Tote Bag

I've had this material for a couple months and since I am off work this week decided to get my tote bag made.  I love the color!  This is a first putting in a pocket zipper.  Need to work on that!!

It's a great size - not too big, but big enough to take shopping!  I really like it!

Coaster Tutorial

I have been making coasters from scraps and a friend asked for a tutorial.  So here is my first tutorial.


Cut your top fabric and batting 4 1/2" square.  Cut your backing 6" square  (if you want another size - just make sure your backing is 1 1/2" larger than your top).  I sometimes sews scraps together for the tops - this one I fussy cut.

 Place your top fabric and batting together and "quilt" however you want.  I usually use an elongated zig zag stitch.  After it is quilted - trim off any excess batting to make your top 4 1/2" square again

 With right sides facing center the top to the back matching the raw edges on one side - there should be 3/4" on each side of the back showing except at the opposite side of where you matched your raw edges.

 Stitch the top to the back in a 1/4" seam starting and ending on the top.

Match the raw edges on the opposite side and center.  Stitch with a 1/4" seam - the back will curl up.

 Trim the backing where the seam is on each side.

Turn right side out and "center" the top - this gives you a self binding on two sides.  Press.

To miter the sides - press each end over to form a triangle - the triangle should not be right up against the top - leave about 1/16" - 1/8" inch between turned in edge and top.

    Press up each side and then turn and press again to the top.  You should have a nice mitered corner.  If not, you can readjust by re-pressing the first fold you did (the triangles).

 Then top stitch all the way around the coaster close to the inside edge.  I start on an unsewn side. With your needle down - pivot at the corners and continue all the way around - back stitch when you get back to where you started to secure your stitches.

 Admire your new coaster and make a hundred zillion more!