It took me a moment to think about what I wanted to make for this month's theme but I hadn't yet made a dresden block and I really, really love them so the 'tradition' theme was a good excuse!


I picked some of my very favourite fabrics (most of which are scraps from my green tea and sweet beans quilt) and then realised I had no clue what I was doing. Luckily I had an Easy Dresden ruler (that I won from Lisa in 2012, about time I used it!!) and found this tutorial for using it, really easy!

I got to work, with little help from my lovely assistant - she reminds me of a flower fairy in this picture!


Then I made a circle to appliqué in the centre, I basically use this method - although I do a running stitch around the edge of the circle to baste it slightly before putting the foil on. It also helps hold the seam in place while you appliqué.


Then I had to do something with it! So I made a bag using the Lola pouch pattern by Svetlana. This is such a well written pattern with clear instructions and I adore being able to have a binding on a zip bag, it gives it such a gorgeous finish. She has directions for two sizes of the Lola pouch in the pattern, although my dresden was too big and not wanting to cut it off I just made the bag 4" taller. It's pretty big but all the better to fill with stationery ;) I will definitely sew more of these and am itching to make a matching small version!


Excuse the stray thread in the picture above and the fact I haven't rinsed off the blue pen from my embroidery below! This is making and blogging with three kids around ;) Actually it was the kids watching Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium that inspired me to add this quote from the film. An excellent quote and nice reminder. I really enjoyed the film too!


I used Joy Mesh, Gossamer by Sharon Holland for the main fabric; 50wt Aurifil #2375 for the appliqué and quilting as it perfectly picks out a hint of pink; and the accent fabric / binding is Make Patches Shabby, Maker by AGF Studio. I used one strand of black embroidery thread for the quote and 12wt Aurifil #2214 for a bit of hand quilting on the centre circle. A pale green zip for a little pop of colour and I like that it adds to the retro feel.


I could not love my large Lola pouch more! I enjoyed making a traditional quilt block and creating something new with it.

Head over to Le Challenge to see what other people made based on the theme 'tradition'. If you have a finished project (all types of crafts welcome) that fits the theme and was made in the last month, come and link up for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop!