Button Box Bag

Think of that large tin of old buttons that has been passed down from
Grandmother to Mother to Daughter –
It has always been a delight to dip your fingers in and see what you could pull out. There would be the tiny shirt buttons, studs for collars, toggles, mother of pearl, plastic, wood, bone, metal – mostly utility buttons but then you would find some real treasure – removed from a worn favourite dress, cardigan, or a coat. Memories are contained in that tin. Who wore the clothes they came from – Grandfather, Aunts, and Cousins, even you as a child?
Go and fetch that box now and see what you can find to stitch on to your bag.
Carry your treasure & memories with you!

This tote bag is a really attractive and useful bag with simple appliqué patches on the front.
It is large & spacious with a full width deep pocket on the back of the bag which is strip pieced. It has a tab & button to close both the pocket and main bag for safety. A single strap from side to side adds balance to the design.
You can make the bag in a variety of ways-
With buttons sewn into the middle of each patch – or
Without the buttons which looks just as pretty–or
Try it without any piecing on the front or back just use two closely co-ordinating fabrics. The top of the lining has a band of another contrasting fabric which allows you to turn the top over for added effect and also reduces the depth of the bag.
Finished size approx 14” square.