Blowing my own trumpet

Today I was struck with a brainwave and for once I stopped long enough to think it through in detail... diary moment!!! Some of our precious family members are hopping over the pond to visit us at the end of this month and I owe a belated birthday gift to my cousin's wife. So, yesterday's productivity led to my brainwave. Why not turn the lovely pieced octagon into a bag?

I added a pretty button to the centre of the octagon and dug out some natural essex linen.

Suprisingly to me I worked through the bag construction process really quickly. I think it's probably all the practice I've had in the Amy Butler Style Stitches Sew Along with Bree :) I added a couple of internal pockets and used a magnetic snap to fasten.

I made the strap rather long so it can be worn across the body and it looks quite cute knotted at the top for length adjustment :)

Here's a shot of it on me to prove it's a bag and not a cushion :)

I have to say I am chuffed to bits with this and think the recipient will love it. If not I'll have it back! I think I see more of these in my future.... If you're interested in how I made this and would like to make something similar yourself let me know :)