Baseco Bag and Early Bird Mini Gift

I wanted to make a new bag to take to the Quilt Show at Darling Harbour tomorrow.  I seem to give away any bags I make and end up carrying a green grocery bag with bits and bobs in it, so thought this would be the perfect opportunity to remedy that situation.

Some months back I purchased the pattern for the 'Baseco Mahal Kita' tote from Dawn Hay.  It has taken me a while, but I have finally made my version. 

I’m really happy with the result.  It is nice and roomy and the straps are a good length to carry over your shoulder. The tabs on the top corners give it a good shape.

I’m currently having fun using the black and cream scraps from the quilt top I’m making.  To tell the truth, I’m probably having more fun with the scraps.

I have lined the bag with a red fabric with a cream spot which sets it off nicely.  I was looking for a suitable red button in all of my jars, but had no luck. I found the perfect button, but it was too small.  Then I found this beauty which was ideal.  There was just the one.  It appears to be quite old and made of  mother of pearl laminated onto the black back.  It has a tiny brass loop at the back. The buttons came from the estate of a very old friend of the family.

If you see me at the Quilt Display carrying this bag, say “Hi”.

I’ve made a small start with some mini Christmas gifts, once again using the black, cream and red scraps.

This bookmark has been on my “To Do” list for yonks.  There is a pattern in an old Patchwork and Stitching magazine, but it is pieced.  I used foundation piecing onto an interfacing for my version which I found to be the easiest way to make the points accurate.

I have made a couple of other things, but haven’t had a chance to take a photo as yet.