. . . a Junior Billie Bag!
Yes indeed. I’ve been hard at work on the components of this quilter’s tote in preparation for teaching a workshop later this month. The front/back panels are quilted and trimmed and the two sets of handles have been made.
The design of the handles is very clever. You start with strips of different widths, resulting in the wider strip wrapping around to the underside to form a faux piping. In the photo below you can see both sides of the handles:
The dark stripe would ordinarily go on the outside but I’m loving that jolt of royal blue with the contrasting piping so much I’ve decided to put it on the outside. That’s how the straps are positioned in the first photo.
I did some stash diving to come up with fabrics for the various and sundry pockets that make this quilter’s tote such a delight to use. Here you can see a few of the pockets I’ve made for the inside of the bag:
Still to come: pockets for the outside. All told, this Junior Billie Bag will have over 20 pockets, all thoughtfully sized to hold a quilter’s favorite tools.
When I started working on this tote I thought I might give it away. Now I don’t think I can bear to part with it!
Okay, I have finally heard the words of truth – stash diving! Another term for hoard diving, although your hoard is quite beautiful. This is going to be a stunning JBB and I think you should claim it for your own! SO beautiful.
Gorgeous blues!!! Love the effect of the straps with piping.
I can’t blame you for wanting to keep it. One can always find a use for a tote bag, anyway.
Hi Dawn.
Wish I could take your class. I would love to make a new Billie Bag for my self, but !! Not possible. Have fun.
Merethe
Beautiful! You have been so generous to so many with your class samples that of course you should keep it. Besides, these colors are so you :).
I can sure see why you can’ t stand to part with it. Wow Dawn, it is beautiful!
I really love your color choices.