My dad requested I make him a morel mushroom hunting bag last summer.  He even gave me a pair or his cargo pants that I told him I could make him a bag out of.  Well, I never got around to it and it’s been in my to-finish pile forever!

I didn’t look at a tutorial or even any pictures of bags like I usually do.  Since it was made from a pair of pants, some camo cotton I had around for the lining, and a strap from a purse I recycled I didn’t think following directions would make it easier. 

I dove right in and cut up the pieces.  I used the cargo pocket part for the front flap and added some brown bias tape to attach it to the lining.  It didn’t take long actually, and it was pretty fun.  I did attach the flap wrong the first time I sewed it however, but it was easily fixed.  Best part is – my dad loves it and my mom wanted to steal it from him. 

Hope he fills it up with morels this spring!

If anyone’s interest in a tutorial on this let me know, I think making another one would be fun – plus I can give it to my mom so my dad doesn’t have to share his.

** My dad thought I should note that you’re really not supposed to put morels in a bag like this, apparently a cotton mesh type bag is best.  Who knew?!

I made these cute little journals for my cousin’s daughters.  I used fabric scraps and added their initials to the front, not a bad use of old cereal boxes (we are a cereal loving family).  I tucked in a little sparkly gel pen into each package so they could start writing/doodling right away.

This bag, oh, this bag.  If I could tell you how much I struggled with this silly bag!  You would laugh.  It looks pretty straightforward, but this is the project where I re-did, ripped seams, re-did again, cut, cut again, put in grommets, re-did the grommets, the list goes on…

I definitely wouldn’t recommend this pattern (the Market Bag pattern) to a beginner that’s for sure.  Lots of pieces to cut out and figure where exactly they belong.  My mom picked out this pattern at my other favorite local quilt shop.  I thought it was a cute bag — and it is!  She asked me to make it for her about 2 months ago now, and I just finished it and gave it to her for Christmas. 

I used a black wool corduroy and some other black/white fabric (sorry I have no idea what to call it), and the ties and lining are made from Paula Prass’ Summer Soiree Best Friend in black.  I really like how it came together in the end.  I actually think I might attempt to make another bag following this pattern for myself!  It has lots of great pockets for all sorts of goodies.