Island Batik Gift Bag..."Phase 1"

 Hey quilter's....happy Saturday! Hope y'all had a great week. I tend to get a bit excited about Saturday's...not because it starts the weekend but I'm usually sharing a project. As y'all know by now I love Island Batik fabrics. My late mother-in-law shared the same addiction with me which actually was pretty cool. What my "stash" didn't have I could usually find a compliment in hers. If y'all read my post last year of her passing and how she hid "forget me not" seeds in her Batik stash pile then you totally understand. I will admit that was pretty clever and going to pass that one on :-) I also wanted to challenge myself this year...break out of my "quilting box." I love to create new techniques but also know I better have a follow-up tip to share as well. Yes, my tips are usually from a mistake although some are just fun. I recently posted a tip on my Facebook page about using a "seam ripper." Yes...a seam ripper is highly recommended for this basket weave technique. Not only did it make the weaving easier...actually gave me an extra hand so to speak but it gave me more respect for the one thing I hate to use. Sometimes I don't keep it out..my theory is "If I don't see it...I won't need it."...yagh...still working on that theory. :-) Well in Phase one I'll be sharing some products with y'all that I love and use. I always say..."do what's best for you." If you already have a product you know and love then incorporate that into the instructions. I will not that please check out the "Sunlit Garden" collection by Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations for Island Batik fabrics. This collection is stunning and was my inspiration to create a basket weave gift bag. I will give y'all a hint as well...I have a great home decor item coming soon using this collection too. So l thank y'all for following and keep checking back for more fun & easy projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Island Batik Gift Bag...

Note...bag is roughly "8 x 8"...easily enlarge if desired :-)

Here's all you need...

* Scraps from Sunlit Garden by Island Batik  (Red Tangelo & Teal) 

* Scraps of Missouri Star Quilt Town Stars White

* MSQC 50# thread (white)

* Coordinating Aurifil 50# thread (2235)

* MSQC Sew Light Fusible Adhesive (double sided)

* Pellon Fusible Fleece (one sided low loft)

* Rotary Cutter w/ Pinking sheer blade & standard blade.

* Seam ripper ;-)

* Dritz Mighty Steam Iron

* Oliso Iron

* Island Batik ties for optional handles but fun! I love how I can finally incorporate them :-)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut 2 squares 7 x 7 of White fabric for Bag front and back. 

* Rotary cut Fusible fleece the scant 7 x 7" and following manufacturer's directions fuse to the wrong side of each 7 x 7" white squares. Set aside.

Tip...I use a pressing sheet to protect my iron and cut the fusible fleece a tad bit smaller to prevent glue seepage. Do the same if desired.

Strips...

* Rotary cut from Red Tangerine/Teal fabric a  5 x7" square ea.

* Rotary cut from Sew light fusible adhesive 2 squares "scant" 5 x 7" squares. (same glue tip as above)

* Fuse to wrong side of fabrics following manufacturer's directions.

Tip...another reason why I love Island Batik...you can't go wrong :-) Fabrics are hand dyed and appear on both sides!

Note...read the prewash instructions that come with the Batik fabrics if desired. 

* With your teal & red tangerine fabric squares & using your rotary cutter w/ pinking blade do a "clean 

up" cut on the right end of square then subcut strips 1/2" wide.

* Repeat method for both fabric squares.

Note...you will have a few extra strips so I peel off the backing as I go...do the same if you wish but remember...save those extra strips ;-)

* Place your white front bag square on pressing mat if desired and take one red/tangerine strip (peel of fusible backing) and center within your square (pin at top if deired to secure)

* Then continue same method with red/tangerine strips 1/2" apart.

* Using the "basket weave method" place your teal strips using your "seam ripper" to help scooch over and under for each row. Use the same method of spacing 1/2" apart if desired. 

Tip...I did not bring the strips to edges to prevent the bulk when sewing sides...I left a 1/4" seam allowance. :-)

* Repeat same method until you achieve your desired basket weave design. 

Note...I like a heavy basket weave but if you find this daunting then space your strips farther apart. I don't think you can go wrong...remember to have fun...less-stress in my quilting room :-)

* Following manufacturer's directions fuse your strips. Remove the pins before fusing ends.

* This is why I love the "Dritz Mighty Steam Iron"..great for those small spaces.

* Repeat this method for your bag back square.

I hope you enjoyed creating this step of your super cute Island Batik bag. Remeber these bags are 100% re-gift-able so your reipient will enjoy keeping or sharing! Plus you are using your scraps in a very u-nique way!

Talk soon,

Cat