Quilt Retreatables

OK, this might be a longish story, so feel free to just look at the photo and leave!! A couple of years ago, the Canadian Quilters Association/Association de la courtepointe canadienne had a Trend-Tex challenge with 5 fat quarters that you could make into a wall hanging or a 'wearable'. It was interesting to see how many different things could be made from the same 5 fat quarters! (My project was handed in late so it doesn't show up in the gallery.) I decided to make 'Quilt Retreatables'

The hat was a reversible sun hat pattern from April Cobb - I made the large size, but could use one a little bit larger. Really easy to make though. I made the sample one with Riley Blake fabric (this fabric has its own story! My friend, Jackie White had emailed me that Riley Blake had a challenge out to use some of their fabric to make a bag and send in photos. I was in Florida at the time and only found the fabric used in this photo at a place about 45 minutes from where I was staying. I bought the fabric, but never got the tote made - going to Spring training games to watch the Cardinals, visitors, shopping at Bealls, etc...) My plan for this kit was to make a set of items that I could take to every quilt retreat. I attend an annual one at Red Lodge Resort on beautiful Manitoulin Island (just in case you don't know: the island is in Lake Huron and is the largest island in a fresh water lake). I wanted the tote to hold my 12 1/2" ruler and small cutting mat, so I designed a square one about 13 1/2" wide and deep enough to hold other tools, threads, bobbins, etc. I had to start mine before I could make the kit for the Trend-Tex Challenge, but didn't finish it right away. I sewed enough to check out my pattern, then completed the Trend-Tex quilt retreatables in time to go to the St. Catharines CQA/ACC quilt conference. It raised $50 in the silent auction. Last winter I finished my own tote and added a camera bag and a tablet bag to my kit and have taken it away to a quilt retreat and my annual sewing vacation at Boyne, Michigan. I love it and may make some coordinating pieces to take with it - let's see, I could probably use a sewing machine cover, needle case, thread catcher, .... so many other necessities at a quilt retreat!! Maybe even some coasters for my wine glass in the evenings on the deck!