Travel bag

Purchase Red Telephone Box Pattern

I had the idea of a Red Telephone Box quilt pattern for a long while. As you know, I love old architecture, and I fell in love with the vine- and plant-decked Oxford windows. So I added a Victorian street lamp along with a lit-up window – an Oxford window, if you will. Once I had designed and made the block, it became obvious to me that I wanted to make a travel bag with it.

I not only finished sewing the bag, I also managed to make good progress toward an architecture-influenced painting.

Gothich Architecture Drawing | Whims And Fancies

After meticulously drawing out the previous symmetrical design with drafting tools, I changed my mind and reordered the elements in an asymmetrical fashion. This is the planning sketch for the new drawing.

Gothic Architecture Drawing | Whims And Fancies

Now that the initial drawing is done, I will start adding shading and the ornamental details. Then I get to start painting it. Still a long way to go, but I enjoy getting lost inside a long project.

Red Telephone Box quilt pattern, British Telephone Box quilt pattern | Whims And Fancies

After the last two Wandering Camera posts full of Oxford photos and the drawing, I couldn’t ignore the Red Telephone Box block any more.

Red Telephone Box quilt pattern, British Telephone Box quilt pattern | Whims And Fancies

Last week I used my very own crossbody bag pattern to make this bag. I had all the materials at hand, even a fire-engine red zipper.

As this was my One Monthly Goal, I am linking up with Patty at Elm Street.

Red Telephone Box quilt pattern, British Telephone Box quilt pattern | Whims And Fancies

This blue fabric that I had been saving for a special project was perfect for the back. I love that it has “Destination Adventure” printed on it.

Red Telephone Box quilt pattern, British Telephone Box quilt pattern | Whims And Fancies

Purchase Red Telephone Box Pattern

I pieced the red grid on my telephone booth. However, for easier piecing, I also included pattern sections without the grid. The grid can be added afterwards via a thick-width machine stitch. The finished block is 12″, which I find to be a great size for fun projects. The Red Telephone Box quilt pattern is available in my shop, if you wish to make one.

Now when I travel, I am all set to walk around in old cities carrying my camera, my little travel journal / notebook, even a sketchbook and colour pencils. It’s even the perfect size for the day trips we love to take on weekends.

If you have missed the photos or want to revisit, here are the links for a few of my photos of Christ Church, Oxford –

Posts On England Travel – 2016

Oxford – Christ Church Part I

Oxford – Christ Church Part II

You can also still link up on this month’s Wandering Camera.

Happy Wandering,
-Soma

I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.

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Purchase Fields On Camera Pattern

I was travelling in Sweden a few weeks ago. Alongside all the travel preparation, I decided to make a bag only a few days before leaving. I am a fairly light traveller and I always take a specific set of things in my hand bag in preparation for a long flight. I wanted the bag to be just large enough to fit those items. I knew I didn’t need a very complicated bag with lots of pockets. I am not very advanced at sewing and I had to make this bag very quickly if I were to take it with me. With all that in mind, I started looking for a simple bag pattern.

Camera Quilt Pattern | Whims And Fancies

Purchase Fields On Camera Pattern

I was very excited to finish this block from my camera quilt pattern and I really wanted to use it for the bag. I looked at a few bag patterns, but none of them were designed in a way that would enable me to use the camera block. Most of the patterns were also too complicated for me to finish in the given time. In the end, it was easier for me to write down the measurements and design my own bag rather than editing and retrofitting my needs onto an existing pattern.

Cross Body Bag With Zipper | Whims And Fancies

When I got around to the zipper, it was actually a lot easier to sew than I had expected. I was going to use the outer blue fabric around the zipper, but not having any more of it, I ended up using the lining fabric instead.

When I attached the strap holders and rings to the bag, I stitched over them a few times for extra support. I use cotton webbing for the loops as well as for the straps as they are much sturdier than cloth. I used a set of silver strap hardware this time instead of my usual black.

Zippered Cross Body Travel Bag | Whims And Fancies

Earlier, when I made the bag for Dixie, I liked this blue fabric so much, I bought a little extra. Since this bag would see rough use, I needed a dark shade of fabric. The blue fabric was just right for that.

The bag has a large back pocket and two inside pockets, which is just right for me. The bag proved not only extremely useful during the many long flights from San Francisco to Kiruna, it was wonderful for day trips in Sweden as well. It even holds two big water bottles along with all the other necessities.

Abisko, Sweden | Whims And Fancies

Abisko, Sweden

As for Sweden, it is a very beautiful country. We hired a car there and travelled extensively every day. Before we knew, it was time to head back home again, wishing for one more day there. If Lara and Mary are reading this post, I promise I haven’t forgotten about writing a full post about our trip to Sweden. I am still sorting through photos, I took an overwhelming number of them!

-Soma

Red Telephone Box Travel Bag

Posts On England Travel – 2016

Travel Bag For Sweden