I started the 2016 Bag Project as a way to challenge myself to meet some goals I felt I needed to tackle: learn how to make bags, try out new weave designs, and practice quilting. I've wandered a bit from my initial project assignment, which was to design a bag each month that showcased new-to-me weaving and quilting. Instead of designing the bags, I've begun to rely on others' designs. Frankly, I think that's the best way to learn how to make bags ... follow in the footsteps of the ladies who actually know what they're doing. And they have taught me many valuable skills! I've also made some bags that showcase weaving only, as not all patterns have room enough to include quilting.

The next six months will focus on getting back to that original plan. I'm excited to begin designing my own bags again, and taking on new and more complicated weave patterns. I'm also basically bonkers-level ecstatic to have discovered a new denim from Art Gallery Fabrics called Solid Textured Denim. It's a 100% cotton 10 oz denim that works perfectly for bags. It's sturdy enough to act as handles without any reinforcement, and will wear well as a bag exterior. It looks gorgeous quilted, and it sews beautifully. This discovery will make it much easier for me to incorporate quilting into my upcoming bags!

The Curvy Clutch by Zakka Workshop, woven using Paperie Fabrics by Amy Sinibaldi for Art Gallery Fabrics.

I'd love to hear ideas on types of bags to try, new materials to experiment with, and techniques you think I should attempt to master! See you for my next 2016 Bag Project check-in... I'm planning for another in October.