Another average day here at the old ranch in Portland. I worked. We walked. I worked some more. And we walked again.
And after that, something completely different… I HIT MY SEWING ROOM!!!
I managed to make the quilt sandwiches for my indigo batik and KFC panels and got them quilted, cut some faux leather and made the handles, and constructed the bag body. Here’s what I’m considering the front of the bag.
Oh man! I just love this!!! This is my favorite part of making a bag… when I finally see it in its three-dimensional form. If the quilting makes a panel look like an actual thing, getting the pieces into bag form transforms the whole thing to an amazing place! Love it!
Here’s what I’m considering the back of the bag.
The two sides of the bag are almost exactly the same. I just like the color combos a little better on the one I’m calling the front. Now we’ll have to see if I can manage to sew my tag on the correct side.
Here’s some lovely close ups of the quilting because I love it so much.
And one more…
I took a quick break from work this afternoon to try out some fabrics for the lining of this bag. I was originally thinking I’d use some indigo batik for the lining, but decided I wanted to go with a bright KFC print instead. And I felt like I wanted one of Brandon Mably’s graphic designs, rather than a floral.
So here’s three that I liked as options.
One of those is definitely a stand out for me. I’m not going to tell you which one I decided on, but I’m curious if you agree with my choice. Which one do you like, or which one do you think I like?
As I was looking at these fabrics for the lining I gave a little thought to how I choose a piece of fabric like this. And it really comes down to selecting a fabric that gives me the best reaction. One of these pieces made me feel a little spark in my brain. It was clear to me which one was right the minute I put it up on the design wall. I didn’t think about it for more than a second, didn’t go back and forth on my decision. It just felt right… immediately.
And I love a lining that makes me feel like that every time I open the bag!
I took Bender in to his vet today so they could do a blood draw to check the levels of his potassium bromide medication. Potassium bromide works as it builds up in the dog’s blood. It can take several months for the levels to build up when you add the medication or increase the dose. It should take a couple days to come back, and then we’ll have another consult with his neurologist. It will be interesting to see if the levels have changed since his last blood test in 2020.
The red fabric gave me the spark in the brain you are talking about. So I guess it is the one you chose. This bag, like all the others you have made has wonderful colors. I absolutely love them.
I would choose one of the Batics for lining and the pockets
in KF
Hah! I think all 3 would look great but my immediate response was the yellow and then I thought the purple.
It is a gorgeous happy bag.
Yellow, is a bright, cherry,happy lining , “seams” it belongs with the awesome design you have created !! I hope the Nueroligist can figure out the right meds for handsome Bender.
Has to be the yellow… doesn’t it?!
I think the yellow, as it really makes the other fabrics vibrate, however they are all great. Love the bag, the indigo contrast really do make the KFC prints stand out.
I too vote for the yellow!! I discovered you a few weeks ago on Pinterest. Have since made four bags. Have no idea how to send pictures but I love the process and another one is scheduled for completion today. thank you!!
Wow! You’ve been busy. Email me photos at anne@agilejack1.com and I’ll share them on my blog.
Anne
The yellow one!
I vote for red lining!
The yellow for me! Hugs to Bender 💕
I so love your daily progress reports and soon I will get the confidence to make one of these bags! I would choose the yellow pebble for the lining for this bag.
Oh, just make one! If it doesn’t work, you’re only out a little fabric. And think of the experience you’ll gain by trying!
Anne
I’ll bet a hundred that you chose YELLOW! I would!
Definitely the yellow! And I don’t usually even like yellow.
Yellow, right?! it’s my favorite!
The yellow jumped out for me! Can’t wait to see your choice.
I love your blog, your bags are wonderful! I appreciate what I learn from you! I think any one of the fabrics would work, but the yellow “spoke” to me. Praying your pup has no more medical needs…what lovely dogs they are!!
Yellow? But red works.
Fingers crossed for Bender.
The dark blue batik evokes similar feelings to black and whites. Or is it just that indigo batiks are similar to denim and “blue jeans go with everything” kind of thing.
I think that’s it… they go with everything. My sister used to insist that blue jeans don’t go with purple. I think she’s nuts. But she’s very good with color., so maybe she’s right.
