Sarah’s Liberty Patchwork Anna Bag — Hand-Pieced Hexagons in Exclusive Fabrics

Sarah from the studio has made this gorgeous liberty fabric patchwork Anna Bag using hand-pieced hexagons from the exclusive collection. The tote bag pattern combines portable English paper piecing with machine finishing — a brilliant sewing kit project that’s perfect for an evening out and even fits an iPad inside.

The pattern for this bag was inspired by my friend Anna who a couple of years ago made a quilt for her daughter from hand pieced Liberty hexagons. I’m normally too impatient to hand sew, but I’ve always liked the portability of crafts like knitting. So I devised this partially-portable sewing project as a way to reconnect with making by hand. It’s a great everyday bag which holds a surprising amount – you can even fit an IPad in.

Sarah from the studio has made this one from the my exclusive range of Liberty fabrics. I thought the bag would look fab in the colours from the range and so asked her if she fancied having a go at hand piecing. I have quizzed Sarah on the experience and this is what she said!

“It’s the first time I’ve tried paper piecing and was thrilled to give something new a go. I thoroughly enjoyed combining the hand sewing of paper piecing with finishing the bag by machine. The bag is lovely and I can’t wait to use it in the summer months. The size is perfect for an evening out and has a really handy pocket inside. It’s beautifully lined too which finishes the bag off perfectly. Both of my girls have put a request in for their own bag and have already started choosing fabric.

Having tried paper piecing I’m now seriously considering hand piecing a quilt too. This could take me a while so watch this space!”