I recently ordered a bag of scraps, and found inspiration from these small pieces of cotton velveteen.
They led to a 9-patch of various velveteen scraps.
That led to this patchwork set on point on a piece of black and grey suiting fabric. Then I framed it by hand sewing a chain around it.
That led to quilting lines around that center, making it really pop off my canvas. Naturally, I had to frame it with a contrasting piping.
That led to a new one-of-a-king bag!
It’s a square bag measuring 11 inches all the way around, has contrasting burgundy piping and zipper, and two big pockets on the inside, one with a zipper closure and one open.
I used luscious voile fabric for the lining, which I really love working with. It’s the softest and smoothest fabric to work with.
(more photos and deets here)
I’m not sure how the idea for this bag came from some simple velveteen scraps, but it was fun to keep pushing, trying something different at each step and experimenting along the way. I like the sophisticated look of this design, so I will definitely try this again with new colors.
Terri's Notebook 
Wow! That’s awesome! You are so creative. I would have looked at those velveteen scraps for 3 years and then given them away to someone who could do something with them. Great job!
Thanks Paula! I have no idea how this idea popped into my head when I pulled those velveteen scraps out of the package. I just went with my instincts, so I’m happy to hear your feedback.
That is gorgeous! Is it for sale?
Thanks Cindy! Why yes, this one is for sale! I listed it in my etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/65910716/square-patchwork-tote-bag. Thanks for asking. -Terri
Very pretty Terri!
Another beautiful bag Terri! You just keep churning them out.
i love your evolution of scraps. very, very nice! i like how you put the patchwork on point. such a great idea.
So pretty!!
Such GREAT use of color! The two matching zippers really pop in the best way!
What a remarkable journey those little scraps have been on – now they are included in a beautiful bag… I’m glad you went with the flow and let them evolve – beautiful work, I love the echo quilting you did around the block.
Hi Terri! Great idea for those lovely scraps! They look very nice and bright with the dark colour around! the bag looks wonderful and also very practical!
Wishes from Teje
Ps. When you finish your quilt, do you wash it?
Just gorgeous! It has such a rich look to it and the black fabric really makes the velveteen pop.
I keep hearing funky robotic music in my head and seeing the “Evolution of Dance” dance…classic 🙂 What a great purse! BUT now I have a question. Do you change bags all the time? (I mean, you make SO many cute ones!) AND if so, do you have a a little bag that holds everything?
Thanks Joanna! I actually make bags that I would carry myself, but then I always end up listing them in my shop. I change bags about every couple months because I get bored too quickly. -Terri
That’s really cool looking, Terri! I love the fabric on the inside, too… looks like a Japanese print! They’re my favorites. 🙂
Fun to watch the process of design…I haven’t sewn with my voile yet…but I do love the silky texture!
You never run out of ideas. It is great to have such a sharp mind. Love it!!
Very cool post! I love to see how the scraps evolved into a great bag. Thanks for sharing!
It’s awesome! I love the new AMH velveteen~especially after it’s washed, it’s amazing! What a cute bag and I’m a sucker for a 9-patch~nice job!
I went and ordered myself some bags of scraps. Still considering buying the bag. It was SOOOO awesome!
Dearest sweet terri, your fabric selections are always soo beautiful!! I love this bag … it’s really soo pretty! YOu always make really pretty items. 🙂 Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!
I love your bag Terri. You always make the most awesome and original patchwork bags. I think I’m going to get some of that Anna Maria fabric now….your projects with it are too tempting 🙂
This is really adorable! You’re so creative:)
I love seeing how your bag evolved from those velveteen scraps!
What a wonderful bag! I love how you started out small, and then built upon it as you envisioned a finished product! I think that projects like this are the most fun!
Great job!
Terri, your bag turned out beautiful. I like the suiting fabric you picked for the frame of your colorful squares.