“V” is for Velvet

“W” is for Wagon

“X” is for X-Ray

This is the final post in this tutorial. The handles and small zippered bag will be attached to the large tote.

This is part 5 in the series.

If you missed part 1, you can find it here.

Part 2 can be found here.

Part 3 an be found here.

Part 4 can be found here.)

There is a supply list for the project in Part 1.

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Making the handles.

To make the handles place the strip right face down on your ironing surface. Press one edge in a scant 1/2 inch. We just want this edge to be “finished”.

Lay the batting strip so the edge of the batting is touching the raw edge of the fabric strip.

Fold the opposite edge of the fabric strip over the batting.

Fold the “finished” edge of the fabric over the raw edge. Pin in place.

Straight stitch close to the folded edge down the length of the strip. Then stitch down the other side also.

Add a decorative stitch to the center.

Cut the strip in half to make the two handles.

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Attaching the Handles

Line up the raw edge of the finished handles along the edge of the bag top. The raw edge should touch. (Measure 2 inches from the side edges of the bag.) Make sure the straps are not twisted. Pin in place.

Using a straight stitch, attach the handles. Make sure to backstitch to keep the handles secure.

Fold the handle over itself and stitch. This is a thick seam – sew slowly and make sure to backstitch.

If you made the small zippered bag, loop the handle of the bag through the handle before sewing it on.

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I hope you all make lots of wonderful bags! I would love to see pictures of your finished projects.

Here is the next border quilted out. I will have the final pictures in the next update. I really like how all the designs are melding together and giving such wonderful texture.

I am making progress on the quilt. I am really enjoying doing it but life (and the kitchen remodel) has been interfering.

I thought that I would share a photo tutorial on how to stitch out a feathered heart design.

The first discovery…..

is that my pug has been crawling into my unfolded fabric basket while I am at work. The kids think it is cute, so he has gotten into this bad habit.

The second discovery…...

is that pool noodles work great on the long-arm. I had watched a video on using rice bags to stabilize the log-arm when doing detail or straight line work. The rice bags worked great but seemed to stretch the fabric out. I woke up one morning and had dreamt about slitting the pool noodle and putting it on the lower bar. It adds just a little bit of downforce on the bed of the machine and helps so much with control. I love how the brain works out problems while we are sleeping.