Gift Idea for a Quilter

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Quilt Carrier
Quilt Carrier- 18x24x7.5 inches

Every time I tightly roll up a quilt to fit it in an old canvas bag so I can trot off to show & tell at a guild meeting, I wish I had something bigger for transporting my projects. So, I've finally done something about it!

Most everyone has an old, well used quilt or bedspread lying around, threadbare, ripped. We had one that I just couldn't bring myself to add to the landfill; it was still good for padding. As I was cutting it up to wrap some items for storage, it occurred to me that it would also be great for batting. This is an old quilting tradition. Many a second quilt has been found in the center of vintage quilts. 

And "upcycling," ("reusing discarded objects in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original," -  Webster) is really on trend right now. 

I sincerely hope it never goes out of style!

 Left: the old quilt, Middle: top fabric quilted in place on the used quilt, 
Right: strips sandwiched between front & back fabrics for handles

I didn't have a pattern that was large enough for my purpose, so I had to improvise. This tote is inspired by construction solutions from several patterns. 

I added lots of interior pockets and a strap with a metal lobster clasp for car keys so they don't get lost in the bottom of the bag.

Pop of color on the side panels shown in the reverse view of this tote

Now I'm ready for the next quilt guild meeting. 

I just need to create something new to put into it!

😄 




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