Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Friday, September 2, 2022

Just playing...

After finishing up Halloween Jubilee last week, I decided I could just play in my sewing room this week, and I did!  I started out by making myself a new quilted tote bag, using scraps from the Dutch fabrics that I used for this year's Stay at Home Round Robin.

There's even a little light blue 💙 in there for the September RSC color of the month!

My tote bags are based on this video tutorial from Missouri Star Quilt Company, and I've made several over the years.   I like to make them bigger (this one measures about 14 inches wide and 12 inches deep) and add things like inner pockets and a magnetic snap.  I use these instead of a purse, and have wanted a new one for awhile.


I played with string blocks this week, too - these are from Bonnie Hunter's free String X pattern.  I wanted to play with blues, cheddar/gold, and reds.  Look, there's even some light blue in there!


When groups of four are put together, they look like this:


Somehow along the way, I also made the two light blue Masala Box blocks that I need for September, so there is that!


On to the September projects!
Sharing at SoScrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday.
















19 comments:

Ivani said...

Pretty and elegant bag, Diann.
Just playing is so fun and you made great blocks.
Happy weekend!

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

my bags never turn out so nice, I have made tote bags but I don't care for making them I think and that is why they do not turn out neat.

Susie H said...

String-X is such a fun quilt to make. Love your version too -- bright & cheerful! I really need to make a new bag too. If I remember correctly, my Fall bag is showing the usual wear & tear! Have a good week!

Vicki in MN said...

I like your new bag and your new squirrel! I made a string X one year as an RSC project. Don't remember which tutorial I used but it was fun.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Your new bag is beautiful, and more pockets is always great ;) Fun and pretty X blocks, perfect for scraps! I love these colors too.
Lovely pale blue blocks also, of course you have a large collection with cute little penguins ;))

grammajudyb said...

Your Marsala blocks are coming to the end aren't they. Will we be seeing a quilt top soon? No pressure!!!!

Good job on the bag. I've sort of given up on purse making since my fiasco a year or so ago. Maybe I should give that tutorial a try. Who couldn't use another bag?

String X is a great block. It looks great with the pops of cheddar!

Linda said...

Those Dutch fabrics made such a pretty bag! I use a cross-body mini purse, and I am thinking about making a cross-body tote of some kind. Wearing anything on my shoulder just exhausts me for some reason. I love your strings!! Trying to avert my eyes. ;)

Cathy said...

Oh my… where to start? I love your bag! I’ll have to check out that video. The Dutch fabrics are so elegant. And those X string blocks! I never would have thought to put those colors together, but they look amazing! That is going to be a fun project. And your Masala blocks - you must be getting close to the finish line on that, and I can’t wait to see it!

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

oohhh...playing is fun and you're off tho a great start on using light blue this month!

Deb A said...

Primary colors make such eye catching quilts. Your bag came out great and those masala blocks are adding up. Have a great weekend.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Congrats on your new bag and a nice start on you Light BLUE sewing for the RSC, Diann!!

maggie fellow said...

great little bag- I like the colors in the string x - bright and happy

Cathy said...

Oh, I'm loving that String X!

Jenny said...

Pretty bag, lovely blocks, a great week of stitching!

CathieJ said...

I really like your tote. Thanks for the link. I like the fabrics that you used for it. Enjoy.

Bonnie said...

You got a lot done for ‘just’ playing in your sewing room. Your string x blocks look great. I think I’ll copy your idea. I’m retreating in Oct and need some projects I don’t need to think too much about while there. I’m sure I can find some hunk of solid to cut in advance and I’ll throw a bag of strings in to pull from. Did you use paper or cloth foundation or did you just sew the strings together? Thanks for the inspiration.

MissPat said...

I really should make a new bag for fall, but I don't want anything that big. I also need to make a little "wallet" for my Driver's License and credit card since I don't carry a big wallet anymore. Looks like you had un this week just playing around.
Pat

Sandy Panagos said...

Your projects are so fun. I need to take a look at that Bonnie Hunter pattern. My strings basket is suddenly overflowing!

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

You certainly had a great play day , Diann. The bag is darling and love the String X blocks. I am going to have to give them a go sometime soon. Have a great week.