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:

The Joyful Quilter said...

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

tahoe34 said...

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

Melanie said...

Gorgeous bag!!!!! I love the Patchwork!

Kay said...

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

Gretchen Weaver said...

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

Chris said...

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!

Donna said...

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

FlourishingPalms said...

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!

piecefulwendy said...

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

Sandy Panagos said...

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

Linda said...

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!!

Kerry said...

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

Unknown said...

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

LINNEN COTTON said...

Me encanta, un estuche muy dulce.

Lodi said...

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

Leanne Parsons said...

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 :)

Il Gufo Creativo said...

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

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

So cute and fresh!!! Great job!