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Such a lovely new bag! I do this too, when I need to be getting ready for a trip I make myself a new bag instead:)
I hope you enjoy your time away! :)
Posted by: Chara Michele | July 30, 2007 at 11:41 AM
Absolutely LOVE this bag!! Have a wonderful trip. :)
Posted by: Sarah | July 30, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Love the bag! Where are you headed in CA?
Posted by: Sarah | July 30, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Very pretty indeed!
Posted by: Felicia | July 30, 2007 at 04:44 PM
Go, and have a blast! I'm jealous!
Posted by: Lisa | July 30, 2007 at 08:18 PM
great travel bag. how novel. i've never actually had a travel bag before, just a giant suitcase because we always travel in a pack with all of our mancubs. lucky you!! btw, love the baby shower stuff!
Posted by: cindy | July 31, 2007 at 01:50 AM
Take a deep breath you brave woman...they will be okay. I know, easier said then done. I have never left my babes for more then two days!
I love the bag Beki. Have a great week. Enjoy your alone time!
Posted by: erin s | July 31, 2007 at 02:31 AM
Hope you're having a great adventure... the baby shower gifts/decorations are absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Julie | July 31, 2007 at 11:54 AM
great bag! Hope you are having a great time in CA
Posted by: tamara | July 31, 2007 at 12:54 PM
I love your blog, but dont comment on it much. I always love the purses you do and all the other cute projects you come up with
I've recently started my own blog...check it out if you get a chance
Posted by: K | July 31, 2007 at 04:39 PM
thats a great bag. Perfect size! You are going to have a awesome time, don't miss the kids too much and ruin your fun!
Posted by: dee | July 31, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Love that bag, the flowers are perfect! Have fun on your trip.
Posted by: Rebecca | August 01, 2007 at 03:00 AM
Ok Beki! That is sooooooooooo cute!!! You are so talented! Have fun on your trip!
Posted by: Zoe | August 01, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Another beautiful bag from you. Enjoy your trip, believe me you will survive and you will be energized when you get back home and see your kids. It is amazing how much they seem to grow when you are away from them.
Posted by: Heather Bea | August 01, 2007 at 11:26 AM
It's so hard to leave little one's behind. Good luck and enjoy.
Posted by: Erin | August 01, 2007 at 09:09 PM
HEY! I'm in California.
seal beachish email me if your close and we will coffee ;-)
sagepixie at gmail
Love and Laughter,
Amy
Posted by: Amy | August 02, 2007 at 12:35 AM
I hope you're enjoying your little getaway! Have fun!
Posted by: amy h | August 02, 2007 at 04:50 PM
I'm here in California....enjoy it. love the bag.
Posted by: Alisa | August 02, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Have a great time away - I think a little trip on your own will be good for you. And I'm always amazed at you crafty ladies who can "whip something up" while you're preparing to go away. How the heck do you do it?!?
Posted by: sulu-design | August 04, 2007 at 09:10 AM
Love this bag. I really like your pattern and the varied looks you have produced. Enjoy your trip.
Posted by: Linda L | August 04, 2007 at 09:59 PM
Hope you're having fun, Beki!
Posted by: Alicia A. | August 06, 2007 at 10:56 AM
This is a great tote and was a fun pattern and tutorial to try - thank you. I've just uploaded my tote pictures in your flickr group. I was a little confused about #7 - it says to turn the exterior wrong side out. But isn't it already wrong side out? Also do you sew down the pleats when you do the final top stitching or when you sew the darts and before you sew the exterior pieces together? Is there an easier way to make sure the handles are straight (I don't mean twisted) when you pin it into the bag instead of finding out after everything is done and the bag is turned out?
Posted by: Childfree Trophy Wife | October 07, 2007 at 12:58 AM