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