FREE TUTORIAL 12 x 15 Fully Lined Project Bag with Side Zipper
A Facebook group that I belong to, had a SAL (stitch-a-long) over the past couple of months. 
We were not allowed to post it to the Facebook page until August 1. In June while I was away on vacation I stitched the piece and made it into a project bag for myself. Several people wanted to know where I got the pattern for the project bag. To my knowledge there isn’t one. SO…I created a free tutorial for everyone to enjoy. If you are an experience sewer, it should be easy. If you do not sew, you can order one with or without your needlework through my finishing service. I am happy to teach others finishing and do custom work for those who do not wish to do their own. So ABOVE there is a link to my new tutorial.
NEW FINISHES
From The Workbasket comes this standup pattern for “Quaker Cardinal.” Finished with handmade , hand sewn cording, and cream wool backing, he sits regally amidst the Native American influence of dream catchers. Did you know that according to the legend of the dream catcher that Native Americans believe the air is filled with both good and bad dreams. Dream catchers were hung in the tepee or lodge and on an infant’s cradle board. Good dreams are said to pass through the center hole of the sleeping person. Bad dreams are trapped in the web and perish with the light of dawn!
This is an unknown punch needle pattern is from an unknown designer. Evidently it has been a long time in someone’s drawer! But it is now finished with a black wool covered backing with handmade and hand sewn cording. The little hen and chicks will look quite sassy on a door knob or a wall.
My days have also been filled with hand quilting on my huge irish chain quilt, making binding for it, as it will soon be done (HAPPY DANCE SOON TO COME), plodding long on a wool and fabric wall hanging for my guest room. No photos until is done! And my knees can attest to lots of weeding in the garden!
Enjoy the rest of the summer! Amities, Averyclaire
Averyclaire 
Southpaw Stitcher
Aug 09, 2015 @ 21:58:26
Your project bag instructions look very detailed, and the photos are wonderful! Love your stand-up cardinal, and the chicken family almost makes me want to try my hand at punchneedle again.
Brigitte
Aug 10, 2015 @ 08:21:01
Great, all your new finishes. And thank you for the detailed tutorial. This bag looks fantastic.
Annie
Aug 10, 2015 @ 14:39:12
Great tutorial for such a pretty project bag.
That cardinal is so funny with his big quaker belly! Is he free standing with a flat bottom or do you have to prop him up?
Didn’t know you did punch needle too. That’s a pretty piece.
You are one busy needlewoman!
Jackie
Aug 10, 2015 @ 17:54:23
Love your fabric choices for the project bag! Thank you for the tutorial. Your finishing is wonderful!
Sheryl
Aug 11, 2015 @ 13:23:46
such a pretty bag and design. thank you for the tutorial.
Carol
Aug 11, 2015 @ 16:43:12
Oh, what a wonderful tutorial, Karen. I can only hope mine would turn out half as nice as yours–zippers scare me to death!!
Love the finishes, too, especially the cardinal.
Hope your August is going well and that you’re enjoying lots of stitching/finishing time 🙂
Margaret
Aug 12, 2015 @ 20:45:32
Love all your work! You are so talented. I can’t wait to see the finished quilt!
Jane
Aug 15, 2015 @ 01:36:13
What a lovely project bag, a great way to use a stitched desing
Vera
May 11, 2016 @ 08:06:00
Love the Quaker Cardinal! Is that pattern still available?
averyclaire
May 11, 2016 @ 08:15:59
Yes, Vera, it is a pattern called “Quaker Cardinal” by Workbasket and is available to 123stitch.com. Thank you for visiting my blog and for your interest in this great pattern!