A couple of weekends ago, I attended the Sandown Park Quilt Show. This was the first time in two years that I have felt able to drive to and visit a show under my own steam.

The drive to Sandown was pretty tortuous as it involved a long slow drive along the M3 (high volume of traffic and roadworks) followed by more of the same on the Eastbound M25. However, I did eventually arrive and was met by a friend with whom I shared the day.

The show was not too busy and I was able to meander around the various stalls – oohing and aahing at the great variety of sewing bits and pieces available. It was great to be back in the swing of things.

As you will know – I am “into” bag-making! I bought several lengths of fabrics which so far have not even made it into the bag-making box as I have immediately started cutting out and preparing them to take to the UFO day next weekend!

The first make was a second version of “Ethel”using a canvas weight fabric printed in Black and Grey onto Cream background and featuring LONDON landmarks. I had decided that regardless of the outcome of the EU referendum, I would make a bag for my internet sewing friend Antje who is based in Germany.

When printing off the pdf pattern I made doubly-sure that the size was correct as I believe my previous make was a little smaller than it should have been.

I interfaced all the outer pieces and lining sections of the bag with Vilene F220 medium weight fusible interfacing. Then I used Bosal ® In-R-Form Unique Sew-In Foam Stabiliser for the main outer panels which gave the bag that extra special support and makes for a very professional-looking finished bag. I made a few changes to the basic pattern.

Front of Bag showing the Twist Lock on the Flap

Internal Letterbox zip fastened pocket

Internal divided pocket

This time I made an extra long strap in contrasting Black corduroy fabric and affixed to the bag with nickel rectangles, swivel clip hooks and also a strap length adjuster. I repeated the small flap and added a nickel twist lock for security. Inside the bag are two pockets. One has a “letterbox” zip closure and the other is a slip pocket with several sections designed to accommodate pens, mobile phone etc.

I have posted the bag off to Antje and am keeping my fingers crossed that it arrives safely and that she will enjoy her “London Ethel”.