As one of the various workshops that I will be tutoring in 2016 Meg of New Threads and I have identified Simplicity pattern 2600 for “Travel Accessories”.

For the first sample project I chose some fabulous printed cotton featuring Red Tulips on a Dark Grey background and a co-ordinating Lime Green from New Threads’ Sales table to make the view “A”, a large (and it did turn out very large!) weekend bag identified on the pattern as a “Duffle” bag. Finished dimensions are 13” high x 20” wide x 11” deep. There is certainly sufficient space to pack for a weekend away or as it will happen in my case, a short hospital stay for hip replacement surgery.

To make the bag involves a lot of quilting of fabric. For the quilting on the Red tulip print I used Red thread and for the contrast Green fabric I used a co-ordinating Green.  Whilst I do enjoy straight line quilting, by the time I had completed the amount required for this project I was definitely “quilted out”! The bag itself goes together fairly straightforward but time-consuming (it took me approximately 12 hours) as in addition to the quilting, it involves a lot of straight stitching of bias binding, to the edges of the straps, along the edge of the outside pockets and all around the inside pocket. Additionally there is a long 20” zip to insert plus piping around the joining seam where the end panels are joined to the main bag which may cause some problems for the beginner.

After much “oohing” and “aahing” over the finished bag Meg and I have decided to concentrate on the other projects featured on this pattern. Students can get their quilting “fix” on the Tote bag, the backing for the Jewellery Caddy and the Make-up case. Once they are more confident they can tackle the Weekend bag to complete the set.

Having left the bag to be displayed at New Threads shop, I purchased the remainder of the two fabrics used so that I can now complete all the other projects in the pattern envelope. I will just be so co-ordinated!