summer bling bag {SMS|RK manchester metallics challenge}

....Ohhhhhhh metallics.  If I have a weak spot for anything, it's that little bit of glitzy glam you can only get from a good gold.  Add to that some earthy browns, and I'm in my element, one hundred percent.

Cue Manchester Metallics, a new range from Robert Kaufman fabrics.  So when RK and Sew Mama Sew paired up for a summer bag challenge, I opted for a couple of the golden hues (eggshell up top, bronze on the bottom) to whip up an easy two-toned beach bag...

Plus two Kona charm packs (neutral and brights), you know, for a little extra bling.

I used a half-yard cut of the light metallic for the top, and a fat quarter of the dark for the base.  I just winged it, but I'm happy to sketch out a little tutorial if anyone is interested!

For the gemstones, I used my temporarily-retired-but-soon-to-be-rereleased (here) "Shinebright Birthstone" quilt block pattern to make 9" gemstones (a "sandstone" and an "ocean stone," no doubt).

Thanks so much to Sew Mama Sew and Robert Kaufman Fabrics for arranging this challenge!  And for other metallics inspiration, be sure to check out:

Mo Bedell
Sandy Whitelaw of UpStairs Hobby Room
Michelle Morris of That Black Chic
Kathy Green of Designs by KTGreen
Carrie Federer of carrie bee
Anne Zeitler of AnneZPlace
Sanchia Gair of Red Brolly
Natalie Strand of Vegetablog
Devida Bushrod of The Driftwood Thimble
Sara Johansen of The Sara Project
Sarah Sharp of no hats in the house {you are here!}
Michelle Webster of michellepatterns
Marni Weaver of Haberdashery Fun
Jenny of My Handmade Home

And while you're doing that, I'll be rethinking my decision not to bind or line this carryall.  That, or I'll just line it with beach towels, suntan lotion and sand, and never look back! ;o)

Thanks for stopping by!

Sarah

@nohatsquilts