September 2026 Photo Contest

We are so excited to announce the winners of September'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!

Years ago, I ventured into a local fabric shop, The Cotton Ball, and fell in love with this limited edition custom batik that depicts the iconic landmarks and sea otters of the town. Without a project in mind, I only purchased 1/2 yard. It was one of the biggest regrets in my life (and the reason I now over-purchase fabric for projects). 

Struggling to commit its use on a pattern that would do it justice, I came across the Switchback pattern, in another Central Coast shop, The Quilter's Cupboard (Atascadero, CA). Immediately, I knew that it would perfectly display this beloved fabric beautifully while also serving a purpose of carrying my belongings on my frequent trips to the area. 

My problem? I only had 1/2 yard. I continued my search at quilt shops every chance I could, but finally came across coordinating batiks in other prints. The ocean theme jellyfish print called to my heart and I knew it was destined to be my Switchback lining. 

This project was early in my By Annie project making journey. This bag holds a lot of my "firsts" using hardware, making straps, and installing multiple zippers. Because of the videos and clear instructions in this pattern, I created something I'm proud of, use often, and has special meaning to my heart. 

The effort of learning, gathering materials, and keeping a seam ripper nearby, all was worth it! Sadly, The Cotton Ball has since closed their doors, and this custom batik is no longer sold.

WHAT WE LOVED: Annie had this to say,"I loved reading Beth's story about making her custom Switchback using a favorite fabric. Her photos "on location" are great, too!"

WHAT THEY WON: $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com

I purchased the zippers and hardware from Heavenly Stitches in Kingsport, Tennessee. Ann helped me choose the quilting thread and zipper colors that worked best with the fabrics.

One detail I really wanted to include was Quinn’s cat, Franklin. The problem was that Franklin’s coloring didn’t really work with the fabrics we had chosen. We considered using a cat appliqué, but Quinn didn’t want just any cat—she wanted Franklin!

While looking on Etsy, I found a black cat appliqué with beautiful golden eyes. The eyes worked perfectly with the colors in the fabric, so I knew I had found our Franklin. Then my daughter Kristina came up with the idea of adding a little wall across the front so Franklin would look like he was peeking over it. That ended up being one of my favorite details.

One of the biggest challenges was adding a trolley sleeve to the back. I wanted it to be sturdy enough to support the backpack without slouching, while still allowing it to work well for travel. It took some problem-solving to find the right balance between structure and flexibility, so seeing it work in the finished backpack was especially satisfying.

I was also really proud of how the binding turned out. Binding has been a challenge for me in the past, so this time I slowed my machine down and took my time. It came out very close to perfect, and I surprised myself with how well I did. It reminded me that sometimes slowing down and being patient really does make a difference.

I chose this project because I wanted to make something personal and lasting for my granddaughter. Every part of the backpack—from the fabrics and colors to Franklin peeking over the wall—was chosen especially for Quinn.

It’s functional, but more importantly, it’s hers. I hope she uses it, loves it, and always knows how much thought, care, and love went into making something just for her.

WHAT WE LOVED: Annie had this to say, " I loved reading about the care and attention LeDoris took to make personalized and special backpack for her granddaughter. The black cat peeking over the pocket is delightful. I appreciated reading LeDoris' comments about binding. This part in particular made my smile and nod my head in agreement — "I surprised myself with how well I did. It reminded me that sometimes slowing down and being patient really does make a difference." I couldn't agree more!"

WHAT THEY WON: $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com

WHAT WE LOVED:  This month’s Quilting Elissa Level-Up Award goes to Mandie V. for her beautiful Leader of the Pack bag featuring the Backpack Straps and Pockets FPP Expansion Pack!

Mandie did a fantastic job combining thoughtful fabric choices with precise foundation paper piecing to create a bag that is as fun as it is functional!

The front pocket is a standout! I love how the FPP design frames the playful cat motif, allowing it to take center stage.

And can we talk about those backpack straps? WOW! The precision in Mandie's flying geese piecing is impressive! The alternating shades of green create a striking geometric design that really pops against the darker background fabric. It's such a clever way to turn a functional part of the bag into a design feature all its own.

What I especially appreciate is how Mandie carried her color palette throughout the project. From the front pocket to the padded straps and coordinating accents, every detail works together to create a cohesive, beautifully finished bag.

Mandie chose the perfect travel companion for a visit to her sister in Austin, Texas! I have no doubt this bag will be a conversation starter wherever she takes it, and her attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship certainly deserve to be recognized.

This is exactly what the Level-Up Award celebrates—taking a pattern, adding your own creative touches, and using your skills to make something uniquely yours.

Congratulations, Mandie! I can’t wait to see what you create next!

WHAT THEY WON:  $50 coupon to use on ByAnnie.com

I did a bit of creative cutting to use the words on the nurse fabric inside to highlight the pockets and sleeve on the outside of the bag. I also used a wavy stitch on my machine to quilt waves instead of the straight lines I usually use. It looked more like the water to me!! 

I will tell you when I began I was a little intimidated. This was not my first byAnnie bag but it was my most labor intensive. I had to use mesh and fold over elastic and make a strap and holder. 

What I have realized with byAnnie bags is- TRUST THE PROCESS. I don't rush. I take it one step at a time. I watch the videos before I begin and then use them as reference as I am sewing. 

I knew I was on the right track when my husband arrived home and I showed him the carry strap and pad and he said "You made that! It looks so professional!" 

I was able to give this to my daughter in person for her birthday in July when she was back on the east coast for a family reunion. After everyone at the reunion saw it they immediately began searching the byAnnie site for patterns I could make them for their upcoming birthday's!! I love sewing bags but even more, I love providing a quality gift to family and friends.

WHAT WE LOVED: Our team member Darren had this to say, "It is cool that she made such a handy, travelling bag for her daughter that is a nurse."

WHAT THEY WON: $50 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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