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13 comments
Like all quilters I always have orphan blocks around and I'm constantly trying to think of what to do with them. I made this orphan block bag around Christmas but I procrastinated hand stitching the handles on until this weekend (actually I was kind of hoping that one of my stronger and younger daughters would take the hint and sew them on for me). These handles are nice and a great touch but attaching them is no job for the weak. Pushing the needle through the front and back pieces of plether plus batting, interfacing and fabric is not great for carpal tunnel or tennis elbow. Otherwise known as quilter's arm. But the pain is worth it (as soon as the aspirin kicks in). The orphan blocks on the front and back are blocks left over from several kitchen quilts I made a few years back. The bottom of the bag is from Japanese reproduction kitchen fabric. I added some green trim at the seam.
I'm glad I finally finished it. Its a good "take-a-long" bag that I can always use. Originally I was going to make it as a Christmas gift for someone but I liked these orphan blocks too much to give it away. And its red! How could I part with that?


Don't look closely at the stitching on the handle backs. Not my best work. But remember it was hard. I recommend this type if you are going to attach accent handles. Much easier to work with. I put similar handles on Shelbie's knitting bag I made her for Christmas and it worked out better.
I also got the red and blue baby quilt top sewn together. I think I'll put white minky on the back. I love minky on baby quilts. But thats a project for another day.
This is such a fun easy baby quilt to make. I think Sandi's Ginger Blossom fabric would be really cute using this idea.
- nanette
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13 comments

Di~ said...

Yes, I do like that Ginger Blossom "stuff"! Nice info on the handles. Your bag is cute. I love the handles in the link you sent. Is red your favorite color??? I've learned to appreciate red more being in the quilting world, otherwise not my fav., and can't stand to wear it! Weird huh.
D Spack

Darlene said...

As usual, wonderful eye candy! Love, love the bag. Very sweet, indeed.

And, the blue and red quilt is so cute.

(red is my favorite color)

Jana Nielson said...

I love how that bag turned out, and the stitching on the handles looks great!
That quilt is my absolute favorite!! What is the pattern called, and who did the Matryouska (sp?) fabric? My mom collects them, and I would love to make her a quilt like this before she comes home from Liberia this summer!

PamKittyMorning said...

I'll be over later to grab that bag from you. And maybe the quilt.

That bag is darling.
Darling. I'm just wild over. Love the fabric.

Ginger Patches said...

That bag is adorable! I wouldn't have parted with it either :) And that blue and red quilt is so cute! I love your colors--they're my favorites too!

Thimbleanna said...

What a clever idea for using those leftover blocks. You need a "vintage" sewing machine that has gears and can handle heavy sewing! And I LOVE the baby quilt -- very cute!

Sherry said...

I just LOVE that bag. Maybe I'll try to beat Pam over there & snatch it up first. LOL That blue & red baby quilt is very cute too.

michelle said...

That purse was absolutely adorable. What a great tote it made. Did you ever think of having a shoemaker sew the hanndle on for you. They have industrial sewing machines that would be a sinch for them. So cute

michelle said...

That purse was absolutely adorable. What a great tote it made. Did you ever think of having a shoemaker sew the hanndle on for you. They have industrial sewing machines that would be a sinch for them. So cute

michelle said...

That purse was absolutely adorable. What a great tote it made. Did you ever think of having a shoemaker sew the hanndle on for you. They have industrial sewing machines that would be a sinch for them. So cute

Tracey M. said...

if i could come home more, i swear i would have sewn it for you!!! but i am stuck at the arctic circle, aka Logan.

i love when you use minky on anything. so does eliot. he pets the minky on the back of my engagement quilt.(which i think i shall post here asap.)

Joanna said...

I absolutely love your bag! I wish I could be that creative with my poor orphan blocks.

Jodi Nelson said...

Oh my! That bad is do die for! Red! Kitchen! Red Handles even! This post is pure torture!