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Saturday, August 25, 2012

Ditty Bags Giveaway

Hello Everyone!  I have really been appreciating all the comments I've received this week.  It is so nice of you all to take a few minutes to share your thoughts.  Thanks!

Are you familiar with the term "ditty bag?"  In the old days of ocean-going, every sailor had his own bag, a ditty bag, in which he kept his valuables.  A few weeks ago when my parents and niece were visiting, we took an excursion on an old-time schooner.  A few times a week, they do a pirate voyage for the kids.  The crew dresses up as pirates and the kids get to do things like help to raise the sails, steer the ship, etc.

 
 
  One of the programs consisted of one of the crewmember talking about his ditty bag and its contents.
This canvas bag is the ditty bag.  Inside it had sewing implements--sailors did a lot of canvas repair, etc.  The crewmember explained that back in the days before resumes and letters of recommendation, captains could tell the ability of a sailor by how his ditty bag appeared.  Experienced sailors had nicer ones, I guess. 

I'm not sure if you know the pattern line ByAnnie.  I enjoy the patterns and Annie released a new one called Ditty Bags.  The pattern makes three sizes of bags.  They zip close and have a side handle.  They are perfect for cosmetics, sewing supplies, etc.  The smallest one could easily go in a purse.  Annie recommends that you use a product she developed called "Soft and Stable" for the padding/batting.  I love it for bags and purses--it is easy to quilt but it provides much more body than batting.
 
The pattern makes three sizes and I made them all!  I used a fat quarter pack from the line Indie by Pat Bravo.  It is unlike anything I usually buy, but I was interested in trying something new.  The fabric had the best "hand"--it feels so silky.  The large, busy prints are fun, too.

 
This is one of the medium bags.  I made two of that size.  I made all four at the same time.  I find that it is hardly any more work to do two or three of something than it is to make one.

 
This is the inside.  The directions feature binding pieces to enclose the seams and make everything look very tidy and professional.

 
This is the other medium.  See how it is standing up by itself?  That is thanks to the body provided by the Soft and Stable.
 
 
 
 
This is the large size...



... and the small.
 
 
 
 
The bags zip closed and feature this small, loop handle which is perfect for carrying it around or holding onto while unzipping the bag.
 
 
The bags were lots of fun to make and I'm really pleased with the design and results. 
 
To celebrate having over 50 followers, I'm going to giveaway one of the medium-sized bags.
 
 
  Please become a follower if you aren't already, leave a comment on this post prior to Tuesday telling me which one you would prefer (the dark pink or the light one) and if you are a no-reply, also provide your email address. 
 
Good Luck!
JoAnne


18 comments:

  1. Nice bags and great blog. I love the lighter colored ditty bag!

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  2. Very nice ditty bags! I'm gonna have to look for that pattern... those would make great gifts!

    If I'm lucky enough to win, I'd like the dark pink one. Thanks for the giveaway, JoAnne!

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  3. These are beautiful! I'd love to win the lighter one! Thanks for the chance, and congrats on 50 followers! (55 now!) Woohoo!

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  4. Ohh...love them both, but would go with dark pink, just because I love anything pink. I am a follower, thank you!

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  5. I discovered your blog after you left a comment on mine. I am now reading "Patriotic Quilter" on Google Reader. If that makes me one of your followers, I'd love to have my name added to your drawing for the dark pink bag. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  6. I really like the dark one if I was lucky enough to win.

    I have been a follower for sometime now and enjoy your blog. Thanks for the chance to win one of your wonderful bags

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  7. I enjoy not only your quilting but refreshing me on military life. Hugs! Oh...can I have you choose my ditty bag should I win?

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  8. I would love either if lucky enough to win!

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  9. I've been a follower for quite some time, love to follow your military movings. I'd take either bag, your choice. Thanks!

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  10. Congratulations on your follower milestone. Happy to be one of them!
    Ditty bag is a new word for me. I would love one of them though...the light one if possible but they are both equally pretty, so if I am lucky enough to win, you pick for me...surprise me! I must keep my eyes open for that pattern. Thanks for the heads up.

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  11. I don't know how to follow anyone. I do however, know how to stalk. I put the link to your blog in my favorites in a folder called Quilt Blogs. Then, I click on that link every day to see if you wrote anything. I'm assuming following has something to do with all those little pictures at the top of the page,and I'm shy! But, I love the ditty bags, and already have that soft & stable product. Now all I have to do is find the pattern, and I can make one like the dark pink bag. Was making the bags the diversion you used to turn Friday into a good day?

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  12. I just signed on to be a follower. Your bags are very neat - either one would be lovely to win. I have been "going to" make one for a long time now, I'm a chicken with zippers!
    Thanks for the giveaway-
    Deb
    dr392809@gmail.com

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  13. The bags are great, JoAnne. I love both of them. I know they are fun to make in your new sewing room.

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  14. Loving the bags. Well done on the followers, I'm loving the lighter one.

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  15. I always enjoy reading your blog and being your friend :-) Congratulations on over 50 followers! Meeting new friends through blogging is great! If I was lucky enough to win your giveaway I would choose the light bag. Both of them are beautiful :-)

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  16. Thanks for your nice comments about my Ditty Bags pattern and Soft and Stable and congrats on over 50 followers! Your readers can find the pattern and supplies at my website: http://www.byannie.com/shop/product/ditty-bags/

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  17. Hey bag lady....fun project! I like surprises.....

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  18. We design and hands build the seabag and ditty bags for the ship crew.

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