Free Block Frenzy project finished

For the past years our local store Sew This and That, have run a club called Free Block Frenzy.  Each  Frenzy day we received the fabric to make a block and a demonstration of making it.  If we completed and took back that block the next time we received the following one at no cost, otherwise it was a $5 charge to receive the next.  At the end of the year we made up the quilt (well we are supposed to but they do have a habit of ending up as UFOs.)

Last year our theme was seminole strips made using Australian print fabrics.

Take what looks rather a mishmash of coloured blocks.

This time I decided to make mine into a bag rather than have a quilt.
Start with this pattern of a tote by Leanne Valiukas from Patchwork and Stitching Vol 8 No 11.

Some measuring and calculations.  (Wow this one is rather neat). The measurements for each panel are as per the magazine pattern, but a lot of calculation was necessary to be able to fit the strips to the right size.

Check through my stash for some fabrics for lining and binding.

With measuring, sewing, trimming, adding, and altering, a set of panels finally emerged.

Add some pockets.

And some more pockets.

A bit tricky getting around those corners.  There are so many layers of fabric in the corners that I did wonder if my Hussy would make it but she purred along wonderfully. ( That R and R at the Technicians workshop must have helped her.)

It's done.  This is a good sized bag - I decided to make it to take to classes and I think it will fit heaps in it.
 

A couple of the inside pockets

This is one project that is no longer a UFO and that is good.

This year there is not going to be a Free Block Frenzy.  It is time for a change.