Cross stitching and patchwork

Good Morning.
Time to do a little catch  up.
When I was on the Alaskan cruises end of June, and July, I could not help but pick up a little
cross stitching to work on.  In one of the quilt shops I found this cute little kit for Forget Me Not..
As I was running out of other handwork, the cross stitching came out.
I had also found this great fabric of Forget Me Not.
A new pouch was in the works.

Stevii Graves was the instructor for this applique on the quilt cruise.
I showed pictures of the unfinished piece before
Well, I finished it up into this large pouch.
I hand quilted all around it and then sewed it up into this large pouch.
You can never have too many pouches.
I love making them, and find so many uses for them.

The basic pattern I draw my inspiration from is, "Atkinson Designs, Zippy Strippy"
by Terry Atkinson.
Pattern number ATK-149.

While I was ad it, I decided to make up a few more bags.
This one is using 2 1/2 inch squares in a random pattern.
I love making drawstring bags, too.
It is a great way to used  those cute little charm packs, as well as miscellaneous scrapes.
These can use a certain theme, like this one, or color scheme, let your imagination
be your guide.  These bags are all fully lined, so that a variety of fabric can be used.
Fat quarters can be used easily.
You know those that you bought because you like it, but had no real use for it.
The pattern "Lined Drawstring Bag" by Jeni Baker, gives you  8 sizes to choose from.
Once you get the hang of what the lay out is, anything goes!

You know my usual plan of, if one is good more is better!
There are at least 6 more in various stages of completion.

These always make great gifts, as well as carry bags for projects,
cosmetics, holder for chargers, I even have one for my Garmin. I love the versatility of them.

Hope you are having a creative day!

Mary 

Jeni Baker at Gentler Times Quilt Shop

Saturday I had signed up for a lecture and class at Gentler Times Quilt Shop.  This was a first to me.  The teacher was Jeni Baker, and we were going to make her pattern "Lined Drawstring Bag".

Here is Jeni. There were all skill levels in our class, from beginner to advanced.  She was so gracious, to all.  She had cutting, directional, and advice in general for the creations of our bags.  Her pattern has instructions for 8 different sizes.  The constructions was wonderfully easy and quick.  In the 3 hours we had, everyone was able to get their bags made.

This was our sample for the class.  It is a perfect size to use as a gift bag, or a tool bag for a project.  The pattern includes sizes for a tiny, snack, everything, project, artist, laundry, CD, and DVD Bags.   The tiny bag would be perfect for a jewelry gift. Oh, so many uses.

We each got a kit, which included the pattern, and 3 fat quarters of Jeni's fabric and the drawstring. They took pictures of each of us as we got our bags done. I love mine.  

The bag on the right is the one I made in class, and the one on the left is what I made at home and used up the remainder of the 3 fat quarters. Oh, the ideas I had by the time I got home.  Couldn't you just see this in fabric with sewing motifs on it, or how about one with fabric with crayons that you could take with you to keep little hands busy?

It was a fun afternoon.  Gentler Times was celebrating their 2nd anniversary.  We had hot dogs cooked on the grill, cheese and cracker, CHOCOLATE, and birthday cake.  Plus there was a 25% off discount, that everyone was taking advantage of.
I am off to create a couple more bag!
Have a great sewing day.
Mary