Free Friday Pattern Giveaway, take 2

    Ok, no takers last week, so I am offering 2 patterns for FREE, free shipping, too. Just comment and share the blog with someone else. Let's see if this sparks any interest. I bought these, opened them, and said, nah, I want to do something else. When I actually start a pattern, I do finish it.

Free Friday Pattern Giveaway

      Today I am going to try a new thing- Free Friday Pattern Giveaway! I have accumulated patterns that I thought I would use, but other things took their place. I still like the patterns, but they need to go to other homes. This Friday's pattern is for the holidays or maybe anytime celebration if you change the fabric. It is called A Pretty Package by Suzn Quilts and is a quilt as you go. Just leave me a comment if interested and I will draw a name randomly and send it to you, free of charge. If you could just pass my blog on to one other person to look at, I would be grateful.

     On the home front, I started quilting Aura Aura, and a new chemo care quilt, one that uses the pattern from the Missouri Star quilt company from 2 Dudes Quilting using two bocks of strips, sewn right sides together, strips in opposite directions and sliced from corner to corner.
     The refinishing of the new treadle cabinet is underway, slowly, using Formby's refinisher and denatured alcohol in stubborn places. I have gone over all the cabinet once, but it still needs more. I will try to photo that today.
     Today, my 2 quilts get shipped to the View in Old Forge for their Quilts Unlimited Show. Good thing it is an open show, as it usually has quilts way above my league. I plan on attending the opening with my sister in laws this year.

Journey Bag is Done!

   Today, I finished the Journey Bag. I saw it when I visited the vendors at Quilting by the Lake in July and bought it based on the finished one they had on display. The pattern photo does not show off the bag. To say I had difficulty with it is an understatement. My friend, Pat, came over and helped me make paper pattern pieces so we could see how the fabric was to go. This helped immensely. Second, there are too many pieces for such a small bag. I would like to make another one, but I have to rethink how to combine pieces and steps. Pat helped immensely to get all the fabric decided, cut out and labeled. All the interfacings also. 
   Next, my guild friend, Cathy, helped me sort out how to put the zipper in (20+ years since I sewed a zipper) and sew the bag to the lining and turn it. After I went home I could do that. I did not make the strap, I bought cotton pre-made strapping. So, I finished it and don't like the knot that ties on the handle. Have to figure that out. Looks lumpy.
   When I tried it on and filled it up, everything fits, but it is too tight. If I take the iPad out, I can get my hand in the purse. I don't know if I make it a couple of inches wider, if that would handle and solve it. I just have a hard time figuring 3D stuff.
   I like the fabric and the basic look, but the pattern needs to be simplified. Guess I need more expert help.

SIde with iPad pocket

Side with pocket for cell phone and two front pockets

VIew of bag from top

Inside pocket, tight fit

Better fit with iPad out of front pocket

Lots of inside pockets

   On Friday, I will be hosting a FREE FRIDAY PATTERN giveaway. You will just have to comment and let someone else know about this blog. I will send it to you, if chosen, free and free shipping.