Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Gifts for Safelight

I was just finishing a project this past week when a little squirrel jumped out at me. It was the perfect time. I'm not even sure you can call this a squirrel because I wasn't interrupting anything to chase it. But it became an obsession, so yes, a squirrel. I was reading Needle and Foot and saw the cute cosmetic bag and sunglass case that Bernie made for a collection that Carole from My Carolina Home is gathering for Safelight, a residential shelter for victims of domestic violence. 

I don't often make bags. I like the idea of making them, but they tend to be too fiddly for me. But when I saw the pattern for these, I knew I could make them. They are so simple, but so CUTE! 

I knew almost immediately that I wanted to make a set from a Wonderlust fabric (Tapestry in Multi Olive by Paula Nadelstern) I had won a few weeks ago through a giveaway by Sandra of mmm! quilts. I chose a solid black for the linings.These went together very quickly. I spent the most time figuring out how to center the fabrics so there would be symmetry in each piece. I'm thrilled with how they turned out. 





I had so much fun, I just had to make another set. I dithered awhile over what fabric to use but kept coming back to a leftover piece of my favorite Amy Butler fabric (Lark Dreamer Heirloom Blue Sky--that's a mouthful). I had used it to make a phone case, a wallet and a few other items a few years ago. 



There was just enough. I paired it with a light green Hoffman Internationals print from way back in my past.







I used a scrap of Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 batting for all of the bags and quilted them with random threads and my walking foot, just eyeballing along lines in the prints. Lately, I've been trying more to do straight lines this way. I try to focus my eyes about 2 inches ahead of my needle. I'm starting to feel comfortable with it, and a tiny project like this is just right for practice. 

I'm not great at sharp corners when I make bags, but I have decided that if I can't make them sharp, it's good enough if they all look pretty much like each other. I did lock stitches to make sure they were sturdy. 

I like these so much, I may need to make some for myself! If you would like a fun, quick project that might bring a spark of joy to someone going through a rough time, I highly  recommend this one for Carole. Check out her site to see how she's using these to fill gift bags and to see some other options you might like for helping with her project. If you look around, you'll find her pattern as well as photos of the contents of the gifts and some of the bags other people have made. 

I'm linking up this week with Sew Fresh Quilts for Let's Bee Social and crazy mom quilts for Finish It Up Friday. And on the 28th, I'll link up with mmm! quilts for Sandra's DrEAMi linky party

So whether you're a bag maker or not, I hope your quilty week is going great. 

(I'm not affiliated with any company, so when I mention products or services, I'm just documenting what I used or liked.)

17 comments:

Kate said...

Your bags are really cute. I am sure they will be loved by the recepients.

Mari said...

These are so pretty! The use of prints like those reminds me of Vera Bradley bags and other like them. Sure to be appreciated!

Linda said...

So cute - they look like retail merchandise! That Lark Dreamer fabric is gorgeous. Those will make someone feel very special.

KaHolly said...

Your bags are gorgeous and anyone would be pleased to be gifted with them! Making a few has been on my list for a couple of days, but I’m winding down my Texas stay and have been so busy trying to finish up everything I’ve already started before I s project just keeps getting pushed back. I should just do it! I’m sure it wouldn’t take very long. Well done. Your corners look just fine!

Bernie Kringel said...

Wow, your fabric choices are wonderful Janine. Really striking. I'm glad you joined in with this project. The pattern is a lot of fun to make. I could see the cosmetic bag enlarged as a tablet or laptop cover as long as it was filled with something stronger than just quilt batting. Hmmm..... this might be fun to try.

Louise said...

They turned out so nice, Janine! Such pretty little bags to brighten the day of someone who really needs it :)

Janice Holton said...

I'm like you! I like the idea of a bag, but don't like the fiddly part. I am seriously considering making some sunglass/reading glasses cases though. The older we get, the more we need those reading glasses! And the more people I know that need them! :D Yours turned out so great. The fabrics are really fun!

somethingrosemade14@blogspot.com said...

Your pouches turned out pretty and it really does feel like a big accomplishment when you make something small and useful. I wish I had more patience for making them and it something I should do. BTW, great idea to use the b/w ticking fabric for a backdrop to showcase them. I may need to borrow this idea.

Sandra Walker said...

Janine, these are just incredibly fabulous on many levels. You did wonderful over-the-top job at ensuring symmetry happened with Paula's fabrics, and the quilting (looking ahead of the needle, which I do, and had just been thinking about this past week as I quilted many many lines on a recent finish... Wonderful cause is the other level of fabulous. I'm going to tell Lisa at Benartex to be sure to pop in here, and thank you in advance for linking up and promoting my DreAMi! linky party. :-)

Preeti said...

I'd love to make one of these Velcro pouches. I already saved the pattern. The prints are so fabulous and your finishing is so neat.

cocoya said...

These are so pretty! The use of prints like those reminds me of Vera Bradley bags and other like them. Sure to be appreciated!
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LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I made some of those, too! Yours are so pretty! I know they will be really appreciated.

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

love these sets you made.

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Beautiful finished sets, Janine! What a great squirrel project.

Tracie said...

Oooo, that Amy Butler print is perfect! Great choice <3

Jannette said...

LOVE those pouches! Thanks for the info and pattern link - I'll see if I can make and send a few this week. Love the new blocks too!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Fantastic!! Love the prints, and thank you so much for contributing to the Safelight Project!!