Working here at Quiltmaker is really fun because we get to see and try so many new things. I’ve learned new techniques, tried new patterns, and had to go WAY out of my comfort zone to try, test and write about various quilty patterns and topics.
One thing that I have never been able to master is making bags. Do you make bags? A while ago I made my peace with the fact that I just don’t make bags. Some people can make them in their sleep – tweaking, twisting, turning, embellishing, etc, but I can’t. Believe me, I’ve tried.
But not too long ago I found myself alone for a.whole.Saturday. And I decided that I was going to conquer my fear and make a bag. Even it it took me all day, I was going to do it and I was going to enjoy it. You betcha.
My pattern was by Anna Maria, “Multi Tasker Tote”. I had a pile of 10″ squares from my most favorite line of fabric of all time ”Make Life” by Sweetwater, so I thought instead of using just one fabric, I would sew a bunch of 10″ squares together and use those. How hard could it be? Ha.
I got my squares sewn together and cut out the outside panels. So far so good.
I had some leftovers, so I used them to cut out the pockets too. Making good progress here.
Guess what. It wasn’t a leftover. How could I do that? Seriously? Who DOES this?
I sewed some more squares together and made the second panel. Then I followed the instructions and “put them aside”. I put them far, far aside.
14 hours later I had all of the pieces cut out. You know, I really like cutting out my quilt pieces in layers. I can cut 6, 8, or 10 layers without any problem at all, but when you make bags, you can’t do that. Just an observation.
It took me a while to sew it together because I had to read every step about 72 times before I was brave enough to sew. Right about here I was thinking that perhaps I should have taken a class first.
Right about here I almost gave up.
After sewing and twisting and sewing and turning inside out and right side in and out, POOF! Look what happened! It’s a miracle! How do people design these things???
Right about here I was thinking that perhaps I should have picked a different fabric for my handles so that I don’t look like I have a snake hanging over my shoulder. But there was NO WAY was I going to cut, sew and turn those handles again. Snake, it is.
22 hours later (it seemed) I finished my bag. And I LOVE it!
Here’s a couple of pockets for my cell phone and ipod. Did I tell you that I love, love, love this fabric?
Here’s the pocket that I cut out of “leftovers”. It’s pretty cute though, isn’t it?
And here’s the other side. I love the big pockets on the outside too. Lots of room for my junk.
That was my day. My WHOLE day. I actually enjoyed myself a lot. So this weekend, I will be home alone again. Will I make another bag? Guess we’ll have to see. 
What are you working on this weekend?
Happy sewing, Paula
