Oilcloth Anyone?

I started making these screen satchels about a year ago.  Here are a few pics:

I have made some for family, sold a few and kept a few.  For Christmas my Mom wanted me to make one for my Aunt with Papillons on it.  They are small dogs, if you weren't sure!  Well finally found fabric on Ebay and made one up, but for got to take a pic.  Hopefully one will be on its way.

Well now I have a friend that just started selling Avon and wanted a tote bag to carry all her goodies.  I had gotten a hold of a copy of the tote bag pattern to use with the screening material.  It is similar to the purse but has no zipper, and the pattern had no inside pockets.  Well I was going to add pockets and I had some oilcloth that I had gotten at a discount fabric store back in August.  A plan was forming!  Here is a pic of the fabric:

The black and white is the oilcloth and the polka dot is a vinyl covered cotton.  I used the black and white on the outside and the polka dot for the lining and pockets.  Sewing on oilcloth is an adventure!  I tried it on a few strips first and it didn't seem so bad, but when you put a few layers together, it can stick.  So here is what you do:

You put tape on the bottom of your sewing foot.  I used blue painters tape.  Made it a lot easier.  Using pins is hard as well, for one you will be able to see the pin holes and  it is just hard to get through the layers!

Well here is the finished product!  Do you like?  I think it turned out great.  Here are a few more pics:

I may have to invest in some more leather needles, though, that is how I did the side seams.  This may be a great application for a diaper bag as well.  I need to find some more oil cloth, like that!


Have a great week,
Laura