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Wednesday, December 06, 2017

a sew together bag for my neighbor

My neighbor had a birthday this week, so I made her a sew together bag. (Pattern is available here.) These bags are NOT a quick project, so one has to choose the recipients carefully. My kids joke that they know I really like someone if I go to the trouble of making one of these as a gift. (They are totally right about that!)
I always struggle with picking out fabrics for a gift. I know what I like, but I have a hard time deviating from that. For this one, though, I knew that she would like something bright and cheery and cute, which is pretty much in my wheelhouse. Hurray for that!
I used 4 different fabrics for the pockets and 3 different fabrics for the pocket linings. What can I say? I like to use as many fabric as I can. Haha! I knew that she likes pink, so that was helpful for determining the pocket fabrics. The rest of the fabric selections were determined by the zippers I had on hand. (True story!)
 
Oh! I should also mention, I added tabs to the zipper ends, which helps immensely in assembly. (I have a post that explains the modifications here.)
Even though it takes more time, I like to make a patchwork panel for the outside and then quilt it. I start with 2 1/2" squares, so they finish at 2". (The side ones and the top ones get trimmed slightly, but it still works!)
I believe that this is my 6th sew together bag that I've made to date. I gave it to my neighbor today and I'm happy to report that she was OVERJOYED with her gift. That makes every stitch worth it!

18 comments:

  1. Very sweet gift!! I have yet to brave that pattern.

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  2. I️ just love making this pattern and have also gifted I️t with great success!!

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  3. Gorgeous bag!!!!! I love the Patchwork!

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  4. This is an amazing gift, it is a gift of beauty, thoughtfulness and time. x

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  5. What a wonderful gift! I have the pattern but haven't tried it yet.

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  6. It is just beautiful!! I love your choice of fabric, but bright colors especially pinks and aquas are some of my favorites! :) I have followed your blog for a LONG time, probably 5 years and I never tire of your creativity!! I have been inspired many times as I look at your beautiful work. Haven't made one of these bags yet, they are on my bucket list though. Great gift idea!! Merry Christmas!

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  7. What a cute bag! Who wouldn’t be thrilled to get it for a gift!

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  8. I'm so glad you posted this! I was thinking about what to make for a very special friend (you know her), and then this popped up on your IG feed. Perfect! Though I can't believe you've made six of these now! I've been reluctant to sew even a second one because my first go-'round was horrible. The pattern instructions are so poorly written that I was tearing my hair out! I was at a quilt retreat, and had to talk through the steps - as written - to try to work out what she was trying to say. It's a fantastic bag, but... Still, I'll give it another go. I understand there's a tutorial on the QuiltBarn website, so I'll refer to that for clearer directions. Thanks for sharing! As always, you are inspirational!

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  9. Oh that little bag is so cute! Wish I was your neighbor - haha! I'm sure she will enjoy it for years to come!

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  10. That is a darling bag. I love how you used so many different fabrics on the inside. Your friend should treasure that. I'm not sure I like anyone well enough to make one as a gift! lol

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  11. Great design. I made one in a class at the LQS and just love it. Probably should try to do another on my own. There is more than one tutorial online/youtube which are great. Love your patchwork...would like to do one like that. Merry Christmas!!

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  12. Love those reindeer!
    Thank you for the little basket pattern. That's a really useful thing to have in the arsenal for quick presents. :D

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  13. I have two of these wonderful bags under my belt now. I'm sure there will be more in my future :D

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  14. Me encanta, un estuche muy dulce.

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  15. Beautiful bag! Do you use one yourself, and what's in it?

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  16. I've only made 1 sew together bag and I agree, you'd have to like someone to make them one :) This one is gorgeous! I love the bright, cheery fabrics and that patchwork panel outside is fabulous :)

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  17. Really, really wonderful!
    I love its colours so fresh and joyful.

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