Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Dryad Blog Hop: Messenger bag tutorial

Welcome! Thanks for visiting on our day of the Dryad Blog Hop! If you haven't seen Shannon Brinkley's Dryad collection yet, you'll get a thorough introduction to it over the two weeks of this blog hop. Be sure to ask for it at your local quilt shop!

Today we're sharing a tutorial for a quilt-as-you-go messenger bag using nine 2-1/2" precut strips from the Dryad snack pack plus a little yardage for the bag back and lining. Enjoy!

You'll Need:
1 Dryad Snack Pack (you'll use nine 2-1/2" strips and can save the rest for another project...or a few more tote bags?!)
1 fat quarter of the gold/blue focal print
1/2 yard of the blue twig print
Two 16" squares of batting
One 1-3/4" x 42" strip of batting

Cutting:
From the Dryad Snack Pack, cut the following lengths:
Coral Twig: 6-1/2"
Gold Bark Lines: 7-1/2"
Blue Twig: 6-1/2"
Floral Branches: 5-1/2"
Gray Wood Print: 8-1/2"
Gold/Blue Focal: 12-1/2" 

From a 2-1/2" wide text print strip, cut the following lengths: 
(you should be able to get all of these pieces out of one strip)
9-1/2"
8-1/2"
8-1/2"
7-1/2"
6-1/2
2-1/2"

Reserve the remaining blue twig and text print strip for the handle.

From the gold/blue focal print:
One 15" x 14" piece for bag back
One 8" x 11" piece for pocket

From the blue twig print:
Two 14" x 12-1/2" pieces for lining

Make the Bag:
Step 1 Sew each text piece to the colored print strip as indicated:
8-1/2" text strip + 6-1/2" coral twig strip
7-1/2" text strip + 7-1/2" gold bark strip
8-1/2 text strip + 6-1/2" blue twig strip
9-1/2" text strip + 5-1/2" floral branch strip
6-1/2" text strip + 8-1/2" gray wood strip
2-1/2" text strip + 12-1/2" gold/blue focal strip



Step 2 To begin the quilt-as-you-go method for the bag front, layer the two middle strips right sides together in the center of a 16" square of batting and pin in place. 


Step 3 Stitch using a 1/4" seam allowance and press the strips open.


Step 4 Continue adding strips from the center out. 


Step 5 If you like (we did!), quilt some free motion lines on top of the bag front. Trim the bag front to measure 14" wide x 12-1/2" high. 


Step 6 Layer the 15" x 14" gold/blue focal print piece on the second 16" batting square and quilt as desired. Trim to measure 14" x 12-1/2".


Step 7 Sew the bag front and back right sides together along the sides and bottom. Turn right side out. 
Step 8 Fold the 8" x 11" gold/blue focal print piece in half wrong sides togethers so it measures 8" x 5-1/2". Stitch along the two short sides and the long open edge, leaving an opening for turning. Turn right side out.


Step 9 Topstitch along the top folded edge and press the raw edges from the opening in 1/4". Measure 2-1/2" down from a long edge of the 14" x 12-1/2" blue twig lining piece and position the top stitched edge of the pocket there, centered from left to right. 


Step 10 Topstitch along both sides and the bottom to secure the pocket to the lining piece. Sew the lining pieces right sides together along the sides and bottom, leaving an opening for turning. 


Step 11 To make the handle, sew the remaining blue twig and text print strips right sides together lengthwise. Press the outer long edges in 1/4". Tuck the 1-3/4" x 42" batting strip into one of the strips and fold the 1/4" edge over. 


Step 12 Fold the other strip over the batting and line up the pressed edges. Pin and then topstitch 1/4" from the pressed edges to secure. Topstitch 1/4" from the opposite seam edge as well.


Step 13 Pin a short end of the strap to the bag front 1/2" from the side seam. Making sure the strap isn't twisted, pin the opposite end to the bag back 1/2" from the opposite side seam. (Note: if you prefer two shorter handles, cut the strip in half and pin the short ends of each strip 2" in from the side seams.) 


Step 14 Tuck the outer bag and strap into the bag lining with right sides facing. Pin the raw edges along the top together and then stitch all the way around. 


Step 15 Turn the bag right side out, slipstitch the bag lining closed, and tuck the lining into the bag. Topstitch around the top edge of the bag. You're done!

The bag back:

A peek into the bag (and the pocket!)


Thanks for stopping by for our day on the Dryad blog hop! 


Now for the giveaway!! For a chance to win a bundle of Dryad, sign up to follow our blog.  Leave a comment here letting us know that you are signed up, as well as your favorite print in the Dryad collection. This giveaway is open through 2/12. Winners will be randomly chosen after the blog hop ends. Good luck!

