With no pattern on hand, I had to improvise. Luckily, this design is straightforward and spacious enough to fit those handy lunch cubes and a water bottle.

You’ll need:

• 1/2 yard of exterior fabric
• 1/2 yard of lining
• About a 10″ square scrap of canvas
• 1/2 yard of Insulbright
• 1 yard of medium-weight fusible interfacing
• 6″ sew-on Velcro

Plus the usual suspects:

• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Rotary Cutter/Cutting Mat/Acrylic Ruler
• Liquid Stitch Glue
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Pins
• Fabric Pen

Here’s the breakdown:

From the Exterior Fabric:

• 2 Front/Back pieces: 10.5″x13″
• 2 Handles: 4″x18″
• 1 Pocket: 7″x14″
• 1 Bottom: 7″x9″

From the Lining:

• 2 Front/Back pieces: 10.5″x13″
• 1 Bottom: 7″x9″

From the Insulbright:

• 2 Front/Back pieces: 10.5″x13″
• 1 Bottom: 9″x7″

From the Interfacing:

• 2 Front/Back pieces: 10.5″x13″
• 2 Handles: 4″x18″
• 1 Pocket: 7″x14″
• 1 Bottom: 7″x9″

From the Canvas:

• 1 Bottom: 7″x9″

Now onto the instructions:

1. Cut and fuse the interfacing to the coordinating exterior pieces following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. For the handles, fold each lengthwise in half, wrong sides together, and press. Then, unfold and fold each long edge into the center fold line and press again. Fold again along the center line, ensuring edges are neatly tucked, and press once more. Edge stitch the long edges of both handles, starting with the edge with two folds.
3. For the pocket, fold it in half wrong sides together to create a 7″ square. Pin along the bottom and sides, leaving a 3″-4″ space for turning, and stitch, ensuring to backstitch at the opening and top edge. Do not sew the top (folded) edge. Clip corners, turn, and press. Topstitch 1/2″ from the folded edge.
4. Fold the pocket in half from side to side and finger press. Fold the front piece in half from side to side and finger press or mark center lines with a pin. Place the pocket 2″ down from the top edge of the bag front, aligning the finished edge along the ruler and matching centers. Pin in place and edge stitch 1/8″ from the edge of the pocket.
5. Match up the edges of the Insulbright to the wrong side of the front/back pieces and baste inside the seam line to secure. Repeat for the bottom, sandwiching the canvas between the Insulbright layers.
6. Place the right side of the bag back to the front and stitch. Finger press seams open and stitch the seam down from the right side of the bag using a 1/4″ seam allowance on both sides of the seam.
7. Find the center of the front and back by matching up side seams and making small snips inside the seam line. Fold the bag bottom in half both ways and snip each time.
8. With right sides together, pin the side seam of the bag to the center mark of the 7″ side of the bag bottom. Pin the remaining center marks of the bag bottom to the front/back. Carefully pin the pieces together, ensuring even distribution around the corner, and trim. Repeat for all three remaining corners and stitch. Trim seam allowance with pinking shears or snip notches into the corners.
9. Repeat the process for the lining.
10. Attach the handles on either side of the pocket with basting. Match the front/back together for handle placement and pin them in place.
11. Turn the exterior right side out and leave the interior wrong side out. Insert the bag into the lining, right sides together, matching side seams, and pin around the edge, leaving a 4″-5″ gap for turning. Stitch, making sure to backstitch on both sides of the opening.
12. Carefully pull the bag out through the opening of the lining, press, and edgestitch around the bag, keeping the handles out of the stitching line.
13. Place the wrong side of the Velcro on the lining, about 1/2″ down from the top and centered between the straps, and use Liquid Stitch glue to hold it in place. After 15-20 minutes, stitch it in place.

That’s it! Feel free to customize with coordinating fabrics or go wild with patchwork. Share your creations on Instagram and tag me if you decide to make one. Happy sewing!

The post Tutorial: Bucket Lunch Bag appeared first on Schnitzelandboo.

