Hello and welcome to the third part of the UKQU Sewing Challenge; a challenge where we are using our patchwork and quilting skills to create other things than quilts, such as for example garments, accessories, or things for the home. Please read on to find out what the next challenge is.
I am not sure if the end of summer / early autumn challenge called “wrapping up summer” was too time consuming a challenge or if it was bad timing, but I have a slightly easier challenge for you this time!
The task is to make a shopping / tote bag. It’s up to you if you line it, add pockets, zips and embellishments, or keep it really simple with a single layer – perhaps using French seams to cover any raw edges?
To add that patchwork / quilting twist, please remember to include some type of patchwork/quilting element; perhaps treat it as a wholecloth and cover it in intricate quilting, use some left-over quilt blocks or show that you belong UK Quilters United by incorporating our logo in the design (appliqué or foundation paper piecing patterns are available).
Appliquéd Dresden on a calico background and sewn together with French seams. Simple, still eye catching. I wouldn’t recommend using this light a coloured fabric though as it gets grubby really quickly!
A work colleague was moving abroad and gifted me some goodies from her fabric stash, which I promptly cut up into lots of tiny squares to create this tote bag. Lined with a funky Union Jack fabric, but not actually quilted (more than the handles…)
Sun flower block designed by Jenny of Papper Sax Sten, turned into a tote bag with extra long handles. Padded and quilted to give that extra bit of body to the bag.
Some useful links to get you started:
Simple tote bag with French seams by Svetlana from Sotak Handmade – https://www.sotakco.nl/free-tutorials/2021/02/quick-and-easy-french-seams-tote-bag.html (text/photos and video)
Lined summer tote bag with external pockets by Anna from Noodlehead (this is an oldie, but her patterns are always easy to follow) – https://blog.noodle-head.com/2011/06/summer-madras-tote-pattern-2.html (text/photos)
The founders behind Morsbags are on a mission to replace plastic bags with reusable – find the instructions on their website and perhaps start you own pod? – https://morsbags.com/make-a-morsbag/ (text/photos and video)
UKQU logo; appliqué and FPP: https://ukqu.co.uk/shops/nina/
Join in the discussion
Please do share your tips and ideas, as well as what you are making on Facebook. You’re welcome to use both our main group, UK Quilters United and the dedicated UKQU Sewing Challenge (links below). If you add #ukquSewingChallenge to your posts in the main group, it’ll be easier for everyone to find them (I can add topics/hashtags to your post should you forget).
Feel free to join in when you have time; this is all about making something else than quilts and having some fun. Also, please remember, you’re keeping what you’re making, so there is no pressure to be done at a specific time, although I’ll be sharing a new challenge in the autumn.
UK Quilters United (our main group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/UKQuiltersUnited
UKQU Sewing Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ukqusewingchallenge
Have fun everyone!
/ Nina xx
PS. All challenges can be found under Blocks of the Month – UKQU Sewing Challenge – https://ukqu.co.uk/ukqu-sewing-challenge-2/
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