I’m happy to announce that I’ll be hosting the Sandhill Sling Sew-along starting next month! After having so much fun with the Pepin Tote Sew-along at the end of last year, I was excited to plan another! Connecting and getting to know folks was such a fun part – plus it’s fun! We all need a little fun these days!

Sandhill Sling Sew-Along Sign-up

I’ve put together a tentative schedule for the SAL and will run it the same way I did the Pepin Tote SAL, via a once-weekly email beginning Wednesday, February 17th (ending approximately March 17th). Each email will have written information as well as a video of that week’s steps. Click the link below to sign up to receive the sew-along newsletters:

Click here to sign up for the Sandhill Sling Sew-Along!

Be sure to check out the #sandhillsling on Instagram to see so many amazing slings that have been made already! We can use the #sandhillslingalong as the sew-along #!

Schedule

I’m hoping to schedule the SAL for four weeks, plus a wrap up email at the end. Even if you don’t have time or aren’t sure you want to join in this time, you can sign up now and keep the emails for when you’re ready! It’s a casual thing, no pressure to keep up with any pace. The only requirement is that it’s FUN for you. Sewing is fun!

Supplies

In case you need bag-making supplies for the SAL I have most items available in my shop (I’m eagerly awaiting my restock of the Metal Snap Kits, but I don’t have an ETA yet):

• Sandhill Sling Pattern
• Webbing + Hardware kit (this kit is a combination of the 1.5 yards you’ll need if using webbing for the strap as well as the strap hardware).
• Sandhill Hardware Kit (hardware only if you only need the hardware)
• Webbing by-the-yard (instructions DO include making your own from fabric, too, so whatever works best for you!), you’ll need to order two yards for the sling, although you’ll only be using a yard and a half. If you plan on making two bags, order three (3) yards!
• Zipper Kit for View A (includes both zippers you need to sew this view)
• 18″ double pull zipper if you plan on making View B
• zipper pulls, totally optional, but fun! Leather pulls or waxed cord

If you’re making View B, I show a metal snap here (and it’s listed in the supplies requirements). Although I don’t have Starter kits at the moment, you could definitely substitute in a turn lock or a Loxx fastener. I have a video on how to install a turn lock (and you can check out the Loxx website for an install video. So, either of those options would work, too! Gotta love options!

If you have questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below!

I’ve always loved using Jeni’s quilt patterns, so the Arithmetic Quilt (by my friend Jeni Baker, In Color Order) using Quarry Trail felt just right! I had made the Arithmetic before, it’s always a fun quilt to make. So the baby Arithmetic was back on my must-make list again.

I made the Baby size of the pattern this time around. It was difficult to whittle down to only a few fabrics. I had cut quite a few different squares to play around with and finally landed on this combination. That’s the fun part, right?! I do love the puzzle of choosing fabrics and having fun with different combinations.

Batting, Backing, & Binding

The batting I used has been my favorite for a while, it’s a nice weight and has a beautiful drape. I typically order the Quilter’s Dream Orient batting from my local quilt shop, but I also love the Quilter’s Dream Cotton (picked up the crib size from Stitch Supply Co. for this one!). I feel like it pairs well with the Essex which is a bit heavier than a quilting cotton.

Choosing the most cozy backing is one of my favorite tasks about making a quilt, too. For this one I used a super soft gingham from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. I just love all their ginghams, you can’t go wrong! This particular one is their 1/4″ Carolina Gingham in Sand – soooo soft! What’s your favorite backing?

The binding is Kona Doeskin, which I think is a lovely compliment to Quarry Trail! It’s a nice neutral which goes well with so many colors.

• Pattern: Arithmetic by Jeni Baker (In Color Order), baby size
• Fabrics: Quarry Trail by me! for Robert Kaufman Fabrics

*Quarry Trail is slowly trickling out to shops. Be sure to check with your favorite shop! Or try an online search for “Anna Graham Quarry Trail” or check out the #quarrytrailfabric hashtag on Instagram.

Of course I had to sew up a garment using Quarry Trail*, and the Ilford Jacket by Friday Pattern Co. was on the top of my list! Essex is such a versatile substrate, one of my favorite uses is for garments. The linen cotton blend makes for a quality garment that’s relatively easy to sew. Unlike a lot of garment fabrics, Essex is very stable, so it’s great for beginner garment sewsists and experienced sewists alike!

Details

The Ilford Jacket is such a fun a straightforward sew. I’ve seen so many great variations of it as well, have fun checking out the #ilfordjacket hashtag on Instagram. I chose to do a hong kong finish on my sleeve seams because I knew when I’d wear this particular jacket, I’d most likely want to wear it with the sleeves rolled up. Plus it adds such a nice detail to the sleeve. I used some scraps of chambray to make the binding.

I’m definitely wanting to revisit this pattern again. I can’t wait to try a few different options. For instance, maybe adding a lining or adding the different styles of pockets.

When designing Quarry Trail I wanted to make sure that the designs worked well for garment making (as well as quilting and bag making), and I think it works! I’ve made a few other garments using my past collections if you’re interested in those:

• Pearl Dress (Forage)
• Kalle Shirtdress (Forage)
• Cleo Skirt (Forage)
• Wiksten Shift Dress (Driftless)

Here’s my I’m excited to try making a few more garments as well. I’ve got the Burnside Bibs on my list, so maybe those? What garments have you made using Essex?

• Pattern: Ilford Jacket by Friday Pattern Co. (here’s the PDF, and this link is for the paper version)
• Fabric: Aspen, Quarry Trail by me (Anna Graham) for Robert Kaufman Fabrics

*Quarry Trail is slowly trickling out to shops. Be sure to check with your favorite shop! Or try an online search for “Anna Graham Quarry Trail” or check out the #quarrytrailfabric hashtag on Instagram.