My Christmas deadlines—little pouches, a medallion quilt, and a scrappy kitty quilt—kicked my butt, and I am determined not to repeat the last-minute crafting anytime soon. So I spent the weekend prepping 13 bags, some for winter gift giving, most for end-of-year teacher thank-yous. These projects will be smooth sailing. I know this because I’ve made both patterns before.
First up: two Cargo Duffle Bags (free pattern by Anna Graham). Assembling the final bags can be a bear because it requires sewing through many thick layers, but I have my walking foot and a size 16 needle on hand. Bring. It. On!
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| I made this Cargo Duffle two years ago for a friend. |
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| This batch of Jane Market Bags went to the staff of my old local quilt shop. |
So expect to see bags—many bags!—on these pages in the near future.
Update: OK. I am committing to finishing those Cargo Duffle Bags by the end of January, for my first foray into the One Monthly Goal linkup, hosted by Elm Street Quilts!
It’s time for another Beauties Pageant, and I’m pleased to say that I found a workaround: We’re back to submitting text links that don’t require any kind of registration. I’m not sure how long inLinkz will allow me to skirt the latest-and-greatest version, but for those of you who hesitated to create yet another online account (and, man, I’m with you on that), you’re in luck for the time being.
The pageant rules are simple:
- Post your finish in the linky tool. (No links to your own giveaway or linky, please!)
- Point your readers back here with a text link or use the button above.
- Visit and comment on other participants’ finishes.
Hi Michelle! I love the idea of getting gifts ready early! Sometimes, last minute things do crop up but you know the end of the school year is coming. Whether you want to plan and do something about it is the key, and I am all for being proactive! That cargo duffle bag looks so COOL! And your last batch of market bags look so pretty and useful. I could use one right now! Happy Friday. ~smile~ Roseanne
ReplyDeleteThat bag! Kudos to you for powering through it! You can't see it, but I'm bowing to you and your skills! The first couple weeks of a new year are always filled with huge sighs! Holidays are stressful!
ReplyDeleteYou have some pretty nice bags lined up for finishes Michelle. I can see why you don't want to cram the finishes in....I'm feeling pretty laid back myself right now.
ReplyDeleteWay to go to start the year feeling so motivated to sew and stay ahead of deadlines. I look forward to seeing the bag finishes.
ReplyDeleteKudos for getting a jump start on some gifts. I've been hesitant to try the Cargo Duffle Bag...it looks difficult.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI consider the Cargo Duffle more annoying than difficult. I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner bag maker because there are a bunch of steps to quilting the individual parts and assembling the bag, but the challenge is really sewing through all those layers.
Of course, it's been two years since I've made one. I may be singing a different tune in a week or two!
Congratulations on your head start on future gifts. Thank you for hosting.
ReplyDeleteI am with you - the end of the year can take it out of a person. 50 of those market bags??? Were they gifted for the most part? Wow, you are a motivated hand made gift giver - how lucky for your friends and family. The cargo looks a wee bit challenging - as you said - looks like lots of assembly and some thick fabric to get through. I feel like while I could get it done, the parts where I stitch through the layers would somehow look 'homemade'. I am curious to hear about your next one.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Michelle and thanks so much for holding the link up!
Wow! That sure is a lot of bags. I like the cargo duffle in the pretty type of fabrics you chose. It looks like you can get your countdown to Inlinkz update by clicking the yellow "Account: TRIAL" button in the top right. It'll say in your Account Status how long you have until DOOM.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are joining the linkup - love the bag! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project!
ReplyDelete