Amy Butler Charm Pack bag

We ordered in some lovely charm packs by Amy Butler recently but they are never quite as inspiring in their packaging as they are when made up into something. So after laying out the squares I decided they would make a lovely patchwork bag for my knitting.

First I “strip-pieced” the squares together into rows,

Then I used the stitch and flip method to join the rows and add wadding at the same time – a real time saver for a little project like this.

I used a pale fabric to create a lining as I thought this would make it easier to see what was lurking in the bottom of the bag.

I attached two handles and dashed out into the spring sunshine to get a lovely photograph!

Finally I filled my new bag with balls of scrummy yarn!

Easter beanbag chicks!

I have been meaning to try out this pattern for a while, I spotted it on RedTedArt's website which is full of great ideas for kids crafts. You can follow RedTedArt on facebook to keep up with all the fab ideas they have!

I knew it would be best to set up a production line as I wanted to make 9 or 10 for our new window display so I cut out all the fiddly felt parts first

Then I pinned all the felt pieces in place between the two layers of fabric before quickly sewing up the first two sides on each chick.

Keeping the rice in whilst pinning up and sewing the final side was a bit of a challenge but with a few additional strategically placed pins I soon got them all done.

You can find the original RedTedArt blog post here with detailed instructions and lots of step by step photos

http://www.redtedart.com/2012/02/10/pyramid-juggling-bag-chickens

I added one extra detail which was a frilly felt tail feather just for fun!

Enjoy your chicks! Ali x