Pink Abstract Shopping Bag

Description

Angular circles of petals surround a decorative centre, recalling an opening rose – or maybe you see it as a tornado or well or just a pleasant pattern. It can be argued which side is the front, as both sides have a large flower, but I've chosen the back to be the side where I added the internal pocket. This bag is similar in size to the green bags from supermarkets, but it is padded, lined and much more attractive.
Description: This bag is unique. All sides feature a collection of different pink/red patterned fabrics, lined and quilted. The front and back feature angular circles. The shorter sides and the bottom have arcs of similar construction.
Technique: Choose a striking patterned fabric, and cut it to have about 5 or 6 sides. Add strips of a contrasting fabric, stitching along the straight edges of the centre piece. Trim the new fabric into straight edges. Continue adding different fabrics, maintaining the straight edges, until it is as large as necessary. Create a quilt sandwich (top, wadding, lining). Quilt around the each layer of ‘petals’, beginning with the centre fabric, using a dark red cotton thread. Trim, make into a bag and add a decorative embroidery pattern on the handles.
The price you pay, minus packing and shipping, will be donated to WIRES, the Australian Wildlife Rescue Association.
Bag

Details: The bag is all cotton, including the thread and wadding. It is about 34 cm high x 32 cm wide x 14 cm deep, measured on the outside. The handles are 45 cm long (not including where they overlap the body of the bag) and 4 cm wide. Cold wash is recommended, and dry in the shade.