This week’s  Sewing Collective project is Wendi’s embellished version of the Stitch and Stash Bag pattern, perfect for needlework on the go. Cinch it up, cuff it down or turn it inside out, this bag’s got tricks!

 

Hi! This is Wendi! I chose to work with the Stitch & Stash Project Bag for two reasons.

1. I love handwork, and I’m sick of carrying my projects around in ugly ziplock bags. These bags are so pretty! Plus they’re reversible and come in three different sizes – perfect for the various kinds of projects I schlepp around with me.

2. There’s a nice flat surface in the front – ideal for adding a bit of applique or embroidery.

My perfect project!

I only made a couple of simple changes to the project.

I decided not to add the snaps because I know I will never actually snap them and I like the shape without tucking in the sides.

I quilted the outer bag fabric instead of just staystitching the batting around the edges. I love the little bit of extra texture the swoopy quilted waves add to the front. I just quilted the batting to the main fabric – no need to add a backing fabric. This is how I quilt all my quilts, too.

You might worry that that will make the seams too bulky, but if you use 100% cotton batting (I love Warm & Natural) and press the seams open, it’ll squish nice and flat.

 

 

When I work with batting like this I also use my Wonder Clips instead of pins. They’re great for holding bulky fabrics in place with no distortion!

 

 

Of course, the main change I made was adding the cute kitty. After I did the quilting, I appliqued the cat in place with fusible adhesive and stitched around all the pieces with black thread. I love the cartoony pop that gives.

 

 

The cat is one of the blocks in my Cats Quilt, shrunk down a bit. I made the small bag and resized the cat image to be 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide. That left plenty of breathing room between the top of the cat and the grommet, and fit from side to side nicely. I wouldn’t go any bigger than that in either direction for whatever image you’re adding.

I love it! And my daughter has already requested one with a monster on it, and a tall, skinny pocket inside especially for holding a few crochet hooks. I see a lot more of these in my future. 🙂

 

(Here’s a shot of bag open and cuffed for easy access to your project. The interior has a patch pocket for small accessories. Designed with knitters and crocheters in mind, there are no zippers, Velcro or drawstrings to snag your yarn or get in your way! – Betz)

 

Find Wendi: Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

 

This post is part of the Betz White Sewing Collective series. Content is written by compensated contributors expressing their own views and opinions.