Hello Fall Scrappy Bag with Giveaway

Let me begin by thanking Carla of Creatin’ in the Sticks for organizing another wonderful blog hop. She keeps us filled with inspiration and creative endeavors.

As I mentioned in my blog post a few weeks ago, I have been sewing hobo bags with “my seniors.” (I work at an Assisted Living facility as an art therapist.) Another recent development is we’ve started a knitting club at work. While I had learned to knit over the years, I was never any good and didn’t stick with it. I had never even completed a single project before. I had been reading about the recent increased popularity of knitting during quarantine. I’ve discovered for myself how knitting is therapeutic, meditative and I have actually stuck with it!! I began with making a few small knitted hats but then planned a bigger project. I needed something to store my yarn, needles and stuff. Guess what makes the perfect holder for knitting projects… a hobo bag of course!! Using the reversible hobo bag pattern by Very Purple Person, I devised an extra scrappy version in all fall colors.

To begin this project, I gathered a bunch of 2-inch fabric squares in an array of fall colors. I sewed several 8 x 8 blocks from my 2″ squares. When finished, the squares measure 1.5″ and look like blocks for a postage stamp quilt. These 4 blocks plus a few thinner strips for straps and I was on my way.

My goal with the blocks was to nest seams and press everything as flat as possible. Here is how a few backs of the blocks looked before I sewed them up. I think I did a fairly good job, though I wasn’t aiming for perfection.

Let’s talk about the bag pattern for a moment. If you want to check out the Reversible Hobo bag pattern, I promise it’s very easy to make. Please note three things that may help you quite a bit.

• One: I altered the original pattern to make the each of the straps 5.25″ longer. The original pattern was hugging the underarm too much to be carried.
• Two: There’s a fun video tutorial that is by wacky Mr. Domestic and very useful if you’re a visual learner.
• Three: Be careful when attaching the straps together. I made mistakes many times doing this but it’s not hard at all. I was just not paying attention. If you make the bag, please send me a message and I’ll explain it so you won’t have to stumble like I did. (Or look at this other tutorial that may illustrate the straps better.)

This is my adaptation of the pattern to make the straps function properly.

To make this scrappy bag, you’ll need to sew together enough blocks of squares to fit the pattern. I made the outside of my bag all patchwork but left the lining a solid orange fabric. You’ll need to cut 2 outside pieces and 2 lining pieces. In my case, I made a few smaller strips of squares to piece together the handles. I wanted the outside of the bag to be made entirely of small squares. I also added a zippered pocket to my bag. While that’s not on the pattern or video, it isn’t hard at all. Just remember that the zippered pocket needs to be added before you sew the pieces together.

Here’s my finished bag. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I’m getting lots of compliments. I have another resident who plans to make one in a polka dot fabric to hold her own knitting stuff. One project inspires another!!

I love looking at the scrappy squares and finding some of my favorite little novelty fabrics. There are leaves, owls, deer, sea otters and of course, this little hedgehog.

Lately I’ve been carrying the bag everywhere I go. I’m about to complete my first ever knitted baby blanket and the hobo bag holds the entire thing! I plan to donate it to Jack’s Basket, assuming it ends up meeting their size requirement. I promise to share the finished blanket at some later date. I am learning so much about knitting, but haven’t forgotten my passion for all things fabric. This practical and very useful scrappy fall bag makes me so happy!! I am dreaming about making another one in another color scheme.

My new knitting bag brings me so much happiness.

GIVEAWAY TIME

UPDATE: The winner of the giveaway below has been notified and arriving via UPS. Congrats to Barbara of Maryland!!!!

I am excited to offer another blog hop giveaway. Here’s the scoop! The deadline to enter is midnight, Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Just leave a comment on my blog post mentioning your favorite thing about the Fall season. Sorry, but only U.S. addresses are eligible.

Here’s the complete Giveaway. This issue of Quilt Now came with lots of other pamphlets and I’ve adding in a mini charm pack and 3 lace zippers.

• The Giveaway contents:
• 1 mini charm of “Snow Day” by Stacy Iest Hsu
• Three -12″ lace zippers (brick red, green and ivory)
• Quilt Now magazine (Issue 69) which has lots of holiday craft ideas

( Sorry, but due to postal costs, only U.S. addresses are eligible for the giveaway. The fabric line for the mini charm pack can be seen here. Highlights of the Quilt Now issue 69 can be found here.)

NOW GO AHEAD AND HOP!!! Please check out all the other fabulous projects in this Hop. Below is the schedule for you to be inspired, visit other blogs and leave a comment when you can. It really means a great deal to get your comments so thank you in advance. Follow the Hello Fall Pinterest Board for all the links.

Monday, September 21st
Just Let Me Quilt
Websterquilt
Karen’s Korner
Elizabeth Coughlin Designs
QuiltFabrication.com
Karrin’s Crazy World
Seams To Be Sew
The Joyful Quilter
Kathleen McMusing 

Tuesday, September 22nd
MooseStashQuilting
Quilting Gail
That Fabric Feeling YOU ARE HERE!!
Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting
Kathy’s Kwilts and More
Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life
Sew Many Yarns
Sunshine in the Attic
Becky’s Adventures in Quilting and Travel
Food for Thought

Wednesday, September 23rd
Quiltscapes
Ms P Designs USA
Stitchin At Home
Just Because Quilts
beaquilter
Patchwork Breeze
Selinaquilts
Lily Patch Quilts
Not Afraid Of Color
Quilting & Learning: What a Combo!

Thursday, September 24th
Creatin’ in the Sticks
Quilt Schmilt
Bumbleberry Stitches
Samelia’s Mum
Life in the Scrapatch
Storied Quilts
Songbird Designs
Quiltifications
Words & Stitches
For the love of geese

Linking to: Oh Scrap, Midweek Makers, My Quilt Infatuation, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Peacock Party, Finished or not Friday, Brag About Your Goodies