Just wanted to share what I made this weekend. Actually I made it in just a couple of hours, but did it on a whim for a high school friend of mine, who so kindly gave a good job reference for me, to work with a local home health care agency. Thinking about making alot more of them for last minute gifts:)

Cute, your friend will love it.

Nice and roomy. Love the stripe. Thanks for the idea!:)

Your bag looks like something I "NEED"...I love bags. The good thing about working in education is every time I go to a conference, the 'sponsor' provides me with a new bag. I go into a quilt shop and they always sell the themed bags that are the reusable shopping bag style. I go to a clearance sale, even at Border's books, and they have cool bags for sale. I keep my quilt kits, knitting projects and well...just about everything in these bags! I'm a true "bag lady" and I've hardly ever seen a bag I didn't like! And now...I feel a need to make myself a padded bag! (but not before I finish the quilt top I'm working on right now) :-D

Thank you. It was easy to make. Cut two outside panels, inside lining and quilt batting~ 18 x 18. Sew each of them seperate on three sides, leaving the top open with right sides together. Then put them all together one inside the other and sew down the top, like a binding edge on a quilt. The straps are 26 " x 5" and just sew like a tube and then sew them on the outside of the bag. *** I added a peice and sewed down the middle for a double pocket, onto the inside peice, before I sewed the purse all together. You can also make a loop to sew onto the back and attach a button on the front, for closure:) I'll probably do that before I give it to my friend. I can't wait to make more of these for gifts. My friend works in a gym, so she'll probably use it to carry her workout clothes, phone, keys.. Let me know if you need any help with the purse. I love to make my own patterns up:)

I forgot to mention..I boxed the bottom of the back making point corners. I'm pretty sure you know how to do that. I'm not that good at explaining in words, just pictures.lol! The reason I used quilt batting is because the material is a lightweight cotton. It would probably work better with upholstery fabric.

Very cute.

That is a wonderful gift. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thank you:)