I got the pattern because if I added $4 to my order I got free shipping. :lol: I've only made one purse before, the type with a metal frame, so are there any special tips to give me?

And darn... I was at Joann's today and I totally forgot to look for penguin fabric. My son's girlfriend loves penguins so I thought I would do one for her.

I bought the pattern too but I bought mine from Debbie. I am going to watch for any great tips too. Some of the holiday ones inspired me to give it a try.

There is a nice tutorial here in the Tutorial section :D:D:D

I found it. Thanks :)

It helps to use a walking foot on the thicker parts! I thought the straps were short and cut 2 pieces of the fabric and fleece rather than one so I could make them longer. Measure a bag you like the strap size on and check before you start cutting. It's very easy to put together.

I don't have a walking foot but my Sapphire supposedly has the sense for thickness. But, I don't quilt with it so it's not something I've run into yet.

I've got a Sapphire too and still prefer to use the walking foot. You could change the setting to C, that might help. I'd try it out on some scraps first to see if you are happy with the results. I think the stitches come out more evenly with the walking foot.

I will have to wait til I get a walking foot.

I did mine and never used a walking foot. They turned out fine. I quilted my fabric on the long arm before I cut the pieces out to size. I can't quilt on my domestic machine.....it just ain't happening...lol. They are fun to make. I'm making about 6 more this weekend. The fabric is up on the quilting machine and I just need to be able to pry myself from the computer so I can go finish the quilting.

I think I'm making 2 of them this weekend but don't know if I want to go to the trouble of getting them both on the longarm. I'll see how it goes.

Going to take a look at the pattern to make sure I have everything I need then off to get some penguin fabric.