A friend recently brought me a charm pack of shweshwe fabric. You can read about it here if you’re not familiar with it. I was especially interested because I have a blogging friend in South Africa, where shweshwe fabric comes from. Most of the African fabrics we get here are from other areas of that continent.
After considering for a while, I decided to make tote bags for both of us.
This is a modified version of the Charm Party Tote by Penny Sturges. That pattern may still be available on Etsy, but Noodlehead has lots of good bag patterns and I mostly use hers now.
I used foam batting, which was an oddity to me when I first discovered it, but it works really well in bags.
Do we need to go shopping now that we have tote bags?
Zippy Quilts 
That’s lovely fabric and beautiful bags. I think a shopping trip is very much in order.
A shopping trip is always in order 😀
Many years ago our lovely blogging friend from SA sent me some fabric (back when the postal times in SA were better and I could also send her a gift). I have yet to use it as it is precious to me. Awesome fabrics you got there and sweet tote bags and thoughtful gift for your friend 🙂
I remember that! Maybe now you’ll make a tote bag to use it?
Oh, so cool! I bought a couple of fat quarters of that fabric when I was in France last year at the quilt show, but didn’t know what the name of the fabric was. I couldn’t think of what to do with it because it’s so stiff, but making a bag is a great idea. And yes — that foam batting. It really works well in most uses. Cute bags!
I’ve learned about shweshwe fabric from you, so thanks for that! How nice that you found something simple but effective for showing off those colorful prints. I like Noodlehead patterns too, and using foam batting (though it can sometimes be challenging to work with). I am SURE you and your friend will find a way to put those bags to good use.
Ohhhh, yes, putting those bags to good use! And I certainly agree that foam batting can be challenging (wink).
The bag is a perfect excuse to go shopping. I find the fabric itself is good for these kind of projects because it is quite sturdy. Your South African friend xxx
Good for a smile–thanks!