Grids and Grommets Goes Western

Yesterday I decided to do a little project with recycled denim jeans. This Grids and Grommets bag is the result. I had made the larger tote from this pattern a few weeks ago. The smaller version is designed to use jelly rolls (2 1/2" strips of precut fabric available at quilt shops). I decided to use strips cut from denim jeans. My two pair of jeans were almost identical in color and it is difficult to see the strips. I think it would look better if the denim strips were light and dark but I still like this one. Once I had cut the strips, I decided to use the pockets from one of the jeans. The pattern does not have a exterior pocket. I added the back pocket from the jeans as a front pocket. Then I decided to cut the other pocket down to make a cell phone pocket on the outside of the interior pocket.

I found this lovely fabric at the thrift store. It had been an interior decorator's sample fabric. It is called "Arizona Bandana". Quite appropriate don't you think.

I love the tote and can see that it will quickly become one of my favorites. It is the perfect size to carry.

Honey Bee Tote Swap

My first yahoo group was Fabric In Altered Art. I love that group, Cathy, the list mom, decided to open the group to others and change the name to Fabric In Altered Art 2. You can sign up at Yahoo groups. Look for fabricinalteredart2.

I am hosting the very first swap in this group. It's an altered Honey Bee Market Bag/Tote swap. We will alter your average Market Bag by adding an altered fabric art panel to the front of the tote. Theme for the panel is Honey Bees.

I got the idea when Anthropology sent out an email about their Honey of a Month displays. The displays were in their stores in April and were made from recycled materials. The purpose was to raise awareness of the plight of the honey bee.

I took the idea and decided to host "Honey Bee Market Bag" featuring recycled market totes.

If you would like to join us, just sign up at Yahoo groups.