How to Make a "Personalized Baby Bag"

Materials:

11 1/2" x 21" rectangle of baby print

11 1/2" x 21" rectangle of matching solid (You can use the matching print, too)

11 1/2" x 21" rectangle of batting

5" x 16" rectangle of baby print (for handle)

2 1/2" x 16" rectangle of batting (for handle)

3" x 22" rectangle of white for cuff (I trim to fit when I attach it.)

22" of narrow lace

1. Make a "sandwich" with one layer of solid fabric, the batting, and a print fabric with the right side out. Quilt the three layers together with lines about 1 1/2 inches apart: Trim all edges so they are even.

2. Print fabric will be the outside fabric. Fold "sandwich" with right sides of print fabric together, and sew along bottom and the one side that is open to make the bag. (The bag is taller than it is wide.)

3. Pinch a triangle at each side of the base of the bag (right sides of print fabric still together) and sew across the triangle where the width is about 2 inches. See sample.

4. Sew the lace to the white cuff and press the lace of the white cuff open. Top stitch the lace to keep it lying flat. Sew the white cuff of the bag onto the top with right side of the white cuff facing the right side of the solid lining. Sew the two ends of the cuff together so that it matches the width of the bag. (Make sure the lace is opened out.)

5. Prepare the handles by folding the strip of fabric lengthwise with right sides together and placing the batting strip on top. Sew along the bottom and only side. Turn inside out and quilt lengthwise down the middle.

6. Attach the handle to the sides of the bag with a reinforced stitch. (The cuff should be opened out of the way while attaching.)

7. Embroider the baby's name on the cuff.

8. Pray for the baby who will have this bag one day.