December 2024 Swap

The December swap is a fun guild tradition where we each make something and then have a blind swap of our hand-made items at the December guild meeting.

This year we will be swapping retreat bags!

The Retreat Bag 2.0 pattern is the most up-to date, FREE, pattern offered by Emmaline Bags. We will be swapping the SMALL version. Download the free pattern here.

Please follow the instructions, in order, step-by step, for the Retreat Bag 2.0. If you’re new to bag making, do not fret. We will have some tips and tricks at the October meeting to assist you, so your bag making experience will be a joyful one!

We recommend the Pellon SF 101 for the interfacing and Fusible fleece for the second layer on the outer bodies of the bag. We do not recommend Annie’s Soft and Stable, headliner foam, or some sew-in heavy woven.

You have a choice of using 1 exterior fabric (13.5” wide by 9” high) or a bicolor exterior, with the top fabric 13.5” wide and 4.5” high and the bottom fabric 13.5” wide and 5” high. When the two fabrics are sewn together using a 1/4“ seam allowance, each exterior body piece should measure 13.5”wide by 9” high.

This is a great opportunity to try out a new technique or add some creativity to your project. You can really make your bag one of a kind and put your personal touch on it. Or if you are new to bag making, simply choose some cute modern fabrics and try out this pattern - no embellishments needed! The options are endless, have some fun!

We will NOT be adding a divider, straps or outside pockets.

Size SMALL uses 1 Pair of the Internal Wire Frames - Style A, which will be available for $2.00 at the October and November guild meetings. To include as many people as possible in the swap, we are offering 1 frame per person. We have 50 frames available for sale. Should you miss out on this offer, or when we run out, they are available for sale at some of our local quilt shops and of course, Emmaline Bags. Adding the wire frame is the very last step in this pattern, so don’t let that deter you from starting the bag if you haven’t yet obtained the frame.

FABRICS

• Fabric should be modern

• Make sure your fabrics are well coordinated. Hint: fabrics from the same line are designed to coordinate well with each other!

• Quilt store quality fabric

• Please no Christmas or seasonal theme

WRAP IT UP

Disguise your gift any way you choose (boxed with wrapping paper, bought or hand-made gift bag, etc.)

Bring your wrapped retreat bag to the December year-end guild meeting for the blind swap.

As you are working on your swap project, please post pictures on social media using these hashtags: #calmqgswap #calgarymqg