It was a holiday weekend here in the US, so I took a couple of days off. I did occupy myself with a useful and fun project that I'd love to share with you all today.
This little mini bag is a free pattern from Moda that you can easily download and get to sewing on yourself. I had a ton of leftover scraps of Nantucket fabric (by Camille Rosskelley), which made me want to make it even more. To assist me in the project, I followed along with a fantastic YouTube tutorial made by Sheri of A Quilting Life. She takes you through the process every step of the way and offers loads of helpful tips.
You can easily make this little patchwork bag using a mini-charm pack. I bet you have one of those sitting around somewhere that you never knew what to do with, right? Of course, you can use regular charm packs or any scraps you have on hand.
You will also need a piece of fabric for the lining, some fusible batting, and a zipper.
The first step is to sew forty 2 1/2 inch squares together and fuse it to the batting. Trim to the size required and continue to follow the construction directions. Sherri shows you how to do it all.
The bag is the perfect size for cosmetics, charging cords, or sewing notions. You can probably come up with loads of ideas on how to use one.
In my case, I made the bag for a friend who is in poor health. I filled it with cozy socks, lip balm, hand lotion, face wash, and tissues. My hope is that it will be something useful that will add to her comfort.
I've made lots of zippy bags in my life, but I don't recall ever making one that was all patchwork. I love how it turned out and plan to use up those mini charm packs I have to make more! Recently my sisters reminded me that even though I made them little makeup bags some years back, they do wear out, and new ones would be appreciated.
Your patchwork bag is too cute! Im going to try one 🤗. Your friend will love this gift!
Posted by: Pamela Dempsey | February 20, 2024 at 04:54 AM
Sherri's videos are always good. So cute and I do have mini-charms to use up!
Posted by: sue s | February 20, 2024 at 06:32 AM
What a cute bag & such a thoughtful gift for your friend! She's going to feel pampered with the collection of comfort items inside! I'm off to take a look at that tutorial!
Posted by: Jan | February 20, 2024 at 07:21 AM
I’ve made the Nantucket bag and it was a fun one to make! I’ll definitely ba making more. It’s a perfect way to use the mini-charms.
Posted by: Sandra | February 20, 2024 at 07:23 AM
Thank you SO much for this information. Just yesterday, I found out that a friend will be starting a grueling regime of chemo beginning tomorrow. I was wracking my brain trying to think of something I could do to let her know I’m thinking of her and I care. Your blog post was so timely! And yes, I do have a mini charm pack just lying around, so I have already begun working on the bag. I watched Sherri’s video (isn’t she the best!) and have ordered Soft and Stable and an Annie’s zipper. While I’m waiting for their arrival, I’ll be picking up little items to pack inside the bag. Thanks!
Posted by: Margaret | February 20, 2024 at 06:15 PM
Love your little bag and the goodies you packed for your friend.
Posted by: Anita | February 20, 2024 at 09:52 PM