Be sure to follow along with the hop for more chances to win fabric, books, and Aurifil thread!
2/2 Shannon Brinkley @ Shannon Brinkley Studio
2/4 Angela Walters @ Quilting Is My Therapy
2/5 Aurifil
2/8 Casey York @ Studiolo 
2/10 Rebecca Bryan @ Bryan House Quilts
2/11 Stacey Day @ Stacey in Stitches
2/12 Kristi Schroeder @ Initial K Studio

Also, Angela Walters is offering 10% all Dryad prints during the blog hop. Head over to her shop to take advantage of this deal!
p.s. Fabri-Quilt is now on Instagram! Come follow us for more inspiration!

83 comments:

  1. Such a cute bag and the fabrics are wonderful! My favorite print is Blossoms in Cherry, although it's tough to pick a favorite!

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  2. Nice spin on an otherwise simple bag. Thank you for such great instructions. I'm looking forward to seeing the other projects made from this beautiful line of fabric and most definitely plan on making your version of the bag.

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  3. Following on Bloglovin'. My favorite print is the orange branches. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  4. I follow on Bloglovin. I really like the Text print best-it sets off the other prints so very well.

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  5. I follow you on Pinterest and in Old Reader.
    Thanks for the tutorial using quilt as you go--I want to try this method; the lovely Dryad fabrics are beautiful in the bag. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  6. I have subscribed and my favorite is the wood grain prints.

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  7. I follow the Inspired by Fabric blog on Bloglovin and my Blogger Dashboard. I really love the navy text print in the Dryad line!

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  8. I follow Inspired by Fabric via Bloglovin and email!!

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    1. Oops forgot to mention that I love the Blossoms in Cherry print!! Also want you to know that your messenger bag is fantastic and I really need something like it!!!

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  9. I really like the falling leaves print. I also like the falling leaves quilt! Have been following on bloglovin'. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

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  10. I am signed up for the newsletter. Love the Dryad fabric collection especially the text poem print. Thank you for the great tutorial.

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  11. I am following along on the hop! Very cute bag!

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  12. I follow your blog via GFC and email. Hard to choose a favorite print from the collection because they are all so lovely! So for today my favorite will be #120-11781, the yellow-gold print with the leaves on it. Love the tutorial, I'm anxious to give this a try. Thanks!

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  13. I follow your blog by e-mail. I really like the blue twigs fabric.

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  14. I follow with blogger and I think e-mail too. I love the whole collection, but the blue twigs might be my favorite. But really LOVE this whole line. It has everything I love about fabric in it.

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  15. I love them all, but really like the wood prints. I have been a loyal follower forever. :)
    craftyccain@gmail.com

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  16. I am a follower. Your messenger bag turned out great. I love the text print with the navy background. Thank you for the tutorial.

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  17. I follow your thru Email, Bloglovin & Pinterst! :)

    Love the Orange leaves print! (also love the quilted orange on one side & collage of fabrics print on other side! Definitely want to make a Tote with it!)

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  18. I follow by email.
    Love the word prints, both the white/cream and the navy. I also love the gnarly woof print, especially 120-11744.

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  19. I follow with bloglovin. I like the prints that look like woodgrain. Nice.

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  20. I'm a follower who lovesblossoms in Cherry

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  21. I follow Inspired by Fabric on Bloglovin and via email. Thanks for all the inspiration. My favorite fabric in this delightful collection is the text print.

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  22. I follow via email. I like the floral branch print.

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  23. So gorgeous bag and great tutorial.I follow the Inspired by Fabric blog by email.
    I love the navy fabric with white prints and orange one with leaves.

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  24. I follow by newsletter. I love making bags! Your turned out awesome! My favorite print is the black on white text. Thank you for sharing the tutorial!
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

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  25. I follow by email and loved your tutorial for this cute bag . My favorite would be blue twig but they are all great. Thanks for the chance .

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  26. I follow via email. My favorite print is #120-11761

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  27. I follow via Slick RSS.... Great looking bag.. I like the woodgrain print alot!

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  28. I follow on Bloglovin and I love the pretty blue branches.

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  29. I like the very first print in the collection best..such a beautiful selection of color! I follow via Bloglovin.

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  30. FOLLOWING YOU VIA BLOG LOVIN'!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  31. HI, love your project! Doesn't the navy script just set off the bag>Love it! Thanks for sharing on your neat Blog+also the giveaway! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  32. Coral Twig. I'd line the bag with it too:)
    thank you so much.

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  33. I'm now following your blog via email. TY:)

    schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. I have been following with GFC. I like the floral branch and coral twig.

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  35. I am following w/ Bloglovn! thank you - I love the messenger bag!

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  36. I follow your blog through Bloglovin'!
    Sandy A

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    1. I forgot to leave my favorite fabric in the line. It is the blossom in cherry!

      Sandy A

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  37. I follow on bloglovin! Love the text print.

