Time to Let the Cat Out of the BAG

So, last month I challenged all of you to post a simple handmade project in your Fiskateer gallery using yarn.  Fiskateers posted photos of blankets, sweaters, scarves, paper cards, scrapbook layouts and even a rug.  One random participant was selected using random.org for this previously announced challenge.  The winner of the Fiskars Special Edition Pink Ribbon Scissors and pink yarn is… Amy #3888!  Congratulations Amy!  (Please send your address and phone number to wendyjo@fiskateer.com to claim your goodies!

Now it’s time to let the cat out of the bag and announce another challenge.  I hinted to this challenge a little while ago right here on the Fiskateer blog and thought that entire month of October would be a perfect time for all of you to complete your projects.  The challenge is simply to make a handmade bag or purse for fall. 

The bag that you create can be an altered handbag or a bag made from scratch.  I am going to put a twist on things however and for this challenge there will be several requirements:

1.   Your bag base must be made using some material other than paper.  You can use any other type of material of your choice.  The bag can be made straight from scratch or a blank ready to decorate bag or purse can be used.  (Material examples:  canvas, cotton, felt, flannel, recycled plastics or fabrics, wood, or another source like an old purse.)  Remember you are creating a bag that you can use over, and over, and over again.

2.   The bag must be one that is created for and used during the fall months and it must be one that is created specifically for this challenge.  (No bags created prior to 10/01/09 please.)  Design examples and uses: Fall leaves, pumpkins, apples, owls, Halloween, a bag to take to the market, a bag to carry to a football game, or perhaps a pink bag for the awareness of preventing breast cancer.  The possibilities are endless so make it your own.

3.   Decorate your bag with anything you so desire.  Buttons, fabrics, felts, beads, etc…  You don’t have to really go out and buy extras to participate in this challenge.  Use spare items and scraps that you already have around your home.  Recycled items are a good thing.

4.   You must use at least one Fiskars cutting tool to create your bag.  Use your favorite Fiskars scissors or rotary cutter. 

5.   You have entire month to create your project.  No need to rush.  On October 25th, I will post another reminder about the announcement of this challenge right here on the Fiskateer blog.  On that blog post, I will share my bag that I am creating with you.  It will be on that post that you will be given the directions on submitting a photo (or photos) to me to enter this challenge.  DO NOT post a photo of your project anywhere on-line or submit your photo to me until you are directed to do so.

One random winner of this challenge will receive a special package of Fiskars sewing tools and “fall themed” items.  For now those Fiskars items will be a surprise.  I will however be posting a photo those prizes on the October 25th blog post I mentioned above to help build up the excitement to close of the contest. 

So, how is that for letting the cat out of the bag?  I announced a winner for one challenge and announce another.  Anyone game for making a bag for my fall challenge? 

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24 Responses to “Time to Let the Cat Out of the BAG”

  1. Pinky #3405 says:

    Oh how fun! I have been wanting to make a bag for some time! Great idea! I am excited

  2. Tona #4437 says:

    Congrats to Amy!
    This new challenge sounds fun.

  3. debra#5116 says:

    I am not a sewing person but i am going to try this one. Sounds fun

  4. Ashani 4682 says:

    Just my luck, I should have made a different project for the Boomarang sewing challenge. The bag I made for that would have been nice. I am going to have to think of something else.

  5. Lesa #5200 says:

    Congrats to Amy!
    I’ve never made a bag before–sounds like fun!

  6. Patty 2832 says:

    whew…I bet the cat’s happy ! ;)

    Hmm… gotta think about this one. Could be fun! (If my sewing machine is nice to me !)

    Congrats to Amy!

  7. Julie O. says:

    Sounds fun! I’m game!

  8. Eve Waldner says:

    I’m in on this one, I need a bag to carry my books to school. I love pumpkins, leaves, apples and owls, I will look so cool to match up with the season.LOL

  9. Merlene #1166 says:

    An interesting challenge Wendy Jo.

  10. Laura #1943 says:

    Sounds like a wonderful challenge !

    Congrats Amy !!!!!

  11. Brenmarie says:

    This will be just up my sleeve! I love sewing and can’t wait to get started!

  12. Chrisitne C #2264 says:

    Ooooh sounds like fun.

  13. Carol 6158 says:

    Congrats to Amy. I’ve been wanting to dig out a pattern I’ve used before for a quilted bag and make a new one. Now you’ve given me a reason to search for it. Might get it done.

  14. Sara R. says:

    This challenge ROCKS! Hmm…

  15. Amy 3888 says:

    How cool is that!?!? Thanks Wendy Jo!

  16. Stephanie #3584 says:

    I’m supposed to be learning how to use my sewing machine this weekend and one of the projects she has me trying is a purse! Woo hoo! Just in time I’d say :)

  17. Sharon #5668 says:

    I’m making some storage bags for my grandies to put some of their toys in to keep them tidier.I am basing them on the reusable bag you take to the supermarket.I am going put cutouts on so the know what each one is for.So they will used year round rather than for any specific season.

  18. Debbie Buckland (NZ) says:

    Great idea for a challenge…. hmmm Spring here so can I use a spring theme instead?

    If so I might make a tog bag for the kids.

  19. Kate (#1332) says:

    Litterally just started a bag so I hope that will be OK. Long way to go until its finihed though but hope your challenge will spur me on to complete it by the end of October.

  20. Luba #5382 says:

    Great challenge! Have not made a bag before but will give it a try. Thanks for the challenge.

  21. Fran #4515 says:

    Congrats to Amy!! I made this yesterday for the challenge AND to use it for the fall!!
    http://www.fiskateers.com/community/photo/48989/

  22. Fran #4515 says:

    Ignore the above message - I was warned about post it and removed the photo from the gallery!!!!!

  23. Sue says:

    This sounds like a fun challenge!

  24. Glenda says:

    I think I might try this as my first project for the site. It sounds like a good way to introduce myself to the group and show off my talents.

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