Together at Christmas - designed by Hatched and Patched - is another kit from that VERY long list of kits that I've had in my sewing studio for a very long time! Purchased from Poppy Patch back in 2021, this kit contains all the fabrics needed to make this large tote bag, including the lining - and these gorgeous fabrics are also designed by Hatched and Patched, from their All for Christmas collection. The front of the bag has a pretty appliqued snowman scene, which is stitched before the bag is constructed...
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...once the applique was completed, I layered the front of the bag with some wadding and a calico backing, and machine quilted very simply around the main applique shapes. I've used a mid-grey 40wt Aurifil thread for the machine quilting...
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...patchwork panels are stitched for the base and sides of the bag, and the back has been machine quilted very simply. The pattern suggests using fusible fleece for the wadding, however I was trying to use up what I had without buying anymore supplies, so I used an off-cut of a bamboo/cotton wadding. once the individual pieses - front, back, sides and base have been quilted, they are joined together...
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...once the bag outer is constructed, the lining is made, and the handles inserted between them. A narrow casing is attached to the inside and elastic is threaded through to create gathers to give the bag it's shape...
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...a fabric tab is then attached on the right side, to cover the stitching. Buttons are stitched in place at each end to secure the tabs in place...
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...as you can see, the bag has a firm base - this is achieved by making a slip cover with a piece of template plastic inserted into the cover, and placed inside the bag. This ensures the bag keeps it's shape when it's being used. I'm really going to enjoy using this over the next few days, filling it with goodies, ready to deliver to lots of special little people!
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