In the studio: Patchwork with ease

A custom order, the diaper bag set pictured was crafted from Jennifer Paganelli's Kimberly Royal fabric. Commonly referred to as "cheater cloth", this type of material offers a patchwork look with ease. 

A glance at the most popular Watermelon Wishes diaper bag styles

Ultimate Diaper Bag

XL Ultimate Diaper Bag

Weekender

Deluxe Diaper Bag

What is your ideal handle drop?

A matter of preference, the handle drop is measured with the bag handle fully extended and is the distance between the center of the handle and the top of the bag.

A drop between 9" and 12" is comfortable for most people. I prefer a shorter drop, around 7", as I like my bag to sit snug on my shoulder. What is your ideal drop?

Heirloom in the making

The moment I opened the package, filled with scraps from the quilt her mother made, I knew this would be a special project. Cut by cut, stitch by stitch, it occurred to me that this is the kind of bag a mother saves forever. 

A treat for herself and a keepsake to mark the birth of her third and "last little one", the XL Ultimate Diaper Bag Set pictured was a custom order for a customer in Iowa and is crafted from Michael Miller's Gypsy Bandana collection.   

Behold: Whitney's vision

A custom order, this bag was envisioned by Whitney, a fabulous customer from the great state of Missouri.

Whitney provided the material and a detailed drawing outlining the placement of each piece of fabric and I fulfilled her wish.

While I've had many favorite bags, this one tops the list with its funky color scheme. I love how the orange and green contrast with the black and white.

So chic! So now! So Whitney!

Bag No. 361: Reversible Hokie Pokie Tote

Bag No. 362: A Mini Park Tote Perhaps

This petite Watermelon Wishes patchwork tote would be perfect for those quick trips to the park---when you only need to bring a snack, the phone and keys.

Bag No. 363: Sweet and simple for quick trips out with baby

Bag 364: Another One of A Kind Find by Watermelon Wishes

Bag No. 365

Hello. This is bag number 365. The first in a line of one of a kind "OOAK" patchwork bags which I am planning to sew from the oodles and oodles of fabric remnants I've been selfishly hoarding.


The  next bag in the sequence will be bag 364, then 363, and so on. No two bags will be the same. And, many of them will be crafted from fabrics which have been discontinued and/or are near impossible to find.


A challenge of sorts, my goal is to make one new patchwork bag per day. I will be showcasing each and every bag here; in addition to listing them in my Etsy shop.


I am looking forward to this project for several reasons. First and foremost, I love patchwork. It nurtures my creative soul. Second, I have amassed far too many bits and pieces of fabric. When I look at the bins which behold this beautiful collection of material, I am reminded of the Shel Silverstein poem about Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who refused to take the trash out. While by no means trash, my bits are taking up more than their share of space in the studio and one day would likely pile to the ceiling as I too refuse to throw them out. 

Today in the studio

It is a sunny day here in the village of Middleburg, Virginia. Isabel and I arrived in the studio about a half hour earlier than usual. We are working with some whimsical geometric prints today, in hues of brown and green, which distinctly remind me of the TiddleyWinks collection by Arrin Turnmire. Around lunchtime, we plan to sneak out for a walk and take in all of the new spring themed window displays. I will be sure to snap some pics to share with you later. 

There is value in being organized

The theory behind my latest design is simple: there is value in being organized. 

As the mother of four, the demands are plentiful when it comes to my bag. It can’t be too large nor too small, as I use one bag for my handbag and the diaper bag. I like pockets inside and out. It must be comfortable to carry and look good on my body. 

Hence the inception of what I like to call my “Go! Mama Go!” bag. This particular design was made to hold the exact contents of my diaper bag/purse:

--2 pull ups

--1 hard case travel wipe container

--2 pens

--hand sanitizer, lotion, mints, lipstick, etc. 

--checkbook and wallet

--keys

--phone

--large coupon file

--water bottle

--coloring book and crayons

--change of clothes for Isabel

I incorporated 15 pockets sized to fit these items perfectly. Shorter than most messenger bags, the strap is padded and sits comfortably on my shoulder without slipping. I love that and it looks oh so fab!

The messenger flap secures via two silver tone snaps. There are 3 pockets tucked underneath the flap which are ideal for those items I like to keep close at hand, such as the phone. The rear exterior pocket is great for coloring books and other papers. 

Uncharacteristic, at least for my personal bags, I selected the same material to craft both the interior and the exterior. The crisp look this provides furthers the cohesive element I was aiming for in my quest for organization. This particular print, by Amy Butler is from her Midwest Modern 2 collection, and is well suited for the application with its fresh geometric design.