Improvised Bags, Happy Surprises, and the Magic of a Good Neutral
Sometimes you start with a plan.
And sometimes… you just cut a bunch of fabric into triangles and hope the math gods are smiling.
That’s exactly what happened with these two improv tote bags I made using four of the neutral prints from the Rough Around the Edges digital fabric collection by Studio E. No pattern. No sketch. Just some intuitive cutting, piecing, and a lot of curiosity. And honestly? I’m kind of in love with how it all turned out.
The Purple Bag: Bold & Brilliant
The larger bag came together around a dramatic star block that demanded attention. I paired the textured brushstroke print with a deep plum solid—and it sings.
Not like “opera diva” sings—more like “backyard garden party with twinkle lights” sings.
It’s moody but friendly. Sophisticated, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The Green Bag: Calm & Confident
The smaller green tote was built around a moody neutral print streaked with navy and cool blue-gray tones. This one gives off “forest witch meets modern geometry” vibes, and I’m here for it. I used that same streaky print for the handles on both bags—because continuity is chic and I had just enough left. (Again, this was improv. Every scrap mattered!)
The Finishing Touch: Zipper Pouches
To round things out, I whipped up two little zipper pouches using leftovers from the same neutrals.
One is bold and high contrast. The other is soft and subtle. Both are lined, functional, and gave me an excuse to show some love to my zipper foot.
Why These Neutrals Work
Working with these prints was such a treat—they have texture, depth, and just enough personality to hold their own without overpowering the bolder solids I paired them with. They feel grounded and versatile, making them perfect for improv piecing and bag-making. I could easily see them working beautifully in a modern quilt too.
Moral of the story? If you’re ever tempted to improvise, do it.
Worst case: you gain a pile of "creative opportunities" to build on later.
Best case: you end up with a couple of one-of-a-kind bags that make you feel like a total genius.
About the Maker
My name is Autumn, and I am an Engineer by profession, but a quilter by passion. Beyond my career and hobbies, I am a wife and mother of three—a daughter and twin boys who bring me boundless joy. I find solace and creativity in my quilting projects, and I am always on the lookout for new ventures in the realm of quilted art and sewing. My heart belongs to my husband, but my sewing machine is a close second.
One of the things that has drawn me to sewing and quilting has been the deep connection to the quilting community, where inspiration and camaraderie flourish. I love bouncing ideas and concepts to my peers and genuinely cherish the friendships that I have made along the way.