Quilt retreat gifts
 

I have a quilt retreat in February. Over the last year the same 12 of us have had two retreats so this will be our first for 2021. Most times at our retreats someone will bring a little something to give everyone. It's not expected nor required but so nice to receive something to remember the retreat. I thought I'd make each one a gift this time. I am using the free M'Liss Rae Hawley fat quarter bag pattern. It's a nice bag. It will hold a king size quilt, perfect for carrying quilts to show and tell, etc. I'm using a lot of my stash I didn't have a use for. Some I used one piece of fabric instead of the fat quarters. Any fabric sewn together for the size is fine. I have modified the size some what, it doesn't have to be exact. Once you made one following the pattern it will be easy to modify the size. I think this is a terrific bag/tote that doesn't look like all the rest. Maybe get a start on gifts for this next year.
Here is the pattern link: :
Well I can't get the link to post. I'll keep trying.
https://www.shopmartingale.com/image...uarter-bag.pdf

It is not a draw string bag, It does have straps but the sides are gathered elastic. The bag opens wide and easy to lay a quilt in it.

Great idea. Are you going to put pockets inside or outside? I need pocket in my totes for small stuff.

No pockets, it's not a tote, it's more of an open duffle like. My DD uses one to take beach towels when the family swims. It holds a lot of big beach towels.

Three more to go. You can see how they are easy to fill with quilts. They are big and roomy.

I have enough fabric of each bag I think I'll make the zipper bag from Missouri Star that Misty showed this week to match. I love making things for my friends. I know they can make them but seldom do for themselves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP9O...arQuiltCompany

Those bags are nice! And you're right- we seem to make things for everyone else. What a nice thing to do for your pals :)
Let me know how those pouchy bags turn out. I love them but am not too good with things like that.

What fun! Your bags will be a perfect happy for everyone. Happy Sewing!

Many years ago I found a similar pattern using yardage. Made it for my girls to carry their sleeping bags and a pillow for sleepovers etc. The thing was huge but they loved them.

Those are going to make great gifts for your friends!

How handy! I'll not only make a few for my own storage bags, but have saved the pattern to make one for each of the future quilts I will gift.

It could be made incorporating all/some of the fabric leftovers from the gift quilt itself. That way, it would be easy to identify the contents by just a look-see on the shelf, all the while keeping the quilt protected as well-advised.

Thanks so much!

Those are fantastic! Your friends will love them!!

I made zipper bags as gifts for a ton of people this year (co-workers and my son's teachers). Next time I make it to the cheap zipper place I'm going to buy a ton more. Everyone liked them. I also want to make some for the local women's shelter.

What a great idea. Just think how lovely your linen closet will look organized like that.

I buy the pretty lace zippers at Amazon in bulk. Also there are some nice sporty ones, and modern looking ones too. Lots of fun zippers to chose from now.

That’s a great pattern. Thanks for the link.

What a great idea for your quilting friends. They won't believe you made one for each one! Very nice job!

Thank you One by one for the link to pattern! I like this variation with the elastic sides. Please advise: What type machine needle did you use for sewing the elastic? I think this pattern would be great for gifting baby/kids quilts. Thank you for sharing it.

Yes! these bags will be perfect for the beach! All my girlfriends are getting one! Thanks for posting.

I used a 90/14 needle with 50 wt thread for the whole bag. First thing is get a good bobkin. The elastic is very tricky, it was for me the first one I made. I sewed the end of the elastic to the bag and then pulled it through to the end and sewed that down and then took it off the bobkin. I used the Clover latch botkin. Whatever you use be sure the elastic is secure on the bobkin or it will pull off in mid pull. Not a fun thing to happen. LOL I didn't do the straps like the pattern instructs. I made them like tote handles by cutting twice a wide, folding over a strip of batting, and folding again. Also you could use thick cording instead of fabric handles. Lots of variation for the bag. My first bag took a long time to make but now I can do one in about an hour.

What a great quilt retreat gift!. I bet the other participants are going to love it.

The bags have helped me use up some fabric I probably won't use but still very good fabric. You know the fabric bought on sale or liked years ago but not so much liked now. I like knowing I did use it after all.

https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/tongue.png Thank you for the needle and thread info. I will look up clover latch bodkin. I thought you meant bobbin at first and there was a typo. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wink.png I will do the straps like tote straps as well. This is on my bucket list...after 2 baby quilts. Thanks bunches!

Your gifts will be a hit...I’m just jealous that you get to go on a quilt retreat. I’m sure you and your friends will have a fabulous time.

Thanks. My cousin is traveling for her second grandchild's arrival on Monday. When I saw this post, I thought this bag would be great for the new baby/mama. I hopped up and whipped one out. Loved it. It turned out great, and now I'm making myself one for the beach!

Those will make great gifts for your friends. My friend made one and gave everyone in our little sewing group a copy of the pattern. I never made one but they sure look nice and your friends will love their new gift. It looks like you are using whole pieces of fabrics instead of sewing pieces together-am I right? You did say you made some modifications I guess.

I used whole pieces of fabric. I have a lot of fabric I wanted to use up. These twelve bags didn't make much of a dent in my stash. LOL

I made my young grandsons the bag from spiderman and batman fabric. They are perfect to load up their stuff to come stay the night! No rummaging through or emptying to find what they want.

Oh, I used WOF I didn't trim to 39 1/2 . LOL