I am greatly looking forward to a Sewing Retreat to be held at an Oxford hotel in March 2019. This will be my very first weekend retreat and as is my wont, I plan to have a matching set of sewing accessories.

The first and major item of the collection would be a Sew Sturdy Sewing Organiser Bag by Annie Unrein. I first discovered this great design on the Craftsy website a couple of years ago. A friend had already made one and was taking commissions for more. Maureen made two for me, one of which I gave to a.n.other friend as a birthday gift. Eventually I had to make my own which was completed over the period of 7-10 days and was given to yet another friend for Christmas in 2016.

http://carouselcottagecrafts.com/category/bags/page/3/ for full description.

As I have not been as productive as I would like and have a long list of projects to be completed in a relatively short time, I asked Maureen if she would help by making up this latest bag. She swiftly agreed.

I found just the right cotton fabric print in my stash and using that combined with a metre of contrast fabric for the lining (purchased from New Threads Quilt Shop) and some Bosal ® made up the quilt ‘sandwiches’ that would be required. I cut the various pattern pieces and prepared the zips. Meantime, Maureen had prepared the vinyl for the internal pocket pages.

I handed over my contribution on Thursday morning and by Monday morning we met again and Maureen presented me with the completed bag. Apparently it had been finished by Friday evening! What a star she is.

So that’s the main item prepared and ready for the Sewing Retreat. Now I have to make a new dachshund pin cushion, scissors case, clam shaped pouch for wonder clips and foldover wallet for machine needles. These are all relatively quick and easy projects that I will fit in around other items that are on my ‘to do’ list. Wish me luck!