What about this? I've not made any of their toys yet but when I was considering it and looking for a Dachshund (long story!) Lots of people on my fb groups recommended this site for toy patterns. This one is specifically a memory bear one but there is a similar free pattern if you sign up to their newsletter

https://www.funkyfriendsfactory.com/keepsake-bear-pattern

@CraftyIrish The only problem with decovil heavy is that it might be hard to turn through - but if you have the patience I am sure it will be do-able. Then just leave the finished product under something heavy to mould to the book.

You don't have to use decovil - and heavier stabiliser would do. What brands do you have over in Ireland? Do you get the American brands like Peltex more than European ones? Pellon peltex 71f would be the alternative I think.

I would look at the websites you can source things from and just look for a heavy interfacing

I've made one for my sister for Xmas but I want to make a couple more in half term. You need some decovil light (if using cotton) and decovil light from memory.

It is a nice pattern for using up small bits of vinyl   [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

@Iminei     I know you think you can’t but with your patchwork skills you honestly could make a bag! What type of bag would you like? I am happy to help find a beginners pattern in that style and send you the right interfacing you would need so you don’t have to buy any for your first one. I know you have plenty of fabric... What have you got to lose?

@Iminei have you given it any more thought? I have seen some lovely tote bags made from orphan blocks 

Part of my New Years resolution is to use up things I have before buying new so this wkend I completed a bag kit. It was one I bought when a TV channel was closing down and was designed by a designer who I know usually sells good quality products.

This bag kit was not good though. Key parts (zips!) Were missing and not even mentioned on the pattern in the 'what you will need list's I had to guess at what was needed.

In fact the pattern overall was quite poorly written with lots of corrections.

However, it is finished and I will find a home for it. It uses thin cork and pre-made buckle and strap. It is designed to easily change from a cross body to a back pack (which is why I bought it as I liked this idea!)

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All you girls who can make such usefull things are soooooo clever!!!

I remember being on holiday visiting Sakar and family and going for a walk round a beautiful lake high in the mountains/hills and seeing a jaw droppingly beautiful bag slung across some girls shoulders and was instantly in live, obviously handmade and gorgeous ..... I pestered HWMNBN to take a pic but he deemed it too creepy to start snapping another girls bum as she walked off!!! 

But I would love to have the skill to make my own handbag ... at the moment Im just using a big open Provencal rush basket.

(Please note I said HANDmade rather than HOMEmade ... why does Homemade sound less professional than Handmade ???

@Iminei     I know you think you can’t but with your patchwork skills you honestly could make a bag! What type of bag would you like? I am happy to help find a beginners pattern in that style and send you the right interfacing you would need so you don’t have to buy any for your first one. I know you have plenty of fabric... What have you got to lose?

Generally I make the compact accordion (which is almost identical but smaller) as that is my preferred size. Variations I have made include:

- different fastenings (turn locks, purse edges etc)
- piecing the main fabric in different ways. You can piece it however you like as long as the finished piece is the same size as pattern piece
- different materials (cotton, PU, tweed)
- change the flap shape so it is curved instead of straight
- adding a wrist strap

All look good in different ways! My personal favourite is a curved flap in tweed with a bold lining fabric.