Not here today.....but over there

 I'm not here today........
 But I am talking about color and choosing  fabrics  over at
 Sew We Quilt !
 Jump over there and have a read.  Be sure to take your coffee with you, as I did not get to have any this morning.
  And thank you Madame Samm for the invite.   I should be awake enough tomorrow to answer any questions.
 Happy stitching. 

A couple of options

   I finished up the "no lining" style trashcan bag and wanted to share another option I used in finishing.
  The straps for the handles were made like I described in my first post  ---Out of the trashcan---with a double layer of batting.  To get the length I pieced several short strips together.  I do like the look of it better that way.  I generally like my straps to be about 24 inches, but these ended up about 27 inches.  Once it was completely finished, I decided to shorten them a little.  Don't panic, I did not un-stitch anything.
   I just  folded down the handle strap about 1" and then flipped the handle back up and pinned in place.  This creates a "tab" look just below the binding around the top.

     Here you can see how I stitched it in place by sewing it down  just below the binding.  Then a diagonal line of stitching to the bottom.  Now the straps are 24 inches.
   Another option:
 The handle straps could be made longer and extend down the front of the bag to the bottom seam.  This would allow you to add an outside pocket placed between the straps.  If you want to do that, the straps should be top-stitched down over the pocket edges before the bottom seam is finished and any inside pockets put in.   I would also not use double layer of batting in the stitched down portion of the handles.  Just think the process through before you begin.

One bag in floral fabrics, and one in batiks.  I can think of several combinations that I would like to do this style in.....all blues, toile prints,  black and white prints, all reds, and then maybe a kitchen sink mix where anything goes.  A great way to express yourself!
  So, no more narrow strips of batting in my storage box or trashcan---absolutely none left, and a nice dent in the strip scrap box.   That makes this project a success in my book.
Happy stitching.  

The second time around

Much better the second time around on this bag.....easier sewing (I had it figured out now), so it is not so thick.  First, let me remind you that this bag has no lining.  Several emails asked about that.  Each of the strips encase the batting between the layers, so it looks the same on the inside as the outside.
  I am going to assume that readers have basic construction knowledge.....but if you have questions, please ask.
  The measurements I am giving will make a small bag that is  about 10" high and 11" wide when finished.  Make it bigger, taller, wider by adjusting the lengths and number of strips.
Make the strips:

  Most of my scrap strips are 2 1/2".  I cut 12 1/2 long pieces---36 in total.
  I cut batting scraps into strips 3/4" wide.  Short pieces are fine to use, just butt the ends together.
  Turn under one long edge of the fabric strip and press down.
  Center the batting strip on top of the wrong side of the fabric.
 
 

Fold the long edge of fabric that is not turned under to the center over the batting.
Fold the turned under edge of fabric to the center over the batting also.
Press without stretching.
Straight stitch along the folded edge.  For thread I decided to use a light blue/purple on top and bottom.  It shows on some fabrics and blends on others.  Just remember that you are stitching from the wrong side, what will be on the outside is in your bobbin.


Sew the strips together:
 Let the fun begin.  I began by sewing 2 strips  together at a time with a zigzag stitch. Machine settings on my machine was for 5.0 wide and 2.5 long stitch.
  Once I had several pairs sewn, I began to sew the pairs together to create 2 different units---one front and one back piece.  I kept adding strips until each section was 14" wide.
  I pressed each section and then squared it up to
 12 inches by 14 inches.

Sew the sections  together:
  For the side seams I used a straight stitch seam....look close, it is a narrow 1/8" seam.  You can take a wider seam if you want.
  For the bottom seam,  I used a 1/4 " seam.  I joined the back and front and a strip of fabric to fold over the raw edge.  Note that I just folded the end edge in toward the center of the bag.

  The extra strip of fabric is folded once towards the seam--about 1/2".  Then it is folded over to the other side and top stitched down.  This encases the raw edge of the joined strips......no lining needed here.

I made 2 pockets by joining some shorter cuts of covered batting strips....one about 8" wide and a second one 6 inches wide.  I used extra strips folded in half to cover the raw edges of the pockets and then top stitched them into place on the inside....be sure you are stitching them in place on the inside.

Square off the bottom:
  This is a thick seam.....just sew slowly.

Turn the bag right side out.....and see if it stands by itself.  Now just the handles to make and attach and bind off the top.  Tomorrow......  I'm done for today.
Happy stitching.

Updates

 

Bag is done...... as you can see,  it can fully stand by itself!  I think a little adjustment / refinement  of the technique is needed.    Note the button I used is one I picked up in Alaska.....made from deer or moose antler.



I used basic tote bag construction.  I made 2 sections, one for the back and one for the front.
Size of each section was 14" across and 13" high---this would give me a bag that finishes up about 11" by 11" and 3" deep.
   Mistake #1:  Using my usual technique of making the handle straps for the body that I showed before.  I like a double layer of batting in the handles, but NOT here!  So, I will modify my technique and use a single layer of batting when making them for bag #2.
  Mistake #2:  I cut out the corners at the bottom--like I usually do-- to eliminate the triangular flap when creating a square corner for the bottoms.

 I ended up with a very thick and exposed edge that I do not like.  Here's a link that shows how to stitch  across the corner to square off the bag, and you have a triangular flap.   I will keep the flap / corner triangles on bag #2, and just tack them down. That will give me all covered seams.

