Backpacking in New Zealand

No, I'm not going on vacation! I just received a picture of a quilted backpack that Alison of NZ made for her vacation! She used the pattern for the floral stripe backpack in Sew and Go Totes. I wanted to share this pic because it shows another way to use your fabrics! Alison did a beautiful job selecting the fabrics for her pack, which gives her a totally put-together look!

Thanks Alison! It's so much fun to see your interpretation of the bag.

Check out Sew and Go Totes and let your imagination tell you what to do.

Happy Sewing! -Kris

Color from a Sketchbook - Part 1

The mornings are brisk here in NH, but the days still warm up nicely. I think a last day at the beach is in order! I am packing a Bongo Bag and a Crafty Tote done in Sketchbook Teal Blue by Blank Quilting, designed by Yolanda Fundora.

I have to admit: Blue is never my first choice. However, this collection made a believer out of me! This is an analogous color scheme, using blues/green inspired by nature.

My personal favorite of the Teal Blue colorway is the Arabesque Turquoise. It's a timeless floral - perfect for a bag, front porch quilt, or a wearable!

The lime paisley really makes this collection pop - it is also a very versatile fabric. It can be paired with so many fabrics in my stash- I would bet you'd find it a good addition to your collection.

Stay tuned for more Sew and Go Totes done up in Sketchbook!
-Kris

Sketchbook and Sew and Go - Part 1

As promised, here are two of the Sew and Go totes, done in the Sketchbook Butter colorway. This is a new line from Blank Quilting designed by Yolanda Fundora. As you can see, I adore the green paisley.

If you look closely at the tote on the left, you will see an appliqued monogram. I made the pattern for the applique using MSWord. I printed out the letter in black (Times New Roman Font=48) and cut it out. I then taped it (backwards) to my studio window and traced it onto the fusible backing. I zig-zagged it onto the block using a heavy narrow zig-zag. It's not quite a satin stitch, as I don't like that look.

Tomorrow is the debut of the "21 Days to Free Motion Quilting Comfort" - come back tomorrow to get your first "assignment"!

Until then -

keep quilting!

-Kris

Getting Crafty

Nancy's done it again! Here is Nancy Dey's twist on the Crafty Tote from Sew and Go Totes! She uses traditional fabrics in such a thoughtful way! (Check out Nancy's other interpretation of a Sew and Go Tote in this previous post.) Nancy- thanks for sharing!

Isn't it great to be a quilter these days? We have so many beautiful fabrics available! We have the internet to share our quilting adventures on and take a peek at others'. Wow - what a great time to be a quilter!

Please share your adventures with Poorhouse Quilt Designs patterns with us here - email me at info@poorhousequiltdesigns.com.

Keep quilting! -Kris

A Primitive Twist on the Star Sampler

Nancy Dey of Kaukauna, Wisconsin sent me these photos of the Star Sampler Totes she and her friend made from Sew and Go Totes! These are great! Don't you just love her version of this Tote?
Awesome!

The bags were made by Nancy Dey (assembly and pressing) and Jeanine Drzewiecki (block piecing and quilting) and kits will be available for them at Primitive Gatherings in Menasha, WI soon. Primitive Gatherings will have a booth at the Chicago Quilt Show in April and this bag will be there along with the kits.

Nancy and Jeanine are long arm quilters and the quilting on these bags is just beautiful(I hope you can see from this picture). The pockets stars are reversed from front to back.

Thanks for sharing! PS - I love the tablerunner, too!

Sew and Go Totes - What's inside?

My new book, Sew and Go Totes published by Leisure Arts is now available! You can find it in your local quilt shop, at Leisure Arts, on-line bookstores, and through my website!

I thought I'd show you a few projects from the book today. This bag is called the Crafty Tote (shown on right). I chose to show you this first because it is my favorite bag for going to quilting events: retreats, classes, etc. It holds an 18" wide cutting mat with ease and all of your other quilting tools as well as fabrics and batting. YOu'll be able to tote your dog or cat in this one as well!

The mini bag (left) is a small shoulder bag that can hold your camera, your cell phone and keys! This is a great little bag to use when you are traveling light! There is a simple 4-square design on the front, that can be embellished with paint, beads, etc. This bag can be made in no time (with your scraps) and you'll want to make more!

Last but not least - the floral stripe bag. This bag is pretty and versatile - make one for yourself and one as a gift! I hope you enjoyed this peek inside - more coming!

Purse Strings

Today I am finishing a bag for Spring Quilt Market which will be part of a display for Blank Quilting. It's the "Mini Bag" from my new book, Sew and Go Totes. I needed an alternative to the 1/4" braided cord used for the strap. I decided to create a strap for the bag using pet screen.

I have a hard time finding "strap" materials that I like - so let's create our own!

Note: I cut the pet screen along it's length as it lays flatter in this direction.

You will need:

1" wide piece of black pet screen at the required length
1 1/2" wide piece of accent fabric at the required length

1. Fold outer (long) edges of pet screen in to meet at center and zigzag down the middle - this will create a 1/2" base for the accent fabric to "sit on". (Luckily, my walking foot is marked on either side with 1/4" mark, so that it is a visual guide for the 1/2" wide strip!)

2. Fold accent fabric in half lengthwise and press. Open out accent fabric and press outer raw edges to the fold; then fold in half again (you have now encased those raw edges).

3. Using your walking foot, top stitch the accent fabric to the pet screen strap, making sure that the "raw edges" of the pet screen are hidden behind fabric accent. Voila! This is what I ended up with - a strong 1/2" wide strap!