My quilt guild does an on going project where we make bags to give to Child Protective Services to give to the children in foster care. We use a patten called Mondo Bag by Quilt Smart. In the pattern the bag is made with small squares sewing together to make four 8 1/2 x 27" pieces. What we do is just cut the fabric 8 1/2" by 27", and start from there. It makes a great bag, with a large bottom, so that when you open it, it's easy to see what you have.