A Patchwork Duffle Made with MEL's Quilt Blocks

January 4, 2026

A Patchwork Duffle, Intentionally Created

The start of the new year felt like it asked for quiet. Less scrolling, more intentional making. Fewer plans, more presence. Over the past couple of weeks, I intentionally tucked myself away in the studio and let my heart lead my hands, slowly sewing and exploring a handful of projects with very little screen time. It was grounding in the best way.

This Patchwork Duffle came together during that slower stretch.

A Practical Request, Made Personal

Mike mentioned he needed a duffle bag to take back and forth to the cabin. Something sturdy, roomy, and practical. I knew right away I wanted to make it for him, and I also knew it needed to feel thoughtful, not just functional.

I adapted the Patchwork Duffle pattern by Knot + Thread, slightly adjusting the size, exterior patchwork, handles, and pockets to fit what he had in mind. One of my favorite things about bag making is how flexible patterns can be, how easily they invite you to make them your own.

Giving Pattern Test Blocks a Second Life

At the same time, I've been working on an upcoming quilt pattern called MEL's Quilt, releasing later this year. As part of that process, I had a stack of test blocks nearby, pieces that held a lot of experimenting, problem solving, and learning.

Instead of discarding them, I used those test blocks to create the exterior of the duffle. It felt right to let them live on in a finished piece, carrying their story forward in a new way. I love when projects overlap like that, when nothing feels wasted and everything feels connected.

This felt especially meaningful because the MEL’s Quilt pattern was designed for Mike. Using those blocks in a duffle just for him felt like a natural extension of that story.

Playing with the Plaid Venture Club Fabric Collection

The Plaid Venture Club fabric collection from Riley Blake Designs was an absolute joy to work with. Plaid, argyle, houndstooth, tiny dots, stripes, and even little dogs tucked in between. The collection feels playful and nostalgic all at once, a little like hunting lodge meets your favorite plaid chore coat and a comfy leather chair. I challenged myself to use as many of the prints as I could within the patchwork.

Mixing patterns like this is one of my favorite parts of the process. It's about balance, letting each print shine while working together as a whole.

Making Through Curiosity

A lot of this project was shaped by curiosity, trying something, seeing how it worked or didn’t, and letting that inform the next decision.

I wasn't sure how all of these prints would live together at first. I had to work through designing new quilt blocks slowly, adjusting as I went, letting the fabrics tell me what they wanted to do. I questioned whether the variegated thread might feel like too much, and whether the binding and handle fabric should be the same to offer a little visual rest, even though it's still a pattern.

There were practical puzzles too. Adding sashing between the blocks, then cutting the exterior so the sashing would meet cleanly at the zipper, took quiet problem solving and a bit of patience.

This is the part of making I come back to again and again. The exploration. The uncertainty. The small choices that slowly turn into something personal. Trying something, learning from it, and allowing the process to shape the final piece. That's how a project becomes your own.

Subtle Texture with Variegated Thread

For the diamond quilting on the exterior, I chose two different Aurifil 50 weight variegated threads. Variegated thread always feels a bit like a surprise as you stitch, subtle shifts in color appearing as the stitches unfold.

I loved how the gentle changes echoed the variation in the fabric prints and colors. The quilting adds texture without overpowering the patchwork, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

Aurifil 50 weight variegated thread
Colors used: 4649 Lemon Blueberry, 4655 Storm at Sea

A Bag Made for Use

This duffle was made to be used. Tossed in the car, carried back and forth to the cabin, and filled with everyday essentials. It's sturdy, soft, and full of quiet details that make it feel personal.

I used Soft and Stable foam from ByAnnie to create extra structure and dimension. If you haven’t tried it for bag making, it’s worth exploring.