Whilst at the Festival of Quilts, I also succumbed to some of the gorgeous Japanese fabric from the Eternal Maker, thinking I’d make a small bag or two. As I stood dithering and trying to decide which print to choose, I spotted the girls there had their rotary cutters and basic kit in a little sack, exactly as I’d had in mind. Sold!
I’d seen a pattern in this book a while ago, for a small square “box” made from linen fabric and had it in my mind to use this method. But I couldn’t quite remember how it was done and since I don’t own the book myself, I asked a friend nicely if she’d remind me. Except that before she had chance, I’d worked it out for myself…
In no time at all, a good sized bag was complete – all machined, so quick as anything. But I felt the proportions were wrong, since it was hard to work out what size piece of fabric to start with (no, of course I didn’t try it out in scrap fabric first) The largest bag has a square base with a side measuring 6 inches and is a good twelve inches deep. Though I wanted it deep enough to turn over the top a couple of times, I felt the fabric wasn’t stiff enough to stand without some kind of stabilising layer. So, the next two bags were made with a three inch base and are about ten inches tall. Much better.
Perfect for putting a few bits and pieces in. However, I spotted something about my choice of fabric – those little Matryoska dolls are all standing the same way up – and I had to decide whether to have the print up the right way on the turnover or on the lining. Next time, I must choose a fabric with a two-way pattern. Anyway, in less than half an hour, I had two small bags complete.
I didn’t stop there. I’d also bought a couple of metres of heavier weight fabric from Fabrics Galore and soon whipped up a couple more, slightly larger bags with a six inch square base. This stiffer fabric was a delight to sew and I was tempted to keep going except that it was now four o’clock and I was in need of tea.
But just before I turned off the sewing machine, I remembered I could add a small finishing touch.
