I keep trying to count how many Frankenbags I’ve made and I have a hard time keeping track of them all. So I’ve posted below a photo of each of the 27 I’ve made. I was sure I must be over 30 by now. If I hadn’t slowed down in recent weeks, I might be at 50!
These are posted in the order that they were completed.
I was anxious to see more Aboriginal trip blocks done so hit my sewing room after our evening walk and made two strip sets and completed two different blocks.
It’s interesting to me how these fabrics play together. I think the first block with the green diagonal line is pretty successful. The one on the right with the yellow bird center diagonal is pretty muddy and it’s hard to see the diagonal line. I think the fabrics in this one are just too similar in tone, pattern and color. There just isn’t enough difference from one fabric to the next.
Here’s the first three blocks all together.
I think they look pretty good when they’re all together, and when more blocks are added I think it may all work. But I’ll be paying closer attention to the fabrics that I’ve selected for each strip set before I start sewing. And I have a feeling I’m going to have to cut more strips when I get down toward the end and have a pile of fabric strips left to choose from that are all very similar.
Here’s one of tonight’s strip sets as I was pressing it.
You might wonder why I have the metal ruler on my ironing board. Check out this video on how I use this tool to keep my strip sets straight. This trick has really helped my blocks made from strip sets go together nicely.
Another stressful day at work today. I’m really looking forward to my vacation! Just a few more days…
I am enjoying your bags so much, but would almost kill for patterns hahahah
There’s a free tutorial on my blog. You don’t have to kill anyone! https://agilejack1.com/2021/03/25/frankenbag-tutorial/
Anne
I’m new to your site; do you sell these bags? How would I identify one if I wished to purchase it?
I do sell them. Email me at anne@agilejack1.com and I’ll send some details.
Anne
The video with the ruler was an EXCELENT tip! Keep up the good work!
I got that tip from watching the videos from Jordan Fabrics. It’s been sort of a game changer for me. I had produced some pretty curvy strip sets before I started using the metal ruler!
Anne
Such awesome bags! It’s funny, I think your very first one, all crumbs, is my favorite, so colorful :). Then #14, the paperweight one. You are so prolific!
Are any for sale?
I have four that are available. Email me at anne@agilejack1.com and I’ll give you the details.
Ha! those are both bags that I’m keeping for myself. It all started with that crumb bag. I was just making some crumb pieces and ended up with two larger pieces and I wondered what I could do with them and decided to make a bag. I love that one, but it also has some issues since it was number 1 off the assembly line!
Anne
Have enjoyed seeing your projects and benefited from your directions–have made two bags. Curious–are your bags for sale, or gifts?
I do sell them. I’ve keeping a couple. Planning on making some for holiday gifts. I’ve sold most of these that I showed.
The Aboriginal prints are harder to see the value because so many of the prints are large and the color isn’t consistent through the whole print when it gets chopped into sections. I think you will be Ok though with some that are high contrast diagonals and some more muted. The overall look will keep your eye moving around and will be more interesting.
Thanks Wanda. That’s what I was thinking. It will be a little muddy, but hopefully it will work. I did pull out a group of lighter beige fabrics because I thought they would just stand out TOO much and would ruin the overall effect. Maybe I’ll regret that decision.
Anne
You are very prolific. My favorite bags are the ones with added black and whites. Just love those. The very last one is on my list to do. Favorite is also the puppies.
Thanks too for always willing to share yours and others knowledge.
The metal ruler is a game changer. I’ve learned so much from you. Your dogs are adorable.
Maddie; the metal ruler really kicked up the quality of my strip sets and made piecing with them so much easier!
And I’m with you… I LOVE the graphic black and white fabrics!!!
Anne
You have had quite a prolific year already with the Frankenbags Anne! Thank you for the good tips along the way, and for the inspiration!
Thanks Diane!
They are fabulous….I love them all! Do you give them as gifts, sell them, or all they all in your possession? I would have a hard time parting with any of them. You are very inspirational – thank you for sharing your expertise and tips. It is much appreciated.
I’ve sold most of these. I’d be under a pile of bags if I didn’t! I am going to start making some for holiday gifts. I think I have five or six hanging from the coat tree in my guest room. That’s not too bad!
Anne
What an amazing collection of bags!! Stunning colour combinations and designs.
I do like the Aboriginal fabrics for your blocks, they all mix beautifully.
Thanks! It’s all about color for me!
Each one is stunning! I continue to be wowed with every bag. I made one, used cork for the handles which I like but I think my interfacing wasn’t stiff enough. My bag won’t stand up. What do you use?
Thanks for sharing.
I used a fusible fleece. Pellon #TO971F, thermolam plus. It adds structure without being too stiff.
Oh, and I used a piece of batik on the back of my quilt sandwich, so that helps add some stability and structure as well.
They are all amazing you are very talented
Thanks! But my super power is just being willing to jump in and try something new! Some stuff works, some doesn’t. Sometimes I don’t share the stuff that doesn’t work!!!
Anne
You are so inspirational !!! I want to live in your head ! It would be ok because I swear all the time so you probably wouldn’t notice me! Thank you for sharing your skills and ideas so generously! Lucia
OMG! I can’t stop laughing at this!!!
I love all of your bags💕
Every time I visit a quilt shop I whip out my phone, log into Pinterest and show everyone your bags – everyone loves them! Thank you for all your inspiration and masterful color ideas. You should publish a book 😄.
Lesley
Hahaha! I do the same thing! People in shops are always asking what I’m making and the best way to explain it is with photos. when I retire, maybe I’ll do something that I can share more widely!
Thanks for reading!
Anne
Beautiful work! I’m hoping to do some of my own.
You should make at least one!
Anne
I’m curious about using the metal ruler. Comments refer to it, but I don’t see the actual tip.
I use a metal ruler to help keep my strip sets straight. Here’s a video about how I use it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AauI1hWb_f0
Your bags are beautiful! Can you explain why they are called ‘Frankenbag’, is that just a name you gave them? Thank you
Like Frankenstein’s monster, they are made from left over parts. Thus Frankenbags.
Anne
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much for sharing your stunning bags! Wow! Just wow2!
Thanks! I’ve made a LOT of them! Well over 50.
Anne
Love! Love your bags! Working on one now. Is the wavy bag a ruler or appliqué? That one is my favorite! Thank you for sharing!
I’m not positive which bag you’re talking about. I’m guessing it’s the one in this blog post from 2021. It includes a link to the tutorial for that wavy effect.https://wordpress.com/post/agilejack1.com/7375
Anne