Anyone else a big fan of Roald Dahl’s books? When I saw that Riley Blake was releasing a line of fabric from his book Matilda, I knew just what I had to make with it–a library book bag! We’re always trying to juggle a huge pile of books in our arms as we make our way to and from the library, so this quilted bag with oversized handles will be perfect for all our future trips to the library.
I wanted a super sturdy, quilted tote bag and wasn’t aware of any patterns that fit the bill, so this project was a “make it up as you go” type of venture. I’m happy to say there was only a minimal amount of unpicking as I made my way through each step of the process. 🙂
I used the Matilda Book Toss print in blue and white for the outside of the bag and the Matilda Standing Books in white for the lining. The handles have the blue Book Toss print again along with the Matilda text print and Swiss Dots in Yellow (also from Riley Blake). The yellow swiss dots match perfectly and add an extra pop of color to the handles. Of course, I used my favorite Aurifloss 50 wt thread from start to finish.
The Matilda fabric line is shipping to stores this month (November 2019). If you’re a Roald Dahl fan–or just a bibliophile in general, it’s a fun fabric line to show your love of the written word.
Pamela says:
Our local library started has a non-plastic bag tree for kids to take books home in. I thought I would start making some. I love your bag!!! I love the new Riley Blake fabric line too! Did you create a pattern to sell?
centerstreetquilts says:
Hi Pamela, what a fun program your library is doing! I don’t have a pattern written up (at least not yet). I just made the design up as I went along and I’ll have to see if my computer graphics skills are up to the task of creating a pattern. Haha. 🙂
Mary Bartel says:
Where can I purchase this fabric locally, southern NH? Is there a book bag pattern to go along with this?
Thanks.
centerstreetquilts says:
Hi Mary, do you have a local quilt shop? If so, I’d ask them if they would be willing to order it for you. Otherwise, you can find it to purchase online by doing a search for “Riley Blake Matilda Fabric” on http://www.etsy.com.
I haven’t written up a pattern for the bag. Bag making isn’t my forte, so I might need to make a couple more first to see if I’m up to the challenge of writing a pattern. 🙂
Kim Brickey says:
I am wondering about a pattern for the book bag too?
Thank you!
centerstreetquilts says:
Hi Kim, I don’t have a pattern written up for the bag yet. It might be something that I try to tackle in the future, though. 🙂
Hilary Jordan says:
This is beautiful!