I saw this bag pattern in Lynette Anderson's book 'Quilting Cats and Dogs' and decided to make it to take to the fabulous Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, UK (Europe's biggest quilt show). The front flap is made using needle turn appliqué (including suffolk puffs/yoyos) and embroidery, while the front and back are made from crazy patchwork on a lightweight calico foundation. I used fabrics I already had in my stash/scrap bag and Bosal In-R-Form bag foam to give it structure. The side panel, handle and lining are all made from a lightweight cotton denim. I used a magnetic clasp rather than the loop and button suggested as I did't have a suitable button.
Lots of people approached me to admire the bag and I was lucky enough to meet Lynette Anderson there who gave it her seal of approval. How exciting is that?!
As usual, I saw lots of new products which I scooped up to try in future bags. Lots of stands were selling Decovil and I sought advice on the Vlieseline stand on how to use it. It is an adhesive stiffener which feels like leather and can be used with fabric or by itself with paint and embellishment in bag making to give that leather feel to a bag. I bought some and can't wait to try it.
I also bought a jar of Odicoat which is applied to fabric to make it water resistant - a bit like oilcloth but without the plasticky feel. That's another thing I'm looking forward to trying.
If any of you have any tips on using these products, I'd love to hear them.
