Cut Loose Press Bag Pattern

This is a fun bag pattern that I designed last year right before Quilt Market called the Merry Berry Vinyl Tote.  I published it through Cut Loose Press, printed and distributed through Checker Distributors.  Which basically means, I submit the pattern, and they print and distribute...who, hoo! no printing and stuffing in to zippy bags for me. :)

It's really cool how Cut Loose Press prints the patterns.  All the patterns are printed on 8.5" x 11" cardstock and are 3 hole punched for a binder.  It's super easy to collect a lot of the patterns because they fit into a small space, and won't take up precious 'fabric' hoarding space ;)

Anyway,  Checker Distributors offers the patterns at wholesale, but through my shop you can buy one or as many as you want.

The bag is Simple Dimple to make, easy enough for a beginner.  The tote measures 15" tall, 12" wide at the base, and 5" deep.  I made the outside with laminated cotton, but it can be made with fabric of your choice. The inside has a pocket and I've added Annie's Soft and Stable to the inside.  Soft and Stable is a thin foam to give the bag shape and form.  I've only found this product at Quilt Shops and online.  I'm not aware that it is sold at chain fabric stores, but it could be.  I love the product in bags and find it very easy to sew with, although it can be thick for some sewing machines.  The tote closure is elastic with a button and I added ribbon to the handle for some added pizzaz.

In a nutshell, it's a simple to make, fun to carrry bag.  It makes for a wonderful bag to teach if you are looking for something to add to your class schedule.

Happy Thursday and happy stitching!

Tips for Sewing on Buttons

One of my Patterns in called the Merry Berry Vinyl Tote...well, hindsight is a beautiful thing...I probably shouldn't have called it the Merry Berry Tote because...well, the fabric is SOLD OUT!

So unless you have the strawberry vinyl in your stash or you find it on Ebay...you won't be able to make the Merry Berry Tote with Strawberries.  BUT the good news is there are lots of other fun vinyls out there and I found one at Greenbaum's Quilted Forest as shown on the Merry Berry Tote in the photo to the left.

The Tote calls for a large button and Pearle Cotton thread to attach the button.  The best needle in ALL the world for attaching a button is a doll makers needle!  It has a big eye and it's very long...about 6". So no matter what you are putting the needle through...it's easy, because it's long.

See in the photo below how easy it is to go right through the layers of fabric and Soft and Stable.  I use the Pearle Cotton doubled so the button is more secure - I love using the Pearle Cotton because it's a heavy thread and with a big button the thread looks nicer.

Don't knot the thread.  Just thread your needle, start on the backside of the fabric, bring to the front side through the button, through the other hole and to the backside, repeat again, and when thread is to the back take ends of thread and tie in a surgeon's knot (basically a square knot), dab some glue on the knot if desired.

This pattern is super easy and is published for Checker Distributors through Cut Loose Press...to order contact Greenbaum's Quilted Forest...ps. they also sell the vinyl shown on this bag too, and they have FREE SHIPPING!  Give them a call 503-363-7973.