end of term

It is not only the end of term for my eldest son, it is also the end of his time at infant school. In September, he will be moving up to the junior school and into year 3. It is hard to believe that he has already got through 3 school years. We have been very lucky with our local school, it is run so brilliantly well. There is a genuine caring and warmth that runs through the ethos of the school, and also great attention to teaching in an engaging way.

As a thank you to his two class teachers this year, I have made presents for them. I wanted to be a bit more personal this time round.

So my eldest and I worked together on making 2 bags.

I apologise, as I did not take photos (duh!) What I did was a row of patchwork at the bottom of one bag. One of the pieces my son embroidered. (that was his contribution!) And then I made up the rest of the bag. It's linen, with a cotton calico lining. The patchwork pieces are from an Amy Butler Midwest Modern charm pack that I had over.

The pattern:
Front of bag: 13cm x 52cm piece of linen, 4 x charm pack squares and 1 piece of linen that is embroidered (we did a simple heart). and 32cm x 52cm piece of linen.
Back of bag: 50cm x 52cm piece of linen
Lining: 2x 50cm x 52cm calico/ cotton

• Sew all the patchwork pieces together (I centered the embroidered square).
• Sew the 13cm x 52cm to bottom edge of patchwork strip
• Sew 32cm x 52cm to top edge of patchwork strip This is the front of the bag
• Sew right sides together to back piece, around the 2 sides and bottom (use 2cm seam)
• Make a bucket bottom by sewing a triangle across the bottom corners (about 8cm from the point). Trim point off.
• Repeat sewing the lining together (BUT LEAVE A 10CM GAP IN THE BOTTOM EDGE FOR TURNING)
• Repeat making a bucket bottom in the lining
• Attach lining to main bag. Put the bag (right side facing out) inside the lining. You will see the wrong side of the lining.
• Line up seams, and pin round at the top. Sew together (2cm seam)
• Turn the right way round, by pulling the outside of the bag through the lining. Press, top stitch 0.5cm from edge to keep lining in place.
• Attach handles. One one of my bags I used a tough woven ribbon. The other I made handles using 5"/ 13cm wide fabric, and made them as long as I liked (roughly to waist length). I actually patch worked the front handle with more charm pack squares and linen. Attach by sewing them firmly on (I sew a square with an X inside at the top of each strap to the fabric.
• Trim all threads, press and your bag is ready to go!

I loved the green fabrics against the linen. It looked great (I'm kicking myself that I did not take a photo!) It was a good way to use up spare charm pack squares.

It all came together very straightforwardly. I hope his teachers like them!