Here’s a quick and easy gift inspired by one of the projects featured in my book, Nancy’s 30 Favorite Gifts to Sew. Plus, I’ve added a Blog Exclusive Tip in this posting.
The original wine tote in the book uses two coordinating cotton fabrics. My new version shown above, uses double-faced quilted fabric and bias trim. Follow my tips below for sewing this really fast hostess tote with prequilted fabric.
Supplies:
- Nancy’s 30 Favorite Gifts to Sew book
- 1/3 yd. double-faced quilted fabric
- 2″ wide bias strips of cotton quilting fabric to make 60″ bias binding strips
- Clover’s 1″ Bias Tape Maker
Sewing Tutorial:
- Follow the Wine Tote instructions in Nancy’s 30 Favorite Gifts to Sew book to create the tote pattern.
- Lay the pattern on the fabric—place top handle on fold. Cut one pattern on the fold.
- Blog Exclusive: Cut one 5″ x 10″ front pocket.
- Blog Exclusive: Feed 2″ wide bias strips through Clover’s 1″ Bias Tape Maker to make 60″ coordinating bias tape.
- Meet right side of bias tape to pocket wrong side. Stitch edge of bias tape to pocket top edge using 1/4″ seam.
- Fold bias tape to front and topstitch to pocket top near edge of bias.
- At lower pocket edge, press under 1/4″ towards back.
- Pin pocket to tote front 2-3/4″ from lower edge. Topstitch pocket to tote at sides and across lower pocket.
- Create two pockets by topstitching down center front pocket.
- Stitch bias tape to curved handle edges using bias techniques above.
- Fold tote right sides together and serge or zigzag sides and lower edge.
- At each corner, fold tote so side seam stacks on top of lower edge seam, forming a triangle. Place a mark 1-1/4″ from edge.
- For an added detail, use a Curved Corner Ruler to draw in a slight curve.
- Stitch along the curve. Repeat on opposite corner. Trim excess fabric and serge or zigzag.
Combine an hour of sewing time with a few simple supplies. The result: An attractive hostess tote. Fill with your favorite recipe, ingredients, and kitchen gadgets. Or add a favorite bottle of wine, bread, and cheese. Voila! You have an ideal festive gift.
30 Gift Ideas in One Book!
If you like the quick gift I’ve shown you in this blog, there are 29 more options just waiting for you to stitch in Nancy’s 30 Favorite Gifts to Sew book.
Bye for now,
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Love the Hostess tote and the Apron! I have some really nice older tablecloths. I’m going to give it a try!
I would love to order this book, but I ordered a book a few months ago and it took over a month for me to get it!!! Not willing to wait that long!!!
Thank you for your feedback, Judy. Have you contacted Nancy’s Notions to let them directly know of the delay?
No, when it took a month for delivery, I just assumed that it takes that long for all orders to be delivered. If there was a problem, a good company would have sent an apology along with a slow order.
I just think that hostess gift is GREAT. I just wish my friends knew how to sew and i’d be the recipient of this tote………….well, can’t have everything! I will attempt it and expect to get lots of requests/hints for themselves.
Thank you for all these great ideas.
GREAT GIFT BAG!!! My grandson asked for FOOD for XMAS
Since he is celiac & diabetic, I packed him a gluton free “Pasta dinner” gift. He loved it & his mother liked the GIFT BAG. I am sure it will make its way around. That is the nice thing. A bag like this has so many uses.
Is this book available in Australia please? Postage costs are prohibitive.
Rhondda, I am sorry to say that I have no way of knowing. My guess is probably not. Yet, check with a local store to see if they can order it.
Is this book available in Australia please? The cost to post here is prohibitive.
many thanks
Sew creative..a great project for a last minute hostess gift. Maybe i’ll actually sew it ahead of time instead of an hour before the party
What a great idea for a gift bag….Thank you for a sneak peek at your book…
What a thoughtful idea!
This is a very cute hostess gift! Thanks Nancy!
Love the addition of the front pocket to the tote. A quick add but great for a wine opener or corkscrew or maybe chocolates.
Thanks for the great “blog exclusive” tips!!!
Absolutely love this easy pattern…I am already imagining
it in crazy-patch vivid wild colors..and even making the
handles a bit longer to sling over the shoulder… Thank YOU
for all Your Great and Artful Patterns and Ideas…You remain
ONE of the GREATEST …much GRATITUDE for all You do
for those of us who so Love SEWING…. LOL..carmen
Love this quick, easy idea for a hostess gift. I have some quilted fabric and will try it. Am saving to my favorites.
This is my “go-to” book when I need a quick gift!