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  38. Follow you on bloglovin! I love the text prints- especially since they are so meaningful, not just pretty! Thanks- Sarah: crjandsbj(at)netzero(dot)com

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  39. I have been a Bloglovin' follower for quite a while and love each post! My favorite print from this collection is #120-11782 ...I couldn't see where it had a "name", so I used its number!

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  40. Hi and thanks for the tutorial! It looks like a very handy sized bag! I am signed up to follow and looking forward to more inspiration! My favorite is the collage fabric, but my second is the poem text! Thanks so much for offering the give away!

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  41. I follow your blog with Bloglovin. My favourite fabric is wood grain. Shannon has designed a gorgeous line of fabric. Thank you for a chance to win .

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  42. I follow your blog via mail (bysophies (at) gmail (dot) com).

    I love this fabric collection, my ultimate favourite is #120-11712 - the wood print in mint.

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  43. I follow with GFC and my favourite is the yellow blossom 11722

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  44. I followed via email and my favorite prints are the ones with Shannon's handwriting on them.

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  45. I love the grey wood print!
    Email follower!

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  46. Hard to choose just one favorite - they are all beautiful. It would have to be 120-11731. I follow on Bloglovin. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  47. I love the floral branches. I am following via blog lovin x
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

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  48. I follow via Blogger, Bloglovin and FB. My favorite print is 120-11742 followed by 120-11702. Rina

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  49. I follow via Bloglovin. My favorite print is the blue. Thank you for the chance.

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  50. I follow by email, but I just now added you to my bloglovin' feed as well so that I could 'save' this post. Love your bag!

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  51. I am following your blog and my favorite fabric is the leaves...so hard to choose one. Love the bag tutorial...thank you!

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  52. I follow your blog by blog reader.
    Great messenger bag tutorial! My favorite Dryad fabric is 120-11701.

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  53. My favorite is the text fabric on white. I follow via email. Thanks for the great bag tutorial.

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  54. My favorite print in this line is the blue branches, with many other choices coming in a close second. I follow via email, at wordygirl at earthlink dot net.

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  55. I follow on Bloglovin . I love the text print on the dark background.
    Thank you.
    kcummings71@gmail.com

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  56. Following by email. I love the gold/blue focal print and the floral twigs. OK I really love them all!

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  57. Signed up to follow your blog. Thanks

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  58. I'm following via Bloglovin'. I love the focal point and the red leaves on white background print.

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  59. I follow your blog n have really liked reading it. Lots of good stuff
    I like the fabric with the handwriting on it.

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  60. I follow with Feedly. My favorite print is any of the text print. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  61. Signed up to follow w/ email & fascinated with the words/text on fabric.

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  62. I've signed up to follow your blog. Thanks for the messenger bag pattern.

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  63. I signed up to follow you on Bloglovin'! And I like the green tree bark fabric best.

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  64. I am a bloglovin follower and I love the Collage Gold, looks like everyone else does as well since it is sold out from Angela's shop.

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  65. Love the blue/gold focal print. So many other colors could be used to compliment it in a quilt. I follow by email. Thanks.

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  66. I *love* Shannon's fabric collection, Dryad!! I'm especially drawn towards her text prints! (And the wood grains and the blue twigs!)
    I have enjoyed following "Inspired by Fabric" blog by email! (And, now I'm also following Fabri-Quilt on Instagram!)
    Thank you!
    Pat T.

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  67. I'm following via blogloving. My favorite print is the scrappy applique!

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  68. What a great bag! I think the tree rings print is my favorite.

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  69. This messenger bag is really cool! I love these fabrics and can think of a lot of ways I'd use them! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  70. I'm following on Bloglovin. My favorite print is the white text print, love the handwriting.

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  71. I did sign up to follow you by e-mail. Ginger_1 at aol dot com - Thanks for the chance to win the beautiful fabrics. Choosing just one is very difficult, especially since I don't normally like modern fabric lines, but I love this one. I think *possibly* the blue tree rings fabric is my favorite, though I really like the Robert Frost poem, too, either black or white.

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  72. I've been following Inspired by Fabric for quite a while now. I love most of the fabrics in this collection; especially the text print and the branches. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

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  73. I follow you via bloglovin. I love the textprint.

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  74. I love all the prints of this line, especially the wood grain and the branches. The bag is really cute and shows off the line well. I follow on Bloglovin.
    cathylouwilson@gmail.com

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  75. I am signed up on your blog for e-mail, bloglovin and instagram. Love this messenger bag tutorial. I especially love the black script fabric. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  76. Hi - I follow on BlogLovin. Fav is the text!

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  77. I really like the words print fabric. I follow you via Bloglovin.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  78. I follow by E-mail and BL. I like all the prints but today maybe I like the script fabric.

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