The April in Paris bag is finished!

I really enjoyed making this bag and it went together smoothly. I cut rectangles of the outer fabric so that I had outer borders of sunflowers. I quilted the outer fabric to batting using diagonal wavy lines and some vertical lines along the yeelow stripes. I made a big sunflower pocket for the inside lining and sewed it to the contrasting print (see below).

I also used the stripes from the lining fabric to make handles, using a method I learned when making the March bag of the month. I cut 45 inch strips of cotton webbing, and a six inch wide piece of lining fabric. I folded the fabric in half, lengthwise, and ironed it. Then i folded each side into the center, slippig the webbing under one of the two side flaps. I folded the two sides together, and then stiched along each side of the strap. The result is a nice firm strap. After sewing the bag together, I added a bright yellow sunflower button to sue with a fabric loop to close the bag.

Next, it is time to fill the bag with goodies. You can see the things I selected in the photo below. First, I have chosen a bright read and orange

scarf I bought in a little shop on the Rue Mouffetrad in Paris two years ago, that matches the colors of this bag.

Next are two books about Paris: one is Postcards from Paris and the other is a Paris walking guide. I have enjoyed these books and and sending them on for Cheri to read. Next is a big travel laundry bag made from a fanciful Paris print fabric. I made one for me too, to use on our trip next month. There is a piece from the cooking memoir I am writing, called "Dreaming of Paris" that is about my love affair with Paris and has a few of my favorite recipes. I have included a bar of soap scented with Provencal flowers, a CD of Paris cafe music, a blank card I made with a photo I took out of my hotel in Paris, two years ago. Finally, there is a jar of candied violets, from France. I am putting all these things in the box and packing it up to send to Cheri. In my next post, I'll say more about Cheri and why she is so special to me. Also, I want to thank those of you who have been leaving comments on my blog, It is grea to hear from you and I am glad you like my bags!