This adorable Japanese rice bag was another #justjudecollaborates make, this time it was the turn of lovely Stuart Hillard and his handy bag tutorial! I have made drawstring bags before but nothing like this style or shape of bag so I was really excited to learn how to make it. I'm not always brilliant with making 3D items, thankfully Stuart has a YouTube tutorial that shows every step to making this bag, so easy to follow!


And this is why I should always blog when I actually make the project not months later... I can't actually remember what inspired me to use these blocks I made for the bag. I actually think it might have been something Stuart said in the video! Anyway, that's what I decided! I had this Crosscut panel from 2016, which I was saving to make into something or to use in a larger quilt.  

It was calling to me for this project, the colours and fabrics are so lovely and I thought that Debbie (who designed the Crosscut block tutorial) would likely appreciate me cutting it up and using it.
 

I'm glad I did because it works perfectly! Each side of the bag is so different and it's really fun to look at.


For the straps I used beautiful Manchester Metallic Yarn Dyed in Bronze, it is so pretty and the glimmer is just so happy making! I added some gold geometric beads for even more dazzle. It's not an obvious option but I like the contrast with the softer low volume fabrics around most of the bag. 



The tabs are Tiny Tile, Black and White collection 2017 by Alexia Marcelle Abegg - I really loved those fabric collections. I kept a bit of the selvedge on one of the tabs, I like that it adds a little pink.


The bag is currently hanging on a hook next to my sewing desk and holds some of my machine accessories... including my foot pedal! I have switched to using the start/stop button on machine almost completely, I only use the pedal sometimes when I'm quilting. I like keeping the pedal close by though and I love seeing this bag all the time. My daughter covets it so I must make her one of her own. This really was a fun sew and it's a great size, you can fit a good amount in there!



Definitely check out Stuart's tutorial, it's one of those patterns you can use again and again creating different looks and playing about with. Enjoy making!