Scrappy Mama's Bag

Tis a season for finishes, it seams!  Which is good because I have a very long list of projects I'd like to start... today?  It's always a joy to see the finished quilty goodness piling up.



So here's my mama's bag all ready to wear.  Ta da!  Of course, I have a favorite side (both being quite different), and this is it.  I really love the multi-directional dense quilting and all those tiny scraps.  Most scrappy!



I finished my purse with leather handles, thanks to your recommendations.  The thought wasn't even on my radar when I asked!  I did have to order them since local was non-existent, but once here they were easy to install.



I hand stitched these 24" handles to my finished purse with black button thread through the pre-punched holes.  I hope these handles are good and sturdy, because I'm sure to wear this one to death someday.  They certainly feel soft in the hand and cushy on the shoulder.  So far, I highly recommend leather over the thin linen handles I had sewn last time (just practically speaking.  Of course, the linen is pretty!).



I added 3 pockets to the lining before assembling.  The velveteen pocket is for my phone.  Total phone luxury happening here!  And there's a great big one that kind of flops open, but it'll work.  I meant to add magnetic snap closure to the purse before assembling, but totally forgot and then decided to be lazy.  Ah well, I always forget something when I make a bag!



So, another quilted purse for me to wear and love, day in and day out.  I'll be wearing it to Quilt Con, for sure.  That's starting to feel soon-ish!



Here in the States today is election day.  Guess what else?  It's Aria's birthday!  I'll never forget how my very politically-minded Dad grinned and grinned when she was born on such a patriotic day.  Aria received some birthday money from great-grandma and high-tailed it to the local fabric store where she could use her coupons to buy fleece and yardage for her sewing schemes.  The girl has already made about half the projects in that Sewing School book.  She's got it bad, friends.

I don't know how that could have happened!

And my friend Ruth at Sew Love Fabrics sent 2 charm packs as a surprise birthday gift to Aria.  The girl is over-the-moon.  Can't at all believe her luck!  She'll be sending a thank-you note, Ruth.  Thanks for your sweet thoughtfulness!