As you may know, I try to sew for at least an hour every morning. Once that hour is up, I'm usually on the computer, working on various projects until dinner time.
If I don't get those morning stitches in, my whole day is thrown off. A couple weeks each month, my stitchy time is free of absolute deadlines (like making sample FLOCK blocks and other pattern-oriented things). During those free sewing sessions, I work on a variety of projects. I always enjoy when I can weave in one that can be done from start to finish in just a few hour-long sessions.
Joan (the other Joan) Hawley's new Harper Holdall pattern is just such a fast finish. (Joan Hawley is the owner of Lazy Girl Designs.)
I previewed the pattern before its release. It's a winner! Then a week or so ago, an overstuffed package of fabric goodness arrived in the mail.
I narrowed my fabric choices, then I cut the pieces of fabric and interfacing for the bag.
I have to say, the 'hardest' part of this whole project is getting all the cutting done and keeping things organized.
This may look like a hot mess at my sewing machine, and there are a few moments when bag parts are going in just about every conceivable direction on my sewing table.
But. . .
. . . it all comes together in the end. And quick as a wink, there is a bag - complete with a convenient double pull zipper. Even someone who has severe zip-o-phobia can sew like a pro when following the steps and suggestions.
For this photo, the bag is basically assembled with only some serious steam-pressing and minor additions left to make.
The best thing about Harper, aside from how fast it goes together, is that it's a really convenient size.
Plenty of room for my laptop, paperwork, AND my latest stitchery project to carry along on my next air or rail journey. I think this might become my favorite carry-on bag. Could be a while before I'm doing any serious travel again, but when I do, I'll be ready.
And here is a little extra for YOU!
Just so happens that Joan (the other Joan) is running a special on her brand new online course. We're kinda jumping in on the middle of this special, so time is already winding down to grab the deal, so don't wait!
Save 25% on the course and pattern when you CLICK THIS LINK.
The discount is already built in to the link - but only until the end of the day on Friday, November 13th. Not an affiliate, just a fan.
My biggest dilemma . . How many more do I need to make for Christmas giving?
In between Harper-making and other deadline stuff, I snuck in some time quilting the alphabet baby quilt I pieced quite some time ago, and started quilting a couple weeks ago.
This nine-block quilt is really almost done. The loop-de-loops in the blocks and the border are all that are left to quilt. Then binding, and, of course, a label. . . .
Puffy Pin Cushion #33
A few holiday-print-puffies surfaced in the to-do pile. I figured I'd better get these to the head of the line so they can be finished up! I hate to say it but that Ho-Ho holiday time is getting closer every single day! Wouldn't this make a nice quilty-giftie?
7 to go! . . .
Make your own four-patch pin cushions. For the step-by-step tutorial, jump over to the blog and scroll down to the first Puffy Fours post from March 5. That's when I started, about the same time the world was shutting down. And that'll bring you to the beginning of the four-part tutorial.
Happy Stitching!
Joan Ford
Head Hummingbird
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