One of the first quilty stories I heard when I started quilting was something along the line of this. A nonquilter asks a quilter what was involved in quilting. The quilter answers, “I pick out a variety of quilting cottons and cut them out according to a pattern and then stitch them together to make a quilt top.”
The response is with a wry smile. “So…. you cut apart fabric into little pieces and then sew them back together again.”
“Yep.”
We’ve all heard a version of that and it is a little funny! The amazing thing is how little it captures the quilting experience. Sure, we cut out and piece back together. But when we sew the pieces together again, the pieces transform into something new and different and way cooler. There is kind of a magic in that process. That is one reason that keeps us coming back for more.
So, this is a chance to have that magic on a small scale. Grab some scraps and have fun putting together a scrappy tote.
The pattern That Patchwork Tote includes two designs, one with the strips that meet in the middle and the other with offset strips. You will see some of both styles in the tester bags below.
Enjoy the beautiful tester bags below & grab your coupon code at the bottom of the post.
Let’s start with Mary Jo’s beautiful tote! Love the cross hatch quilting!
Pat increased the length of her handles to fit her style. I love how easy it is to make adjustments to make it our own. Love these beautiful blues!
I love Cara’s handles on this bag and, well, everything else about it too! Lovely!
I have to admit this might be my favorite, no bias at all 🙂 My daughter Olivia joined in the testing and she did an awesome job. It was a great way to test how easily a beginner could take on the project. Way to go Olivia <proud mom moment!!>.
April is a new sewer as well. What a fabulous bag and so cool that you did such a great job on it. Way to go April!
Leigh Ann’s pretty stitching shows another way to quilt the bag. Awesome!
I love Daryl’s quilting on her bag. It perfectly complements the pretty batiks she used.
Sarah’s fabrics are adorable together. Love this look!
One of the coolest things is seeing how different a bag looks depending on the fabrics chosen. These soft fabrics are so delicate and sweet. Thanks, Joyce!
I want to make a version like Melissa’s below. She put together solid faux leathers and I think they look amazing together!
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the wide variety of fabrics on these bags and you caught a little inspiration for your own patchwork tote!
That Patchwork Tote is now available as a PDF or paper pattern. Now through Sunday, you can use the coupon code PATCHWORK for 25% off the price (thru Sunday, April 28, 2024, midnight CDT). When you check out, enter the coupon code in the coupon code box to save 25%.
You can get the pattern That Patchwork Tote here.
Enjoy your sewing and thanks so much for stopping by!
