MORE MONKEY BUSINESS - A 911 Monkey Bag

I coined the term "911 Bag" as the moniker for the small purse-like bags I make. They hold daily essentials safely and discreetly in one's desk drawer or glove compartment. They have been a hit at DD's office, so I have been making more. These things just take on a life of their own sometimes, eh? lol.

The most recent "Click It" bag is for a gal that loves all things 'monkey' so naturally I call this one "Monkey Business". It is made completely different from the others I have shared here before. I did not have a FQ of monkey fabric, so created something workable by combining strips. Added a bit of batting, some applique and quilting and voila! we had the makings of a monkey bag. The closure mechanism is still a metal contractor's measuring tape, but that's where the similarity ends. BTW, while we are talking about the tape, I took a few photos to share with you how I prep the ends. I have been free-hand-cutting the ends! Sheesh! Why didn't i use a pencil line as a guide? Beats me, but I do now. And notice that the curve of the tape is up, facing me; way easier to cut from this angle.

Next, I smooth the edges with an old emery board - this is really important as you don't want to cut yourself, or later the fabric! Taping is two stages: First a small piece of tape just over the edge and then trim the dog ears:

Now place a longer piece of the blue Painter's tape on the front of tape, bring to back being careful to center it. Fold the edges in so the tape conforms to the rounded shape of the cut edge, then lay the rest of the tape down. This extra step really protects the edge and the bag will have longer wear.

Notice a little bit of tension is kept on the long end of the tape while shaping... this really helps to get it smooth.

Below is a pic of the front of the little Monkey bag. I should mention here that although Angel said to me, "I love monkeys", the idea of adding a fussy-cut monkey heart was inspired by a recent visit to Terry's blog and her darling mug rug.

Back:

And another of the front showing what happened b/c I placed the appliques too high -- I forgot all about the ties - the things that are used to open the bag with! Oh well, this bag was made with good intention, loads of love, but no perfection! haha. Can anyone else relate?

No pics of Missy this time, but she says, "hello" to everyone! Until next time, I hope you have fun stiching up something.

Quilty Hugs,