Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Finally finished

While waiting for my 45 degree triangle ruler to come in the mail this week, I decided it was time to finish up a tote bag I had started back in April.   Who knows why that happens sometimes - I was planning on a new Spring bag for myself, but I set it aside and took 3 months to finish it up!

Back in early April, I had made two quilted panels using a charm pack of Authentic by Sweetwater and pieces of By Annie's Soft and Stable.  My design for the panels was inspired by a tutorial from Quilting in the Rain called the La Conner Bag, although I've made mine in my own preferred dimensions.

These measured 13" x 17".

And that's as far as I got!

This week, I finished everything up to finally have a new tote bag for summer! (just a little later than expected...)

I really like how sturdy the Soft and Stable makes the bag, compared to the regular quilt batting I've used in the past. 

Here's a peek at the lining and inside pockets made with a coordinating scrap of green and white. 


I use these tote bags instead of purses, so I just make a new one whenever I'm in the mood for a new bag!  I think I'll enjoy this one!

The finished bag measures about 10 inches deep by 12 inches long, and the boxed bottom makes it 4 inches wide.

Meanwhile, my new ruler arrived, so I can get back to working on the triangle blocks for the Christmas in July project!  You have to scroll way down to see the wall-hanging she made.  It's beautiful!

I was comparing the new ruler on the right to the Tri Recs triangle ruler.
The 45 degree ruler is definitely narrower, so I can see where
I went wrong with my practice blocks!

I had to cut up a few scraps to see if I remembered how to make a block using this ruler, and here it is - 

To make the project I have in mind from Sarah's Christmas in July design, I'll have to go shopping, so it's not going to be finished in July.   But maybe it will be done by December, lol!

Sharing at Quilting is more fun than Housework for Oh Scrap!






13 comments:

Carol R. said...

I love that tote bag! I've been making tote bags from 5" squares this year but never thought about putting the squares on an angle... I'm definitely going to have to try it!

Louise said...

Very cute bag! Do you install a snap or velcro or something to keep the top closed? I've got to try the Soft and Stable stuff. Everyone likes it :)

Vicki in MN said...

I love the blocks set on an angle, gives your bag more character. Glad your new rulers arrived and we'll now see your new blocks taking shape.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have used the soft and sable in bags and like it. which ruler was it that you needed? I think I have both of those but not sure

Jeanne said...

Hooray! The new ruler arrived!! :)

Jayne said...

There is a big difference in the two ruler sizes! Your all set now and I imagine you will be cranking out triangles left and right! Congrats on the bag finish! It looks like the perfect size to me and I love the wide handles!

piecefulwendy said...

Now I need to go see if I have those rulers. I think I might. On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't -- because I don't need another project! Love that bag, and pockets inside are always a bonus!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Oh, I love a bag with lots of pockets inside! Pretty colors.

chrisknits said...

What a cute tote! Great finish, finally.

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

I am looking forward to seeing what you do with that ruler. I think I have one that I have never used.

Your handbag looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!

Linda said...

Nice tote! Love the colors.

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

great bag, worth the wait.
I think I have a similar ruler, I must check out how to use it properly

Preeti said...

Hey Diann, it is still summer and the temperatures are unlikely to cool down any time soon. Your summery green tote bag is still fashionable :-) Did you Anne's quilt (Springleaf Studios) featured on Kelly's blog (My Quilt Infatuation)? I need to get an equilateral triangle ruler.