Winners of the Road to California Bag Challenge!

02/07/2018 8104 2 0

The Results Are In!

Every year ByAnnie sponsors the Road to California Bag Challenge, a contest where sewists can submit their finished bags for a chance to win cash and prizes! With so many amazing submissions, the judging wasn't easy, but we're pleased to show you the top 5 winners of the contest! Congratulations!

Want to participate in next year's Road to California Bag Challenge? Click on the button below to sign up to receive information about what is required for submissions, deadline details and important reminders.

Original Pattern created by Maker

Comments from maker: I used elastic ponytail holders for the expandable side closures and the bow is a separate pattern that consists of bias strips sewn and turned over yarn. I traveled home to Iowa this summer and found Iowa fabric depicting bikes, corn, wild roses and barn quilts. I used my bag on our travels for many family potluck reunions.

Comments from judges: The silverware set on the front button is awesome! This bag is incredible! Bias strips OVER YARN are perfectly done. Amazing. Never would I have guessed this was not commercial cord. Well done!

Pattern: Sublime Bag by Sew Sweetness

Comments from maker: The Road Trip Redux bag was inspired by a 1950's style vacation souvenir tablecloth and two leftover garment fabrics. I'm ready for an adventure with a stylish new bag that was created from recycled materials that inspire reflection of past trips.

Comments from judges: Very interesting! Love the wool (stunning) and rivets. Good fussy cutting. Very well made! Love the special pocket inside.

Inspired by a Cecile Franconie pattern found in an old magazine

Comments from maker: I have a large collection of African fabrics and saw this as a perfect opportunity to make a jewelry bag that I might take on a trip to Africa. There are pockets for make-up as well. Hopefully someday I'll be able to make that trip.

Comments from judges: Love the Bohemian feel of this bag, with its intricate and unusual construction. Love the bells, charms and special gold stitching. Great use of different fabrics, and nice, consistent mix of textures.

Pattern: The Clover Convertible Bag by Blue Calla

Comments from maker: We have an RV and love to travel the US in it. While we are exploring, sight-seeing or hiking, I love to wear backpacks. I love the train case bottom so that I can separate items and get to them quickly. It also has a convertible strap so that I can change it from a backpack, to a cross body or over the shoulder. I love that versatility.

Comments from judges: Beautifully made and perfectly done. Great job with all the zippers. Love the cork-bottom and fabric combinations. The cording in seam is beautifully done!

Pattern: Mini Peel Cross Body Bag by Becky McDaniel

Comments from maker: I started speaking and showing my quilts to local quilt guilds and teaching Orange Peel machine applique this year. I found that after my first gig, I needed something to hold the money in as well as my mini I-Pad for the patters I was selling. Since my Orange Peel class was so popular, I needed a purse that would showcase more Orange Peel! I just love how it turned out and it's my go to bag.

Comments from judges: The Trapunto flowers are gorgeous! 5 stars on the cotton, lining and quilting. Love the Orange Peel design. Good contrast. Beautiful!