Exciting news alert! As we dive into our swapping adventure, let’s take a moment to celebrate our progress:

• We’re the top result when you Google “Mini Quilt Swap” – how cool is that?
• Our Flickr group now boasts 67 photos and 147 members!
• The hashtag “schnitzelandboominiquiltswap” has hit 100 posts, while “makeaquiltmakeafriend” is at 32.
• We’ve added TWO more prizes, bringing the total to FIVE!
• And guess what? We’ve discovered Lisa Nelson, our newest prize contributor. Awesome, right?

Now, let’s talk about those mosaic quilt pictures in the Flickr group. Seriously, WHOA! I’m blown away by how this tiny idea has blossomed into a vibrant community of quilters, encompassing all skill levels and backgrounds. We’ve got beginners, pros, designers, authors, stay-at-home parents, and even a few guys! And get this – participants from EIGHT different countries! How cool is that? Sure, it’s been a lot of work, but the outpouring of support from this crafting community is truly touching. In fact, I’m already planning the next one, likely in January after we’ve all survived the holiday rush.

Have you seen the bloggy button thingy? If not, check it out, slap it on your blog, and share it with the world! Details are in the post below.

Now, onto the guidelines:

1. Quilts can range from 6″x6″ to 24″x24″.
2. This is a secret swap, so feel free to give sneak peeks or even full views, but don’t tag your partner!
3. The deadline to mail your mini quilt is Friday, November 15th. That gives you about a month and a half to navigate quilt market, wrap up your WIPs, tidy your cutting table, and restock your shelves.
4. Try to send your swap between November 8-15 to maintain the surprise. If you need more time or can no longer participate, please let me know. Life gets busy, and I understand! No public or private humiliation, I promise.
5. Join the Flickr group if you haven’t already to share photos, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow swappers.
6. Use the hashtags #schnitzelandboominiquiltswap and #makeaquiltmakeafriend to see what everyone else is up to.
7. Sending goodies with your quilts is optional, but a nice touch. No pressure!
8. Above all, HAVE FUN!

Happy Swapping! -Kristi

PS: Imagine this post filled with lovely, inspiring quilty pictures. I couldn’t figure out how to grab them from our Flickr group and post them here. Oops!

The post Mini Quilt Swap Guidelines appeared first on Schnitzelandboo.

Discounts will be offered, and I’ll keep you updated as they come in. We’ve received some very generous offers from many of your favorite fabric shops, so stay tuned!

More details will follow shortly. I’ve had a couple of small jobs that have kept me quite busy, which is why the sign-ups are happening a few days later than expected.

The Nitty Gritty:

This round will be EXCLUSIVE to Instagram users. Since this is an Instagram-based swap, it’s best to keep it within that platform. While we have a Flickr group for communication and stalking, most of our activity happens on IG. If you DON’T have an Instagram account, you WON’T be able to participate. With so many participants in this swap, it’s extremely challenging to keep track if everyone isn’t in the same place. I understand this may disappoint some, but it’s necessary for logistical reasons. Thank you so much for your understanding!

Here are the key points to note:

1. Partners will be assigned based on the answers you submit, so choose carefully!
2. Provide as much information as possible to ensure a successful swap.
3. Quilts can range from as small as 6″x6″ to as large as 24″x24″.
4. This is a secret swap, so feel free to give sneak peeks or even full views, but don’t tag your partner!
5. The deadline to mail your mini quilt is Monday, November 02, 2015, for International swappers and Monday, November 09, 2015, for National swappers. This gives you three months to navigate back-to-school season, finish up your WIPs, clear your cutting table, and stock your shelves.
6. Join the Flickr group to share photos, gather ideas, and connect with new and existing friends.
7. Use the hashtags #schnitzelandboominiquiltswap, #makeaquiltmakeafriend, and our newest addition #quiltersofawesome to see what everyone else is up to.
8. Sending goodies with your quilts is optional, but appreciated.
9. YOU MUST HAVE AN INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT to participate.
10. Most importantly, have fun!
11. Upon receiving your swap package, PLEASE take the time to post it on IG, express gratitude, and send your partner an email. This is ESSENTIAL!

The post Schnitzel & Boo Mini Quilt Swap: Round Four appeared first on Schnitzelandboo.

