This bag is a great way to combine fabrics.  It’s a perfect size for so many things.  Padded, with pockets, and a zippered top closure.  You can carry a laptop and no one would know it’s in there.

 I have taught this project for quite a few years, at least 14.  Many people have made it.  I've made it for gifts and more.  My most recent one went to an auction to support the theatre group my niece has been a part of for a good number of years.

These bags take time to make.  Someone who is right on top of things would be lucky to finish in 10 hours.  I say to plan on 16 hours to complete it.  If you do not choose to include the zipper panel on top, that can save time.  But, having a zipper closure is so worth the extra hours it would take to make it.

I had a cutting die made, so we can cut all of your rectangles in one pass.  We will talk about: use of color; piecing in an efficient way; pressing, and organizing your project.  You will finish your project by the end of the retreat and can use it to carry items right away.  If there is enough time, we could make a diva wallet to match.  (That information is on another page.)

 Cost of materials/zipper/my pattern = 

• $15 Thermolam Plus $12/yard, I got it at a discount, needs 1 1/4 yds (maybe a little more when you consider the zipper opening and the handles) = $15
• $17 Shapeflex $7.50/yard Exterior/interior, and back of zipper panels, need 2 1/4 yds = $17
• $3 Decorative thread, Sulky Blendables, $9 per spool, optional
• $5 Jacket zipper for top, $5
• $2 Peltex for bottom panel, or corrugated plastic, $12/yd, need 5” x 15” = $1.70, I would charge $2
• $10 pattern 
• Total with bringing your own fabrics = $55

Fabrics to purchase, Can use a layer cake, and get 10 blocks from each layer, you need approximately 

Sides need 40 each = 80

Zipper panel needs 15

Handles need 6 x 4 = 24

Total blocks needed is 120 or more

Charm squares, you need minimum of 60

Layer cakes, each square makes 10 rectangles you need 12 squares, or if you use of 3/4 of each square in a stack.

Fat quarters, you want, at least, 8 different fabrics

Fat 1/8’s give you 12 rectangles, so you would need, at least, 10 of them

I added the photos to a gallery below.  Just click on a thumbnail to get a full sized version of the picture.  
 
To see available dates, and to sign up for your retreat, go to:
https://www.missionspringsresort.com/sewing-retreat/