Quilter Tested

You may not be aware of this, but many of the patterns we publish are quilter-tested by the editor assigned to write the instructions. Any time a project has an unusual technique, tricky construction, or other issue that might be unclear to a reader, we are only too happy to get out the fabric and do a little sewing to make sure our pattern is perfect and easy! Last weekend, I made this extremely cute messenger bag, designed by Darci Wright of QuiltsIllustrated.com, as a birthday gift for my niece, and tested out our pattern for it at the same time. Complete instructions will appear in the May/June 2011 issue of McCall’s Quilting, and let me tell you…this is one fast, fun bag to stitch! We’ll include photos to help you make the little darts in the bottom corners, which give the bag shape and depth. Pick a few fun fabrics, add a little snappy hardware (Darci used D-rings and swivel hooks in the versions you’ll see in the magazine), and in about 3 hours you’ve got an adorable way to carry your iPad, notebook computer, e-reader, or just everyday necessities. This one is on its way to Boston…happy birthday, Alysia!