Quick & Easy Patchwork Bag in Batik & Friday Smile

I've been playing around trying to replicate a bag I spotted at a quilt show in Germany. I couldn't figure out exactly how to make it but managed to transform the patch work panel I prepared into this  finished product.

I don't know if it is right or wrong but it turned into a very simple effective bag construction to make from scraps.

I'm calling it the Twin Peaks Bag! A quick and easy make for gifts or charity sales.

The panel could be plain, fully patchworked and quilted to choice. Whatever!

Mine is made from left over 2 inch Batik strips.

I made a panel approximately 11 inches x 33 inches (22 strips of 2 inches before sewing quarter inch seams).

It was then lined and lightly wadded ... ( or could use Vilene interfacing)

Below, I have laid strips of paper purely to indicate the folds........

Then the Left side is taken up to the top edge, and the Right side down to bottom edge, to first produce this shape......

then it is folded across the central diagonal (bottom left to top right of the purple lining) to produce the bag shape below...

With just two diagonal seams to stitch up, the body of the bag is made.

Add a fastener and a handle and  it will be complete.

The bag can easily be sized up or down. Try it out in newspaper first to see if it is correct before making the panel to size.

TIP! An inside pocket can be added before the lining is sewn in.. just check the positioning.

               Blooming Gorgeous Bargains & Friday Smile

Adding my smile on to Annie's weekly fun as, since I posted this, I found out that Standfast & Barracks factory shop, in Lancaster, will reopen on Saturday after the flooding they suffered in December. 

I buy my Liberty fabrics there at bargain prices and I am in need of stocks to make a king size quilt for my daughter as a wedding gift. I've been longing to get cracking on it but so sad to hear that the shop had been through so much. They have also taken the opportunity to refurbish their shop so there will be a Gala Re-opening Day on Saturday... and I will be there. Yes! I am a fabric-holic!

Shopping in Morrisons last week, I spotted these roses reduced to £2.50 (for 15 blooms) I was almost dancing in the aisles. I didn't expect them to last more than a few days but almost a week later they are still glorious.

The patchwork panel on the coffee table is my latest project. I finally undid the ribbon on the jelly roll I won last year and started a French Braid quilt. I'm really enjoying making it and the first strip went together so quickly.