Anne
Well my favorite color is Yellow so I would pick yellow but for some reason I think you are leaning towards the red as it has a richer look next to that Indigo blue. Either one will be fabulous! Thanks for sharing.
Is voting open? Lol I cast my vote for the yellow. Striking bag. Love it. Gail
Sending Hugs and healing vibes to Bender 💕. Yellow!!! All the fabrics are great and your new creation is splendid!!! I saw a bunch of batiks at our “Allbrands” store here in San Antonio all on the $5.00 yd clearance. I didn’t buy any because I was focusing on my current project. Maybe I better go back and get some 😄. Happy sewing 💕💕💕
I really LOVE batiks. That and KFC fabrics are about all I use. Oh, and some Australian Aboriginal fabrics. Not a very wide ranging fabric buyer. I know what I like!
Anne
I’m thinking you are going to choose the yellow fabric for the lining! 😊
I say the yellow
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Ok another yellow vote here,
I think all three are beautiful, but the yellow was the one that stood out to me. I can’t wait to see which one you went with.
Yellow! You sew so fast. I went to the sewing room yesterday evening and I selected the lining and pocket material, and got the pockets cut, fused and sewed. That’s it! Hahahahaha.
I’ve made a few of these! I have discovered efficiencies. But I always have to stop and remember how big to make the pockets. Not sure any two have been the same.
Anne
I would select yellow and use the red for pocket lining.
I knew you’d enjoy this video I found on another Quilters blog. Hopefully it will ease the stress at this time. I copied the link so hopefully it works here. It’s the nativity done with dogs. :o)
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/dogs-nativity-gellionnen-chapel-pontardawe-22545432?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar
Yellow. How far apart are your quilting lines? I hope your doggie gets well soon.
About a half inch. I use the edge of my walking foot as my guide for spacing.
Anne
I think it will be the pink with the blue stars! The yellow is great, but the pink is unexpected, Praying for Bender and you.
Winner!!!
Hi Anne, It was fun to read the comments to this. I like the yellow and I think you chose the yellow, t
t pops and screams Spring like all of the colors in this bag. Hugs to Bender, I hope you can get some meaningful test results. xxxxxs
I would choose the pink with blue stars, but then my mum always told me I was colour blind as I liked such startling combinations!
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!!!
I like the yellow.
Not sure what piques your interest the most.
Definitely the yellow dots.
I just love seeing the bags you create. I pick is the yellow, but they all will look great! Keep on creating!
I do hope Bender does well with his medication adjustments. I think the yellow lining sparked your brain. Evan a combo of those lovely fabrics would work well: a red slip pocket, or a purple zipper pocket against the yellow would be stunning. But then, all your pieces are spectacular!!!
Donna
You are such an inspiration for me. The red fabric looks good with the bag, but I think you chose the yellow fabric to really pop! Candis Egalite
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Orange and Pink!! and so sorry about Bender, but hoping blood work gives clues…
I vote red!
Looks like I am thinking the same as a lot of others …. yellow! Any would work but I think it would be easier to see what’s inside the bag with yellow.
Sorry to hear about Bender’s seizure. I almost hate to mention that my blue heeler mix has been seizure free for the last 8 or so years. Hope I’m not jinxing her. We never thought she would live this long but she just turned 12 on Valentine’s Day. She still “heelers” me across the yard daily.
I vote on the pink. 🙂
I’m always partial to yellow, even though I can’t wear it. It’s my favorite, happy color. And I read somewhere years ago that the lining of a bag or purse should be a light color, so you can see things. That said, all three are fun!
I’m for the yellow!
I think you chose red. I love the yellow too!
I feel for you and Bender. Hope you get answers soon!
Yellow! I hope you get some good news on Benders medication levels and that does the trick.
My vote would be for the yellow!
My initial reaction was the yellow, then I thought….no, the red. And then, what about the purple? Good luck making your choice, any one of those colors would work well.
Normally I love red, but the pink is my favorite this time.
Yellow all the way! 😃
All would be great. I like the blue stars because of the blue sashing .
Winner!
Hoping Bender gets a good report and is healthy and happy again!
I like the purple/pink with blue stars! It definitely gave me that little jolt!
I like both the red and yellow fabrics. For me, red “goes” with it and the yellow makes the other colors sing, if that makes sense.
Hope Bender’s on the right track with his medication.