On Saturday, I started my third class at Spool. And, for added fun, C Doggle, Trish, and I are classmates!

The class is being taught by Michael Fulkerson — creator of the now-famous bird mobile (bird pattern available here) — and utilizes the Birdie Sling pattern from Amy Butler.

I agonized over choosing fabric, because I wanted the bag to be something that I would actually carry. My wardrobe tends toward basic black, so while I really enjoy looking at bright, colorful quilting fabric, it doesn’t fit easily with the rest of my clothes and shoes. I also tend to like things that are a little off-beat — maybe even a little creepy — but also tasteful (and, if not tasteful, at least artful). When you’re talking about quilting fabrics, this combination can be a tall order (can’t wait for Spoonflower!).

But, in the end, I found the most amazing fabric:

And, by some incredible stroke of luck, Hancock’s of Paducah was selling it for less than $4.00/yard. It’s currently out of stock at Hancock’s, but The Virginia Quilter has it for $8.79/yard.

The fabric also led me to Alexander Henry Fabrics, which, if polygamy were legal, I would totally marry. I love them that much.

I’ll post pictures when the bag starts to take shape.