I see what you are saying but the problem is...I don't have ANY plain fabrics. This bag is made of horizontal strips on the front and vertical on the back. Each strip is seperated by a thinner solid strip. I think you misunderstood...I bought only 1 bundle of what you are calling the fat quarters. I took a list and then when you get to the store and they don't always have exactly what is on your list...ya have to improvise and that's what always gets me. Trying to stand in the store with other customers trying to get by you...and a woman who had a SCREAMING baby who would NOT stop. She had a cart full of fabric and was carrying the baby and talking on her cell. Whoever she was talking to must have asked why the baby was screaming...the mother said...because she can. She had hoped something she had in her cart was on sale and after the cutter started measuring out 9 yards she asked her and she said no...but you could use the 40% coupon in your flyer. The lady said she had used it last week so I gladly said...here take mine...just so she would get out of there...LOL. Anyway....the piece of 1 1/4 yds. of fabric was just a bit more than called for...she calls for 1 1/8 yds. If I recall the # of strips needed...it is 16 and these jelly rolls have 20 strips in each.

I was thinking about a Vera Bradley last night after I figured out what I had spent. I've never heard of Fossil...but then I don't get out much...lol.

The bad thing is...tomorrow I am going over to my friend's house that lives close to a much bigger Joann's and the PA Fabric Outlet. We always seem to end up at one of them...or both. I must keep reciting the mantra...I DO NOT NEED ANY MORE FABRIC. Well...unless it's on sale for a GREAT price.

LOL...I WILL remember that. I can just see my daughter and both grandaughters on Christmas Eve when we have our family Christmas and we exchange gifts. All 3 will say...OMG I love it. Will you make me one like that now?

I have been wanting to tell you how SO adorable that baby girl is in your avatar. Is that your little one?

Just remember that the fabric you bought is enough to make several bags. This is how we start our stashes. I have done the same thing for handbags. You REALLY don't SAVE money by making things yourself, but you create something unique that can't be duplicated by anyone else. And you fullfill your nead to create. Sometimes I wonder why I bought a certain fabric but am never remorseful.

I bought an old Singer portable for $75. It needed a LOT of work. It was so heavy I could hardly lift it. I ended donating it to our student museum. Don't know what I was thinking.

The Fossil bags start at $300 in my town - think I'll save up for a trip...ho ho

I spent over $100 yesterday on fabric I didn't need at all but it was on sale and very pretty! LOL

I just went to Fossil bags website...OMG. I DID see one kind of similar to the one I am making for her. It's listed at $138. if I remember correctly. So...hey with my time for the one I am making I guess I got a good deal. LOL

i always keep a rolling total in my head so i know exactly what im spending. . .not that it helps mind you, as i still have the "omg what did i do?!" feeling. (only lasts till i get home tho, lol)

Take the leftover fabric, make something beautiful and sell it! Then your fabric will be free! :-)

I go through that in every purchase I make, but the old prices are not there anymore like they used to be. Even with coupons, it helps, but does not bring down the total to what one would feel comfortable with. But the purchase is for a good reason, and enjoy!