The background of the gnome and paintbrushes is very light colored but overall the bag is a darkish brown. I was thinking of just machine quilting with straight lines but I think it will obstruct the FPP portions. I'll be using soft and stable in place of batting. I'm also interested in hand quilting so I might try that instead of using my machine. I think I could make some decorative swirls around the gnome but I'm not confident. Any suggestions? I still need practice with FMQ but I don't want to do it on this bag bc it's a gift.
Also, I was going to use 1.5" webbing for the handles but then realized I didn't leave a good place to attach 1.5" handles. I think I'll switch to 1" handles and be able to sew them on in the inside in the thin spaces between the paintbrushes and gnome. I'm learning a lot just improv-ing my way through this bag. 😅