Joining the side seams:    No zigzag stitch here.....I just straight stitched very close to the finished edge.  In the photo I  joined 2 narrow yellow strips for the side seam.  No problem with this for me.

 The inside:  The bottom seam of the bag was covered with a folded strip of fabric and top stitched down.  Again, thickness was a challenge here, but the finished edge looks good.  I only added one pocket---again using folded strips on the raw edges and top stitching in place.

 Finishing the top edge:  Usual technique worked fine.  I used a strip of fabric 2 1/2" wide, folded it in half.  I  stitched it to the wrong / inside of the bag over the handles and the loop to close.  The folded edge comes over to the outside and is top stitched down.

     I know I have sent you over to The Nifty Stitcher before.  But please go again and check out her video as she stitches her feathers.....especially if you are on the fence about trying this month's free motion challenge.  She makes it look so effortless that her video deserves a look.    

   Another stolen quilt.....click here to read Bonnie's post .
I am just back from being smashed, squashed, squished, poked and prodded......you get the idea.  The radiologist did find a small dense area and a biopsy is scheduled.   I still have the other procedure to endure next week, so please remember me in your prayers.    Happy stitching.

Out of the trashcan

    I spent a great day on Tuesday with  The Fiber Friends in Landrum / Tryon area that  meet at The Tryon Arts and Crafts School .   I shared my journal quilt challenges and in return enjoyed seeing their projects---fabulous silk dying (shibori),  a beautiful  jacket done with shasiko stitching, a series of wall hangings based on a photo and everyone was different.  They have a series of challenges planned that will be fun to follow.  Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration, ladies.
   One quilter was carrying her items in a tote that really caught my eye, and me without a camera!  On close inspection, I realized it was constructed  like I make the handles for tote bags and purses.  The finished "handles" were stitched together with a zigzag stitch much like the clothesline wrapped bowls and bags.  That means the inside is finished off like the outside---no lining---and the bag itself has structure and does not flop over.   Oh, the possibilities!  

    While putting everything away yesterday, I found trimmings of batting in the trash can from a few dolls quilts I had finished up.   Shame on me!  I could turn them into a bag.   I cut the batting waste into 1 1/2" strips and 1 " strips, and began making "handle" pieces last night.





Technique to make finished "handle":

   Strip of fabric  (3 1/2" wide)  is placed wrong side up and 2  1" batting strips are  placed on  top down the length of the strip of fabric.  (Or use a 2 " wide strip if you have scrap batting that wide).
   You can see I used all the scrap / waste of batting!  Just butting the ends up to each other.
.    Then press the long side edges over the batting---about 1/2 on each side.

 
  Then fold down the center matching the long edges.  Press well.
  Stitch along the long side about 1/4" from the edge to secure in half.

   Now join the finished pieces using a wide zigzag stitch.  Be sure to catch both pieces as you stitch.

 This is the first small section that I put together last night.  I used whatever leftover short strips I had and pieced them together if the strip was too short.
  I also mixed the width size of the fabric strips.  There are 2 1/2" strips (with 1 1/2" strip of batting encased), that finish at about 3/4".  And the 3 1/2" strips (with the 2 1" strips of batting encased) that finish at about 1".
 
Since this is an experimental project, I am winging it with the measurements.  I figure I need about 28 of the finished strips to sew together to make the 2 sides of a small  bag.  I plan on binding off the top and adding a couple of pockets to the inside.
Happy stitching.

Feathers round 4

   The month is not over yet....so feathers are still in the works.  Feeling brave about the free motion feathers, I gave it one more round.  I tried a feather on a mug rug.  This one was drawn with pencil.  I am still not good on the outlining.....I like the swirls better.  :)   How about a plain simple feather?

   Next round, was done free hand....I only drew the spine on for shape using chalk.  No outlining here because this is on a doll quilt and I did not want the stiffness of the micro stitching.  Plain is good!

I was very pleased with myself and took way too many photos!   I know I am not approaching being really good at this---I've seen some absolutely great blogs at the challenge --- check out the Nifty Stitcher  .    But what a great feeling to finally catch on to it.  I think I had a serious break though in muscle memory and the tear drop shape.

Insight:  I can quilt feathers!  Big improvement  comes with lots of  practice.

And remember the heart shaped leaves from last month.....I combined them with a flower to quilt up this doll quilt.   Guess you can tell I am doing a happy dance with all this new "variety" in my quilting motif ability.
  I will do more practice on plain feathers....I want them fuller and more curvy.
  Happy "feather" stitching!

Progress

   Lots of new little quilts have been posted to Get Your Mrs. Claus On Flickr group album.  Check them out and enjoy the variety.   Nicki has been great about sending me photos as she receives the quilts from the group at the HGTV board.  She has it so organized and makes it all look so easy.  A super big thank you to her and all the Mrs. Clauses who are helping make this year so great.  

   I got the rows sewn on the water color, but it looks very muddy to me.....the border just blends too much.  So I tried a bit of cording  to create a separation, but it was not distinct enough.  Right now I am debating on using the narrow strip of black bias.  The photo below just has the bias pinned to it.


 
    I will live with this one  on the design wall  for a few days to be sure I like it before finishing it up.
Happy stitching.