Determined to beautify my walls, I brainstormed alternatives. The orangey hue cast by the paneling irked me, and I yearned for a change. My mind drifted to my talented friends, my fabric stash, and a cherished mini quilt gift. Eureka! Hosting a mini quilt swap seemed the perfect solution—quick, fun, and a surefire way to spruce up my space. Excitedly, I rallied friends to join in the creative exchange, promising a delightful array of happy mail.

Here are the guidelines/suggestions for the swap:

1. Partners will be assigned based on submitted answers for a tailored swap experience.
2. Provide detailed information to ensure a successful exchange.
3. Quilts can range from 6″x6″ to 24″x24″.
4. Maintain secrecy by not tagging your partner; sneak peeks are welcome!
5. Mini quilts must be mailed by Friday, November 15, providing ample time for quilt market and other commitments.
6. To preserve the surprise, aim to send your swap between November 8-15.
7. Join the Flickr group to share photos, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow participants.
8. Follow the hashtag #schnitzelandboominiquiltswap to explore others’ creations.

With anticipation building, let’s embark on this mini quilt adventure together—creating, sharing, and spreading joy one stitch at a time!

The post Mini Quilt Swap appeared first on Schnitzelandboo.

Let’s dive into some of the highlights, although we’re keeping a few surprises up our sleeves to maintain the excitement:

• A SIX MONTH subscription to Make Modern Magazine
• A Brand New Pattern by Kelly Biscopink, Rebel Craft Media

We’re grateful to Stitcherie, Pink Door Fabrics, Gray Rayne Fabrics, and Canoe Ridge Creations for generously offering discounts to swap participants. Moreover, we’re thrilled to announce a special collaboration with Patchwork Threads to support our furry, feathered, and four-legged friends. With every purchase of the Animal/Quilt themed T-Shirt, created in partnership with Patchwork Threads, 20% of profits will be donated to ASPCA.org. Isn’t that amazing? A huge thank you to Lindsay for making this initiative possible!

As someone deeply passionate about animals, I’ve always aimed to make a positive impact. While some have suggested charging for participation in this swap, my focus remains on fostering friendships and building community rather than financial gain. That’s why I’m proposing we make donations in our partners’ names to support shelters, rescues, and charities. Quilt labels designed by Ali Winston (Instagram user @a_2_w) will be provided, allowing you to customize your quilt and acknowledge your contribution. Stay tuned for more details on how to use these labels, as Ali will be guest blogging to provide further instructions.

Here’s a list of shelters, rescues, and charities that hold a special place in my heart. Donations are entirely optional, with no pressure whatsoever to participate. It’s simply a way for our community to support one another and give back.

Now, onto a significant change for this round: it will be EXCLUSIVE to Instagram users. Given that this is an Instagram-based swap, it makes sense to keep it within that platform. While we have a Flickr group for communication, the bulk of our activity happens on IG. If you don’t have an Instagram account, unfortunately, you won’t be able to participate this time. I understand this may disappoint some, but it’s necessary for logistical reasons. Thank you for your understanding!

Here are some key points to remember:

1. Partners will be assigned based on your submitted answers, so provide detailed information for a successful swap.
2. Quilts can range from 6″x6″ to 24″x24″.
3. This is a secret swap, so no tagging your partner!
4. The deadline to mail your mini quilt is Friday, January 16, 2015, allowing ample time for holiday festivities and preparations.
5. For International Swappers, aim to send your swap by January 16; for Local Swappers, by January 23.
6. Join our Flickr group to share pictures, ideas, and connect with fellow participants.
7. Use the hashtags #schnitzelandboominiquiltswap and #makeaquiltmakeafriend to follow along with everyone’s progress.
8. Sending goodies with your quilts is optional but appreciated.
9. You MUST HAVE AN INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT to participate.
10. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the creative process!

Please remember that this swap is open to ALL SKILL LEVELS. While you may not receive something that matches your own skills, approach each exchange with kindness and appreciation. Send something you’re proud of, and be sure to express your gratitude upon receiving your swap package.

Let’s make Round Three of the Schnitzel & Boo Mini Quilt Swap a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved!

The post Schnitzel & Boo Mini Quilt Swap: Round Three appeared first on Schnitzelandboo.