Bags, bags, bags

The "artsy craftsy" bag is finished now too.  This fabric is the same that I used in a zippered pouch for one of my granddaughters to hold her colored pencils.  Obviously it contains nearly every color, but I decided on red, black, and gold for the bag sides, inside, and bindings. I felt it needed to be bold.

The inside is definitely bold. The side panels are a black and white print. But the lining is all GOLDEN.  One pocket is lined with the same gold but the other 2 have the black and white print inside. And the red zippers just seemed like the right choice.

So these are all 3 of the recent bag finishes.  Fishy, patriotic, and artsy - now what color should my next one be?  I have a navy and white one ready to sew, but also have a floral print I set aside for a bag.  Or maybe I should go back to working on some unfinished quilt tops.  Goodness knows there are plenty of those to choose from! LOL

Patriotic Sew Together bag

One of the 2 bags is completely finished and the other is getting close. The patriotic fabrics worked really well in this patriotic version of the Sew Together bag.  The side panels and inside of the pockets are a small star print. I usually like to use a fairly plain fabric for the pocket linings because it makes it easier to see what's in the pocket. But with this bag and the next one I deviated from that plan just a bit.  I think having a little surprise inside the bag makes it more fun. 

Halloween came early

I have no idea what is wrong with this photo, but I decided to post it anyway. I have 1 of the 60 degree runners quilted and bound along with one of the hexie table toppers.  Two more runners and one more hexie are waiting to be quilted.  I actually got the runner finished over the weekend.

And I discovered that the dancing skeletons and mummies glow in the dark.  The pumpkins smiles and the ghosts do too.  Not very bright, but just enough to add a little fun element.   

Design Wall Monday

My Monday Design Wall has a lot of things going on.  What's on your Design Wall today? Check out a few more: https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/

It's actually amazing how much I can accomplish when I focus - and when no one is home to distract me - and when I don't have a car to drive.  Both of the Sew Together bags are done except for the handwork to stitch down the bindings and zipper handles.  Those should be done this week.  

I worked on machine quilting this little Kim Diehl project, and only have about a third of it left to finish.  Instead of just straight line quilting I'm using some stencils to mark a little more elaborate design.  It won't be perfect, but I need to step outside of my comfort zone a bit more, right? 

And I got both of my batik blocks done for Saturday Sampler.  I always enjoy learning new ways to do things, but this block wasn't one of those cases.  Those triangle sections with the light background would have been MUCH easier (and more accurate) done as a HST with triangles added to the sides. The technique used in the pattern was more difficult and I'm not totally happy with the results.  I need to make my second 30s version block and I may use a more traditional method to make that section with the triangles and see if they come out more accurately. 

Progress - and frustrations

My progress on these next 2 bags will help improve my attitude for the weekend.  I have the pockets and linings sections ready to attach to the outer bag cover. They are looking good so far.

The poor attitude beginning my weekend stems from the car accident I had on Friday. I was on the way to mail some contracts for work when a guy turned left across my lane.  He was ticketed for an improper turn and I am left without a vehicle.

Bag kits

Two more Sew Together bags are ready to sew, with the side panels actually assembled for one of them.  The top photo shows the one using the same "art supply" fabric I used on a zipper pouch for my art loving granddaughter.  The side panels are made already so next step is putting in the zippers for the inside pockets.  Red, black and yellow should look good with that art print.  

The patriotic bag needed zippers, so on my way home yesterday from a short overnight business function, I stopped in JoAnn Fabrics in Sioux Falls.  I actually bought 4 sets of zippers to use in future bags.  The darker fabric is the outside of the bag, and the 1776 print is the inside lining.  The little star print will be the side panels and the insides of the pockets.  Blue bindings and zippers will finish it off.  

My plan is to work on these over the weekend while my husband is playing in a 2-day golf tournament.  Right after I make my Saturday Sampler blocks.  Just call me crazy for making more of these bags!

A hotel with a sense of humor

I spent one night in a hotel this week to attend a business event with my husband.  Don’t you just love it when you see evidence of a sense of humor out in the world?  This was the “do not disturb” sign hanging on the door.  The other side said “Out - Living it Up! Come on in.”