So I Needed a Bag...

A few weeks ago, I was heading to BERNINA University and I always think I need a new bag before any stitching related jaunt. The reality is I would never actually sew anything for myself without these last minute crazy ideas, so it's a good thing! I eyed my leather stash and jumped in!Most of my pieces were in the large scrap range, but I did have a large half hide that I bought on the cheap because it had holes in it. I cut large rectangles from that and started stitching them together. I used 40wt Aurifil and was pleased with the accent look.For the actual stitching, the BERNINA Roller Foot #51 was a game changer. It glides over the leather. This experience made owning this foot completely worth it!I also used my Dritz rivet kit and Dritz rivets. They are so easy and polished looking. Although a major lesson was learned when I made a practice rivet and discovered there are twenty-four in a package and I needed twenty-four. Thank you Joann for being open at 8:55pm.I added a Fauxberty (pretty floral lawn fabric made to look like Liberty, but at 1/4 the price) pocket and attached with the rivets. Bunny's is my favorite Fauxberty dealer!It was a series of speed bumps but I learned a lot about leather stitching. And even more about what not to do. I'll be teaching a Learning to Sew with Leather class at Sew Original on September 20 if you're local and interested. We are starting smaller with a little wallet;)Special thanks to my amazing friend Ginny for modeling the tote. You won't find a better stitching bud (or human) than her!If you have a leather stash, just do it. I've been buying upholstery leftovers for years and using leather as an accent. This was my first full leather adventure. I'm thrilled with results! And I did finish in time to take it on my trip:)xx LC