Notting Hill - Classic Saddlebag

 Hello! Here is my latest project for the new fabric line Notting Hill by Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter for Riley Blake Designs - my take on the Classic English Saddlebag. Notting Hill is packed with English inspired prints - classic English-style cabbage roses, dainty florals, polka dots, plaids, watercolors, and the cutest tiny Union Jacks, all in a British color pallette. Amy's love letter to London is beautiful and inspiring.

I was inspired by own travels to England many years ago. I picked up a heart Union Jack door clacker, which has been hanging on my doors for years too. I wanted to create something classic English style and incorporate the Union Jack, so I decided on a English Saddlebag design with the flap being made into a Union Jack heart, which I hand quilted. I used the tiny Union Jack print in pink and just had to incorporate the navy blue polka dots (which are classic British) into the bag. I added gold hardware details to make it even more special.

I hope this collection inspires your past or future travels to England. It really is a special place!

Here is what I made:

Here's some pictures of my process. I didn't know I would turn this into a saddlebag. My original design was a flat style bag, with the heart flap, but it just wasn't right for this project. Sometimes you have to change things multiple times to get projects right and that's okay. It's part of the creative process!

But I am tickled on how the bag turned out. Notting Hill is one of my favorite lines to come out this year. It should be hitting stores now or pretty soon, so check with your favorite quilt or fabric shop!

Thanks!

Karen