My New Bag – Quilt As You Go

An Island Batik Ambassador Adventure

Intimidation! That’s what I experienced when I saw the August Ambassador assignment. I have never done a quilt as you go, and did not want to begin another quilt, table runner or pillow. After recently sorting through my handbags and tossing and donating a few, I decided it was time for a new one! I used a free pattern off the internet – The Phoebe Bag, and adapted the pattern to quilt as you go.

I pulled and pulled fabrics from my Island Batik bin. Purples won! Instead of batting or stiff interfacing, I used foam! In the fabric store it’s located with the interfacings and you can get it plain, fusible on one side or fusible on both sides. I chose the fusible on one side. Much to my delight it was a dream to sew!

I placed a rectangle in the center of the main part of the bag, and then placed another on top. I then sewed the two fabrics together, directly on the foam. I pressed open and quilted on top. I repeated that around and around until the bag piece was covered, then trimmed. I repeated for the back. For the straps and closure flap I used interfacing.

Following the pattern, I added a pocket to the lining, and then a second pocket sized for my cell phone. I have a feeling this will be a favorite for a while. No doubt I will be using this method for another bag soon.

This August be sure to check out what the other Island Batik Ambassadors are creating for their Quilt as You Go projects.

Linking up with: Em’s Scrapbag.