We are so excited to announce the winners of May's Photo Contest! To learn more about what it takes to win, be sure to check out our blog on the contest details.
If you’d like to submit to the next monthly photo contest, VISIT THIS PAGE to submit your photos.
Want to see the rules and submission guidelines? VISIT THIS PAGE.
If you want to see all photo submissions, visit our Customer Photo Gallery. You can also search through all of the Winning Submissions here.
Let’s see the winners!
ByAnnie Top Voted
WINNER: Andie T
PATTERN: Courtside
THEIR STORY:
I sold this byAnnie Courtside bag before I could take it to the pickle ball courts to get some great photos—- but I feel the Real art is in the creation of Jason Yenter’s beautiful steampunk animals. I wanted to do them justice by featuring them on the front and back. This is the perfect pattern to do just that! Another incredible pattern by Annie. Thank you!
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Caszidy had this to say, "This bag looks amazing. The colors are absolutely vibrant and frame the steam punk animals well. Very gorgeous bag and fabric."
WHAT THEY WON: $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Storyteller Award
WINNER: Lisa B
PATTERN: Zip It Up!
THEIR STORY: I love learning by making and since I’m a beginner it shows. But I’m an ambitious learner so I’m sure my creations will get better. For this bag I choose a resin zipper which was very challenging.
I learned when making a bag like this where there are multiple times sewing over multiple zippers to stick with the nylon zippers. I used this zipper in small zipper pouch with no problem, but for this application it was quite difficult.
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Megan had this to say, "I love the concept of being happy with growth and not frustrated by lack of perfection. That's what its all about."
WHAT THEY WON: $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
QE Level Up
WINNER: Kathleen R @kathleenquilts
PATTERN: Bella Quilt Coat
THEIR STORY: I have been obsessed with quilted clothing lately, and wanted to give this one a try. The FPP took much longer than I expected, but I'm so happy with the result!
WHAT WE LOVED: Elissa had this to say,
"
Kathleen knocked me out with an explosion of color and sass! The rainbow-striped details, the dramatic kaleidoscope-style piecing, and the bold color play against the dark background fabrics—every inch of this coat is bursting with confidence, creativity, and incredible craftsmanship.
Taking her coat even further, Kathleen incorporated the Bella Accent Sleeves and Bella Arcs & Beauties FPP Expansion Packs, adding even more movement, dimension, and wow-factor to an already stunning design.
The back of the coat is pure magic—a vibrant rainbow center bursting into a kaleidoscope of geometric color and movement. It's a celebration of color that keeps drawing you in for another look.
This is exactly what the Level-Up Award celebrates—fearless creativity, exceptional skill, and a project that goes beyond the pattern. Kathleen didn't just make a coat; she created a show-stopping piece of wearable art.
Congratulations, Kathleen! I can't wait to see what you create next!
WHAT THEY WON: $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Honorable Mention
WINNER: Karey R @KareyFisher
PATTERN: Out to Lunch
THEIR STORY:
Strolling the aisles of QuiltCon Raleigh in the spring of 2026 lit a creative spark in me. Surrounded by fearless color, bold design, and makers pushing the boundaries of quilting and sewing, I left inspired to stretch my own skills and tackle more intricate projects. This version of the By Annie Out to Lunch 2.0 Large bag became that challenge.
Using Tula Pink Full Moon Forest II and True Colors fabrics allowed me to lean into whimsy, precision, and playful detail all at once. My local quilt home, SewEndipitous, continually fuels that inspiration with rows of By Annie patterns, notions, samples and possibilities. Creating bags like this brings color, joy, and a little everyday magic and to me, that is the heart of making.
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Jacque had this to say, " The rabbits are placed very well on this bag. I love that it is 2 different scenes on each side of the bag. What a wonderful and colorful lunch bag."
WHAT THEY WON: $15 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Honorable Mention
WINNER: Cherie S @CherieSturm
PATTERN: Leader of the Pack
THEIR STORY: Randi's Slow Along
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Casey had this to say, "Such an amazing looking bag! The fabric looks amazing, I love the floral pattern!"
WHAT THEY WON: $15 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Honorable Mention
WINNER: Mona B @mbutler55
PATTERN: Stitcher's Suitcase,
Feathered Friends
THEIR STORY: I’ve been sewing for 35+ years. Bag making for about five years and I’m HOOKED!!!!! My husband says we may have to build a bigger house for all of the bags I’ve made.
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Jacque had this to say, " What colorful and fun bags. I love that the fabrics are so much fun and I think the sewing machine looks beautifully dressed up."
WHAT THEY WON: $15 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
Honorable Mention
WINNER: Michelle B
PATTERN: Side Hustle
THEIR STORY: I’ve had it in mind to make a crossbody bag for myself. I really wanted to use some lovely faux leather that I had in my stash.
Maybe not the best decision. I’m not an experienced bag maker so I did struggle…oh yikes! Now I understand why this bag uses quilting cotton.
After all the fighting with my seams I am truly delighted with my new bag. It’s fantastic for keeping all my bits and pieces for travelling…passport, wallet, glasses, mobile phone…and the all important lipstick 💄.
Will I make this again? You bet, but maybe I’ll use the suggested fabrics next time.
WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Bunker had this to say, "I like the faux leather, it looks amazing! I'm glad she pushed through the struggles she had making the bag, because it looks fantastic!"
WHAT THEY WON: $15 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com
A special "thank you" to everyone who submitted to this photo contest. We had a wonderful time viewing submissions and reading your stories. We look forward to sharing as many of them as possible on our social media.
Interested in submitting to our photo contest? LEARN MORE HERE.
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May 2026 Photo Contest