Friday 2 August 2013

courthouse steps bag

I have been playing about with some jelly roll that I have and decided to try my hand at the Courthouse steps block,  having made 25 blocks thought they might work as a bag so joined them all up and then made the back of the bag using strips of jelly rolls.   I mounted these on some bump with a muslin backing and hand quilted both pieces.   I used perle 5`s for the back,  this was a mistake as I thought it was an 8 perle.  The front I used 8`s in red and green,  working diagonals in the centre squares and just stitching up the centre of the steps.   For once I am feeling quite pleased with myself and at last feel like I am getting some where with my patchwork.    I lined the bag with a pretty piece of poly cotton,   I suppose you are tutting now that I did not use cotton but the bump is made from polyester so did not think it would matter.   This bag I will take to the quilt festival with me, lots of room in it too!   I even made a buttonhole on the tab fastening and covered a button with some of the fabric.



When I went to the local market to get the fabric for the lining I took my piece of bump with me  ( I did not know what it was ) and the lady said it was bump which is used to put between curtains and their lining.   Am I okay  to use it in patchwork, it is made from polyester, must say it was lovely to hand quilt.  Advice please.

Prior to making this bag I made another that was in the popular patchwork  bag special.  It is not as big as I would have liked in fact it is small  but was a good learning curve, will try and make another bigger as I am sure I can find things to put in it.  This one you cut the 2 pieces of fabric 9.5" by 15", it has an external pocket both on the front and the back.


I also used the bump in this one.  The bag I made prior that I put on my blog I think I will take apart and use some bump in it as it is very floppy and has no body, I put a small book in it and it went all out of shape,  never mind I have learnt by my mistakes!      Next think I want to try is a bit of machine quilting, I do have a walking foot which makes it easier so just watch this space but do not hold your breath.

20 comments:

Gaia said...

While, I don't understand a lot about quilting techniques I must say both bags are lovely. I like the shape and the flowered material used in the first bag a lot.

Mary Ellen said...

Don't know what "bump" is exactly. Probably called something else here. However, the proof is in the pudding, isn't it? You probably aren't going to wash the bags, although if it's polyester, there wouldn't be shrinkage anyway. I think it turned out fine and looks great. The "bump" seems to have given the bags body and you liked to quilt through it. Sounds like win-win to me.

motidana said...

Love the bags ! The quilting you have done looks pretty labourious and I admire your patience . You`ve achieved fantastic results after all that hard work .

Nana said...

They all look so good! I am terrible in bag-making but you obviously know how to do it.

Nana

JennyPennyPoppy said...

Wow Margaret, your bags are absolutely terrific! Congratulations on doing such a wonderful job on both of them. Looking forward to hearing about the quilt festival. Enjoy :)

Sparklyjools said...

I often just use an iron on medium weight vilene if the bag isn't to be quilted Margaret - it adds just enough support. Well done on your bag making - now to fill themup with goodies at the NEC!

Queeniepatch said...

You have become a real 'bag lady', ha, ha! A bag lady with style! The Courthouse Step bag is great and I think the bump is just perfect for your bags. Plenty of room, too, for the shopping spree at FOQ.

Sandi said...

I really love how your bags have turned out, Margaret, well done.

Createology said...

Margie you have truly made beautiful tote bags. I love how you are incorporating your quilting and sewing together. Fabulous Dear...

Pippas quilts said...

Your bags are great well done. Bump is fabulous whether hand or machine quilting. I do not care what the quilt police think I only found out about bump a couple of weeks ago, and I am going to use it wherever I need something to stand on its own. Quilters do use a lot of different polyester filings so I say go with it. May be I will get to the NEC. next year, enjoy yourself.

Chyfey said...

Great job Margaret on the bags.keep it up

Anonymous said...

Your bag is brilliant, well done! I like all the colours that you have used it is just lovely. I have never come across bump, I don't believe that you have to have a certain sort of fabric, if it works use it!

Starr White said...

Congrats on another great bag, Margaret! You have inspired me to try and finish the little hipster tote I started months ago.

Judith said...

I love your latest bag Margaret! Well done. It's absolutely gorgeous.

Annet said...

Wow, I love that courthouse step bag! A girl can never have enough bags.

Anita said...

You've made some beautiful bags Margaret.I love the courthouse steps bag and it seems to have lot of room ...I've never used bump ..Thanks for sharing your experience.

Jillian said...

I love the courthouse steps bag. It is fabulous. I am very much a bag lady and I've not heard of bump. Must look for it.

J Honda said...

very very pretty - your work is beautiful Margaret - thank you so much for sharing your process - I am so thankful to learn from experienced and talented women such as you :D

Alexandra said...

Noch mehr schöne Taschen von Dir.
Frau kann nicht genug Taschen haben!
LG
Alexandra

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