First Finish of the Year

To tell the truth, I actually finished this on December 31. But I didn't get a picture taken of it, or get it posted in time for 2012. So I'm happy to count it for 2013.

I made this bag for Beth for Christmas. She needs a new church bag, and since the last one I made for her was when she was a young teenager (and has cats on it--Laurel Birch cats, so they're cute, but cats nevertheless), she wanted a new, more grown-up looking bag. That seems reasonable, now that she's married and has two children. Maybe Rachel will like her cat bag.

The pattern is a Laura Denison design - Folded Bottom Tote. I found these pretty fabrics, and did some free-motion quilting on it to enhance it. I have to say I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

I love bags, and always think "How easy to make a bag!" but it's never as easy as it seems it should be. For something smaller than a baby quilt it should go together a lot faster. And the seams are always bulky because I like to line it with a cotton duck in addition to a layer of batting, to give it shape. I only broke one needle and bent another needle on this bag. Not bad.

Overall it was a great project to start the new year with. Now on to the next project.