My own design - airline cabin bag

Well that is what I meant it to be. But it is HUGE. I followed all the airline guidelines for cabin bags and finished it measures correctly, but what airline will let me use it I don't know. I do have more left over furnishing materials to make a smaller one (what a surprise - more material - me!!!).

One side

But I am thrilled with this and the finish. I get frustrated with box type bags when you undo the zip it is sometimes hard to pack or retrieve items. So I made this with a square bottom but sides that open completely. Then, once the bag is packed, using the clips and D rings - hey voila - it turns into a square shape that is easy to take.

The other side

I straight line quilted this and bound inside seams with bias binding as french seaming them was just too bulky. The straps and the clips are all from belts bought at second hand shops but the most expensive things were the zip and bag feet which are brand new.

Inside

So we are off to Rarotonga but this is just too big so am not taking it. Hmmm. Number two will be happening pretty soon I think.

All clipped and ready for travel

I link to these places though some will be in a couple of weeks when we come back from holiday.

smart bag feet.

All my own design

I have been working on this quilt since 2010.

Well to be honest I parked it since May 2011. When I last blogged about it - here.

I started it when I went to an amazing day in CHCH that was with Leanne Beasley and Rosalie Quinlan. The most fabulous day in the world. Leanne taught how to put a quilt together, how to design it, layout etc.

Rosalie taught hand applique - in a method that has not pins and is so easy.

I got inspired when I got home and started this. There is a lot of embroidery all designed by me, heaps of blocks in miniature (finished block size 4.5") and a lot of applique, also designed by me - in fact the entire quilt is a Karen Schulz original.

I parked and did not finish as there were two blocks to stitch. But finally I realised that this needed to be finished and so I decided not to do any stitching but just assemble it. So I sewed it together, put on the border with flying geese just in the bottom left corner. I am loving it. I pinned it out last night and now it is ready to quilt. Hmm there is so many other things going on in this quilt that I think I may just have to be stitch in the ditch. Hopefully I will not park it too long but actually get on with quilting it.

I link to these places.