Island Batik Gift Bag..."Phase 2"

 Hey quilter's...happy Super Bowl Sunday! Yup...today's the day where I multitask...sewing...snacking & football. Well mostly sewing and snacking but that's o.k. too. But when you have a Grandson that is heavy into sports you definately need to be able to comment back on plays with him. This is probably the only time when I'm glad to live away then he can't see what I'm actually doing. :-) I do like to get him a bit rowled up...I'll deliberately start commenting on the oposing team. I'll text him and if he ignors my text then I know it's working. What...you think that's mean...seriously y'all he is the biggest jokester...he boobie-traps the house when I vist so this is just some minor pay backs as I like to say :-) He does get his homor from my late dad so in his defense it's heridatory. O.k. just to let you know how lovely he can be...last Christmas he "taped" the toilet seat so when I get up during the night...we'll you know the rest of the story...then he taped his Halloween mask to the shower...yup...just gotta love the dear boy! :-) Geez! Anyway...today I'm sharing part 2 of this super cute gift bag. I'm in love with this fabric collection & supplies needed are previous post. I know this sounds weird but some fabrics you just want to 'hug" them because they are so stunning. Surely I'm not the only one? :-) You will notice some advanced steps but do what is best for your skill level and machine. Sometimes I will use  another machine because it handles the bulk a bit better. The interfacing that I use is low-loft (thin) for that reason. These are gift bags so I didn't make them stiff. But if your machine handles a stiffer lining then do what is best for you. I know some of y'all already have certain brands/items that you prefer so incorporate as needed. I like to inspire you with designs but please do what is comfortable for you. I'm thankful for y'all following along and I'll be sharing more fun & easy projects soon. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Island Batik Gift Bag...

Here's all you do...

Bag sides...

* From white background fabric rotary cut 4 (2 x 7) rectangles. (great time to use scraps) :-)

* From fusible interfacing cut four the same 

Tip...rotary cut a bit small as in previous steps to preven glue seepage.

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

* Sew strips to left/right side of front and back bag pieces using a 1/4" seam allowance...right sides together.

* Press

Advanced.step..top stitch if desired.

Bottom of Bag...

* Rotary cut 2 white background fabric (2 x 10) 

* Rotary cut 2 from interfacing the same & fuse to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions.

* Sew to bottom of front/back bag  with right sides togehter using a 1/4 seam allowance.

* Press

Advanced step...top stitch if desired

Top band...

* Rotary cut 2 (2 x10) of red/tangerine fabric strips

Note...I did not use interfacing due to folding over in later step. Less bulk :-)

* Sew to Top of front and back pieces with right sides togehter using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press

Note...no need to top stitch..you will do in later step... less stress quilting :-)

* Place front and back pieces with right sides together and starting at top corner sew using a 1/4" seam allowance...pivoting at ends... back up the other side but leave top open.

* Turn right side out....isn't it forming like a bag :-) sew fun!

Advanced step...before turning right side out you can box mitor the corners if desired. I do mine about an inch...it gives a professional look plus helps it stand a bit better :-)

Note...at this point you could totally be finished just by turning your band over half and top stitching all around to secure but...I recently started lining my bags to not see the seams on the inside. I know it's a bit O.C.D. but this is a fun project to try a new technique on a smaller scale especially if you advanced to "handbag making." Hint,,,pop on my Sallie Tomato link for inspiration :-)

Advanced step...

Lining...

* Rotary cut your lining fabric to your bag size ...Mine was roughly 10 x 18 1/2

* Fold in half w/ wrong sides together and sew a 1/4" seam allowance on sides.

* Turn right side out and press if needed.

* Position lining within bag with "wrong sides together. "

* Tip...when you "look into" bag you will not see your unfinished side seams :-) 

* Position the pieces together...matching sides seams and pin or clip if desired.

* Fold top band in half (both bag and lining togehter) to secure the edges.

*  Fold in again to achieve your desired band width.

* Finger press & Pin or clip to secure as you fold.

Tip...I did a 1/2" band to coordinate with my strips. My O.C.D. "only Cat does" :-)

Tip...I like to remove my "free arm" on sewing machine to make top stitching easier.

* Top stitch around band on right side with coordinating thread.

***Aurifil #2235 coordinated perfectly w/ fabric ***

Well you did it! You can use the bag as is without handles or...

do my cute advanced step. I love how Island Batik ties that come with your "stamp" 5" squares. I thought wouldn't it be a fun way to incorporate them into handles. I just pressed them...gave them a bit of starch...cut them to my desired length...fold ends in to close raw edge and positioned them within the inside of bag...pinned to secure and top stitch on the front to secure the handles. I did reinforce a few times to secure. I just love how it shows how much "I love Island Batik" :-)

Either way you just made a super cute gift bag that is 100% Re-gift-able using the stunning Island Batik fabric. Hope you enjoyed this fun project!

Talk soon,

Cat