Today's accomplishment

Oct 16, 2007 33 Replies

Ah.....that is why I don't have it. Yes, I would love to have the directions for that. I did buy the pattern after all. Got it in Elkhorn on my way to the Omaha airport this summer. And thank you so much for offering!

I uploaded the pictures of my purses- link is in my siggy line. I did one in batik fabrics from the Elkhorn shop. The bottom of that one is an unusual fabric I'd not seen before. It is gathered bias strips of batik that are sewn down to a stretchy mesh base. Pam (the shop owner) gave me kahki colored duck cloth to line this fabric. Seems to have worked just fine. I had that wild trim left over from another project. I had just enough left for the purse. I added pockets to the inside, and I installed a magnetic clasp near the top.

The second one is done in asian fabrics, and I changed the proportions of the purse a bit-I made it a bit taller because I carry so much stuff. I also made the handles wider and longer, and I added pockets on the inside, and I added a tab closure with velcro I used a simple trim that was on clearance at JoAnns.

If you are a JoAnn's shopper, be sure and check their clearance items often. They often have their pre-packaged beaded trims on clearance and they are long enough to use for the small bag-not sure about the medium or large...

It is tempting to contact her about the lettering in her instructions. It really is a turn off. I dont know that I would have chosen the pattern on my own. I chose to buy it because of the sample I saw in the shop.

The pattern is called "The Fun Bag" by Thread and Treadle...Lori Christianson of Atlantic Iowa. It appears to be self published. The quilt shop is Prairie Star Quilts in Elk Horn, Iowa.

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It doesn't look like the website is a full service shopping site. There are a few things on it, but I don't see the bag pattern.

3 am!? We'll have to check and see where Lisa is working!

I will look for my pattern tomorrow Jeanne, unless KJ posts it first. It's

Kathyl: Sending the designer a courteous note about the problem of the font and spacing would not be nit picking. I think it would be a favor to her, so she can consider other options for reprints and for future patterns. Most business people want to hear about problems that may cause lost business. JMO.

I wonder how a fusible thin batting would work for a tote bag. Would that be okay to use without quilting to maintain the smooth look?

PAT ...cut...

Since Lisa and I both thought the pattern was difficult to read, I think your idea is a good one. I'll see if I can come up with a friendly note to send her. Today I bought some fusible fleece that is very thin to try on another purse. I also found the new Velcro Fusion for ironing on fabric that I'm going to try on a purse or wallet for closures. I have about 20 t-shirts on which I'm to embroider a store logo in the next couple of weeks....but I'm having a hard time getting these bags out of my head.

HA! They can really get to you, can't they? Just like the proverbial popcorn.... LOL

Leslie (working on #11 right now! With a few tiny wallets and other Spunky Lady projects mixed in with making the bags), Missy & The Furbabies in MO.

I just finished my wallet to match my tote bag. It's very cute. Now I'm looking at my stash in a whole new way......let's see.....which three fabrics would I like for my next bag??? I think I may dig into my African fabrics for one. I bought some thin fusible fleece that I might try instead of the craft fuse stuff. We'll see how that works out. Oh yeah.....those

20 t-shirts! grrrrrr I have the 17 dress shirts done though. Too bad we don't live closer so we could collaborate and giggle over them!

I may compose a nice friendly letter to her Jeanne and tell her how much I enjoyed making the pattern.....except for this small detail. Maybe if she has another printing, it could be fixed then.

That is a really nice looking bag. Debra in VA See my quilts at

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far.http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2901554300053918257yhGrQK> I bought this as a kit at a quilt show last week. The gal selling it had> developed the pattern...(it has some issues, but I could deal with it). It> isn't padded, just has a fusible stabilizer inside. Which I'm not sure I> like very well yet....it seems to leave wrinkles when creased. And we all> know tote bags get banged around a lot. I wanted to make the first one "as> is" so I could see what the pitfalls are for future ones....if there are> any. No matter how the bag turned out, I have to say the woman putting the> kit fabrics together with the beading had excellent taste! I wanted them> ALL!!!

Yep, gotta say I love it. Nice job. Looks very usable and stylish!!

Was it easy or...........?

Piece,

Marsha in nw, Ohio

Very easy Marsha. So easy that I keep things of things to add to it to complicate it!

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