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.