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10 November 2024

Tote Bag Stories: A Tote Bag for Wine Bottles

When you're off to a party bringing a bottle of wine, how do you carry it? Do you bring it as is or wrapped in cute packaging



But if you were bringing more than one bottle? In my mind, a wine bag like this one would be ideal. It's made of sturdy canvas, has six compartments to keep the bottles from bumping into each other (less chance for breakage), and can be thrown in the washing machine in between uses. 

But why buy when we can D.I.Y.?

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I own many reusable canvas totes and I chose this one because it has a food/dining theme.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I also like it because the fabric is thicker and it's gusseted, allowing the bottom of the bag to stand on its own. 

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, tape measure, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I'm going to make three compartments. I measure the bag and divide it into three equal sections. I use a pencil to make light markings on the bag.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, scissors, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Then I stitch the front part of the bag to the back part of the bag together with a back stitch

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Use thread that matches the color of the bag or a totally different color to give it an accent. I sewed this by hand but you may use a sewing machine if you prefer.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The compartments snugly fit three bottles of wine (or non-alcoholic beverages)...TADA!

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

It's a clever idea to include a small corkscrew in the bag...TADA! 

corkscrew, wine stopper, canvas bag, wine, wine bag, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Tuck the corkscrew inside a small canvas pouch and throw in a wine stopper or two just in case you don't finish the wine. A tight seal from the wine stopper will prevent spills and keep the wine fresher longer.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Reusable water bottles (one for each member of the family) can also fit in this bag.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

With a little measuring and sewing, this canvas bag finds new purpose and is ready for any picnic, party, potluck or BYOB (bring your own bottle/booze/beverage) event.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

This bag, together with the wine inside, makes a thoughtful hostess gift, too!

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03 November 2024

Five Things for November

Hello November! I welcome this season of warmth and coziness, and I make sure to spend some quiet time before the holiday season begins. 

autumn, fall, fall leaves, autumn leaves, leaves, shadows, blah to TADA, photo by Claire mercado-Obias

Oh the joy of autumn! I love to take long walks in the cool, crisp air and marvel at the red, orange, and yellow wardrobe of the trees around me. This time outdoors prompts me to collect leaves for crafting or to create a painting...TADA!

elections, U.S. Elections, alphabet stamps, rubber stamps, craft stamps, bunting, scrapbook paper, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The U.S. elections happen this month (November 5). A gentle reminder to exercise this most solemn right to vote and make your voice heard. 

pie, dessert, Thanksgiving, pumpkin, homemade pie, Claire Saffitz, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

November is also the month we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. Most of the time, I'll make pie -- apple or pumpkin are the runaway favorites...TADA!

watercolor, handmade card, brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

And since we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving, let's really pause and count all the things in our life that we are grateful for. An attitude of gratitude always turns the "blah to TADA!"

socks with croissants, socks with waffles, socks with eggs, printed socks, Old Navy, socks, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

November is the beginning of party season! Whenever my husband and I are invited to a friend's house, we always make sure that we're wearing nice socks. Sometimes they have a "no shoes in the home" policy and we're fine with that. Here are some of the socks in my collection: croissants! heart-shaped waffles! sunny side-up eggs! Aren't they cute? Shopping for socks (or getting them as presents) does turn my day from "blah to TADA!"

Speaking of parties, let's not forget the hostess gift. A few ideas include: a thoughtfully-wrapped pie server, a personalized gift basket, and handmade gift tags...TADA! 

I wish you all a lovely November!

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