Have you ever made anything that you love to bits?
I just finished making this Perfect Quilted Tote and I’m loving it to smithereens!
I used the Perfect Quilted Tote by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh Fransson. I made the wide version, using the “quilt as you go” or QAYG method. I started with a piece of fabric on a layer of batting and backing.
Bit by bit, I pieced and quilted until I had two quilted panels.
The process can involve improvisation as you add one piece and then another without a planned layout. Of course, you could plan the whole layout in advance, but it is fun to see it come together without a plan.
I almost skipped making the zippered pocket. It looked a bit time consuming and I was feeling pressed for time, but it didn’t take as long as I thought it would. Now that it’s in, I’m so glad I took the extra time to make it. It’s a nice touch and gives a secure place to hold smaller items.
If you’ve never given QAYG a try and are curious about what’s involved, check out this post by Elizabeth Hartman, where she walks you through the process.
If you have given QAYG a try, what have you made with it? It seems like the possibilities are endless!
Wishing you a happy stitching weekend!
Linking up to Finish It Up Friday!
15 comments
Rosemary B here:
YES! This is fantastic, Nicole.
I saw something like this for colorful pillows…. on some blog, yikes can't remember.
This looks so lovely. Love the pocket too.
I really need to try this.
At quilt club, one of my quilting pals make towel rugs and quilted on one side of the towel, then … bound it I think. It was beautiful. I love this idea and have not tried it.
I hope you had a lovely Mother's day last Sunday
<3
Very cute, and your zipper is perfect! (I'm jealous…I suck at zippers). Need to try that QAYG technique sometime.
I love this tote Nicole!
This looks fabulous, the colours are perfect with the grey. I've got this pattern, I must get on and give it a try 🙂
Really really pretty. Love the colours you chose. I have made a QAYG basket before, I found it took a long time, but the overall effect was amazing!
Love your tote and this technique! Might have to try this one.
What a great bag, love the fabrics and quilting but also very practical size and clever pockets. Never tried QAYG before, very keen to give t a go now, thank you for sharing.
Love this bag. The colors are great and the quilting you chose makes it even better. Great job!
This tote is amazing ! The colors are perfect !
This is gorgeous, Nicole! No wonder you're loving it! Fabulous fabrics. Enjoy using it.
Very cute! I have done a little QAYG, mostly totes, actually, but I've done some table runners, coasters and small things using it and it's handy.
I've made at least a couple of bags with this method – my Weekender and my Tinker Tote. It's fun!
Absolutely lovely! That black yarn dyed Essex really makes your improv patchwork sing! People new to qayg might want to check out Tara Rebman's excellent class on Craftsy. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous bag!
I have made two Perfect Quilted Totes and they always get a lot of compliments. I love all of Elizabeth Hartman's patterns but this one is my absolute favorite. I adore the color combination you used in yours!
Your tote bag is just beautiful! I love the QAYG method – great way to use up scraps. Thanks for the links, too.
Julie @ The Crafty Quilter
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