Red Telephone Box pattern on Etsy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 on Etsy
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 on my Etsy 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 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.
44 thoughts on “Red Telephone Box Travel Bag”
Gail June 20, 2019 at 04:50
What a wonderful travel bag…perfect way to use your phone booth block! Great fabric for the back of the bag too! Happy travels. You are all ready for adventure.
Cheryl Brickey June 5, 2019 at 18:13
This is such an awesome bag! It is a wonderful design and the perfect size for travels!
Karen June 1, 2019 at 17:47
This is darling!
Patty June 1, 2019 at 13:18
Your work is beautiful! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish!
Kelly Anne Rothaermel May 29, 2019 at 18:23
I like that! The telephone booth really pops! Great job! Have a great week!
Kate May 25, 2019 at 19:06
A very fun bag! The red telephone box really shines in that setting.
Frédérique May 25, 2019 at 05:00
Love the new purpose of this beautiful block! You had a brilliant idea!
Kim May 24, 2019 at 21:04
Your red telephone bag is fabulous, Soma. Love that light and the fabric for the back is perfect for you….love this fabric!
DecorCraftDesign May 24, 2019 at 05:28
Wonderful drawing!
Susan Mann May 23, 2019 at 07:17
Wow those are fabulous. I love seeing your drawings xx
nessjibberjabberuk May 23, 2019 at 05:05
That’s the perfect bag for me. You know how much I love my red telephone boxes!
Kaja May 22, 2019 at 23:25
Your bag is lovely! I like the red phone box a lot and your idea of how to use the piece was perfect, right down to the fabric you have used for the back.
Angie Winter May 22, 2019 at 20:31
Soma – the perfect travel companion for an artist and scholar – YOU! Lovely, lovely bag!
Sandra Walker May 22, 2019 at 10:12
Such the perfect use for this block, Soma! Your piecing and your painting skills are a marvel.
My Corner of the World May 21, 2019 at 18:00
That is such a fabulous finished project! It’s so creative and should appeal to many who remember the ‘red phone booth’!
I appreciate your contribution to ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!
Margy May 21, 2019 at 15:54
Love the red telephone box quilted bag. Very creative. – Margy
Linda Calverley May 21, 2019 at 11:31
Love the bag with the red telephone box and your architectural drawings are super.
Tanza Erlambang May 21, 2019 at 03:46
telephone box looks unique and awesome…
Have a great day
Emily May 21, 2019 at 03:20
Wow, it’s the prefect travel bag! I love the print on the back almost as much as I love the lamp and phone box on the front. What a great bag for day trips!
NatureFootstep PhotoArt May 21, 2019 at 01:33
wow, I´m amazed, this is wonderful and seem sooo fun :)
Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One May 21, 2019 at 01:19
You’re very clever and the finished bag looks great #sundaysnap
Anja @ Anja Quilts May 20, 2019 at 12:50
What a great idea to turn the block into a bag. It looks great. Thanks for linking up with Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday.
Jessica May 20, 2019 at 00:57
This is a very nice idea!! Loved it!
Sue Palmer May 19, 2019 at 15:42
Beautiful bag, perfect for travelling, love the red phone box.
Wendy Welsh May 19, 2019 at 14:27
This is very clever! I love those red telephone boxes. We had them in New Zealand for many years. Thank you for linking up to the Peacock Party.
A ShutterBug Explores May 19, 2019 at 10:57
Beautiful and creative bag ~ love the red pop of color!
Happy Day To You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Sarah Wood May 19, 2019 at 00:57
What a gorgeous bag – we are just outside Oxford so have the privilege of frequent visits, lovely city.
Sarah MumofThree World May 18, 2019 at 22:54
Your bag looks amazing! And your drawing of the buildings in Oxford is going to be stunning.
#SundaySnap
Nicole/DVAtist May 18, 2019 at 10:14
Wow that is so cleaver and beautifully made.
Toni Leggate May 18, 2019 at 06:53
Made me smile, thank you. We are gradually losing our Red Boxes here in the UK; just like the old post boxes have almost vanished. Apparently it is ‘progress’.
Love the bag, excellent idea.
Carol May 18, 2019 at 04:17
You are so creative!
gillena May 18, 2019 at 04:07
Gorgeous travel bag. Have a nice weekend
Muchlove
peppylady (Dora) May 17, 2019 at 19:56
Cool quilt box you must be a Dr Who fan,
Michelle May 17, 2019 at 09:38
Awesome pattern! I love the telephone box. It made a really nice bag
Christine May 17, 2019 at 08:09
Beautiful red telephone bag!
Mary May 17, 2019 at 07:36
That turned out beautifully. I love the airplane fabric with it and the red zipper is perfect. That will be such fun to carry.
Sal Scheibe May 17, 2019 at 05:46
That’s such a gorgeous bag! Love your pattern!
riitta k May 16, 2019 at 21:58
Your red telephone quilted bag is so neatly done! Congrats – have a nice day!
Dixie May 16, 2019 at 21:17
O My! I do love your crossbody travel bag, Soma!
Your drawing looks lovely too.
Sheryl May 16, 2019 at 21:10
Hi Soma oh wow love your telephone box the pattern is awesome,well done my friend your new bag is fabulous clever you xx
Lady Fi May 16, 2019 at 21:03
These are fabulous!
Jeneta May 16, 2019 at 18:59
It’s wonderful! I love every aspect of it; the telephone box, the red zipper, the strap, the back fabric (which could also be the front). So fabulous!
Kathleen Kingsbury May 16, 2019 at 13:37
Neat!!
Ulrikessmaating May 16, 2019 at 10:01
Hej soma,
What a great bag! Love it :-) best wishes from denmark, ulrike :-)