Just popping in to share something I made for a Christmas present ~ one of Jenni Baker's drawstring bags. When I saw this floating around the blogisphere a while ago, I knew it was on my someday list. Now I'm wondering why I waited so long! This is the easiest and clearest written pattern I've used in quite a while.
I had accumulated a few sewing items to stick in Molly's stocking but at the last minute, decided to 'wrap' them in one of these bags ~ a good excuse to try the pattern. Pulling some sewing-themed fabric from the stash (pincushion fabric from Kaufman's 'Cut and Sew' group and needle fabric from Aneela Hoey's 'Sew Stitchy' group), I did a little measuring to decide on the best size and it was completed in a little over an hour. One of the best things about this project is that it only requires fabric and thread! I was happily surprised that the fabric drawstrings seem to stay closed without tying them. If you chose the ribbon option, that probably wouldn't be the case.
The link above is to a tutorial Jenni offered on her blog for one size of the bag. However, she sells a PDF pattern for 8 size variations plus a worksheet to figure your own custom bag size, so you can purchase, download and start sewing right away. My bag is the Project Bag, the next size up from the one she makes in her free tutorial. Really, once you see the variety of sizes available, your head will be spinning with ideas on how to use them. There are lots of clever versions and charming fabric combinations online but the most enticing was this group which I came across on Pinterest. How can you resist?
Oh How Cute!!!! I LOVE your fabric combination -- that Robert Kaufman fabric is especially wonderful. Another great project Jan!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 21, 2014 at 09:00 AM
You can never have too many drawstring bags. Very cute!
I was also thinking about you this week. Hope to see you next year, too! Opening day is today, and I work at the show tomorrow and next Tuesday. Can't wait.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 22, 2014 at 04:00 PM
Hi Jan! I LOVE your fabric choices (always) and also now have a full time job looking through your pinterest boards!!! Fabulous photos and inspiration. Thanks also for providing the link to purchase the pattern. I always like to support our sister artists. :)
Happy New Year. xoxo
Posted by: Pam Cope | January 29, 2014 at 12:21 PM
Cute!!
I'm in bag making mode... this is perfect!
Posted by: monica | January 30, 2014 at 05:23 AM
So cute, Jan... We're having another sew day at Furnace Run on Feb 12th. We do this once a month. Consider yourself always invited.
Posted by: Phyllis | February 01, 2014 at 03:22 PM