Dancing Diamonds Gem Bag: Tropical Rainbow Version

I first saw the Dancing Diamonds Gem Bag at Quilt Con in Savannah almost a year ago. Bethany Miller designed this bag for Plum Easy Patterns and made a version out of Me + You Batiks. I saw it on display at the Me + You booth and right away bought the pattern. I loved working on this bag from start to finish, and I especially adore the finish!

I added a hanging pocket to the interior of my bag, and I've included instructions at the end of this post in case you make your own and want the pocket. You'll want to make this bag. It's a blast to work on, is so roomy (I'm thinking travel, retreats, and coffee shop work dates) and looks AMAZING.

I knew I wanted solids for the Dancing Diamonds panel, with a print for the lining and gussets. While rummaging through my stash of solids, this tropical rainbow started taking shape.

The Dancing Diamonds Gem Bag pattern comes with an interfacing template sheet that you just sew onto and leave in. It makes creating this piece of art so easy!

I quilted the panels for my bag using 50 wt Aurifil in Marrakesh, and constructed the bag and topstitched using 40 wt Aurifil in Lemon Ice.

I used leftover strips from the exterior to create the bag straps

The leftover strips from the exterior are the perfect width for making the bag straps! I used Bosal Foam for this bag and I'm a believer. It really keeps it's shape and holds up.

Pocket

The only thing missing from this bag that I needed was an interior pocket for my phone and pens. I quickly worked up a hanging pocket that would serve this purpose but wouldn't affect the look of the exterior in any way