The La Conner Tote

The Fat Quarter Shop is updating a few of their previous posts and videos. There were several choices available to their Quilt Along group and I was fortunate enough to get on the list for the La Conner Tote Bag. The original bag was made using a couple of charm packs to "create" the fabric for the two outside portions of the tote. With an "oh yes, you can use one piece of fabric" message tucked in. I decided to use one piece of fabric and broke into my serious hoard of turtle fabric. This fabric had been hidden in my stash, note I did not say languishing, for a while. It is a South Seas Import and I suspect they do not make fabric anymore.

A piece of my extensive turtle collection. The painters tape will act as the guideline for my first row of machine quilting.

There is a front and a back for the tote. I did a diagonal line from top left to bottom right

and then added a line two inches away on either side of that original line.

Next step is some lining and of course a pocket. In retrospect I should have done two pockets but since these are added before the lining and the body of the tote are attached it is too late for that. 

And finally the big reveal. 

You will note there is a row of top stitching around the top edge of the bag. Wonder clips would have been the perfect tool for this job but since I don't have any I settled for a really good pressing and some pins.
I am particularly happy with my La Conner Tote bag and would like to thank the Fat Quarter Shop for the opportunity to construct this remake of the original. sometimes a little push is all that is needed. There are a few more bloggers making this tote, check out the Fat Quarter Shop's blog (here)

Piecefully, Joanne

August is usually red hot in our part of the world

So it is a good thing that Jen picked red/orange for this month's rainbow colour challenge. Last month with the green's I had a little difficulty with my value selections so I tried the black/white edit button on my iPad to see if I hit the mark a little better this month. These are my four pieces dark, two medium's and a light. I believe I am getting closer.

And here are my blocks in all their  summer glory.

I have continued to make a 12" and a 6" block each month. And for a wee spoiler alert, Jen has a few setting options that will crop up towards the end of this event that are different, interesting and manageable for all levels of quilters. 

Make certain to visit Jen's blog (here) for the free instructions for this month. And while you are there have a look around if you have not done so already. She offered a series of free Mug Rugs last year and those patterns are still available. 

In September she is launching The Border Quilt Quilt Along. You will need to purchase the pattern to participate in this quilt along. The introductory post is up on her blog already. The Quilt Along was to start earlier but there was a shipping delay for the fabric so you have an extra month to get ready. I tested the pattern for this one for her a while ago. I pretty much hate adding borders but this one is interesting. Each round is a different border style. So nice to have someone else work out all the Math so all you have to do is cut and sew. I highly recommend you consider participating.

Remember to visit the blogs of the other participants for the Rainbow Colour Challenge. If you have been following along you know that several of the other members of the group are offering free patterns on their blogs. 

Piecefully, Joanne

Here is Sherry's list of participating bloggers. I have difficulty understanding the html information. I hope you don't mind that I "borrowed" your set of links. 

Jen Shaffer of Patterns By Jen
Jen Strauser of Dizzy Quilter
Sherry Shish of Powered By Quilting 
Jen Rosin of A Dream and A Stitch
Nancy Scott of Masterpiece Quilting
Dione Gardner-Stephen of Clever Chameleon Quilting
Joanne Harris of Quilts by Joanne