Check Out My New Bag!!

Awhile back on a visit to our town's new library, the kids actually gave me few minutes to look through the crafting section before having their usually meltdowns.  They sat and read their books quietly in the aisle while I grabbed a HUGE stack of sewing and crafting books.  One of my faves was this one:

My eyes  (and heart!) were quickly drawn to this photo of a paper-pieced hexagon knitting bag.  I had seen many images of hexis throughout blogland and was dying to try the technique out.    I figured this was a simple place to start.  

A quick trip to the fabric store and these MODA lovelies were in my hot little hands and I was off to the races.  

It took a long time to cut out 65 hexagons, but working with these juicy patterns made it deliciously fun! (Cutting out the paper templates wasn't nearly as delightful - but all part of the process I guess!)

It took only a few evenings to attach my fabric hexis to the papers.  I really liked watching the neat little piles grow taller and taller.  

While on vacation in Florida with the family, I used  my downtime (usually on long car rides) to carefully stitch the 65 hexis together with the smallest of stitches.  

Upon arrival home I headed off to the fabric store and chose another metre of this print for the lining of my bag.   I love the red with the punches of yellow and pink!

My mother had several choices of wooden handles stored in her craft room.  She happily gave me these to add to the vintage vibe of my bag.  

And here it is - modeled by my little lady - TA-DA!  

This worked out better than I though it would.  I am not too shabby at this patchwork thing.    :) And although the lining gave me a little run for my money, the whole project, in all, was quite enjoyable!

And look how nicely my crocheting fits in it.  (Yep - now I am crocheting hexagons!)

And - it goes perfectly with my cute little red shoes!  A match made in heaven, I think!!