Chookshed Challenge Done

Can you believe it?  I’ve actually met this month’s Chookshed Challenge, and early too!!

In the couple of days before we went on our impromptu trip to the Isle of Man in May last year I traced off a few stitcheries to take with me.

This was one of them, worked while sitting in a churchyard watching the bike races.

It has sat patiently waiting until now to be made into the bag.

I wasn’t sure if it would get done this month either, but like last month, I at least dug out some suitable fabric.  I rather liked the fabrics used in the photo of the pattern, so went with something similar, naturally all from stash.  Yesterday, I decided to cut it out.  Not as simple as it sounds, as my sewing room is currently the dumping ground for most of the things from Mum’s room.  Job one was to be able to get to the cutting table and then to excavate it. 

Once that was done I cut it out.  Once completed, I thought I’d just prep the stitchery ready to appliqué.  Now, while I’m going, I’ll press the strips for the draw string and handles.  I may as well get them stitched.  You can see where this ultimately went.  Once all the small things that could be done by machine were completed I stitched down the appliqué and finished the bag before I went to bed last night.  

So, ta da!  

The buttons are from one of Mum’s blouses that couldn’t be donated, and they were just the right size and number of them.  I did alter the handles slightly, by adding some batting to make them softer.  If I was to make it again, I think I would make the top section that has the draw string an inch or so shorter.  Other than that, I’m very pleased with it.  I can see it being used for small knitting or crochet projects.