Fabric Gift Bag - TUTORIAL

Thanks for all the comments on my previous gift bag post. Definitely gave me the push I needed to put together this tutorial and to make a few changes.  I was inspired by the Nautical Adventures Tote that Roselee over at Jane of All Trades posted recently.  Her technique for sewing and finishing the seams all in one step is genius!  Go take a peek, but be sure to come back so you can make a cute little gift bag.  

Here's what you'll need to make a cute, simple and reusable gift bag:

• 1 piece of duck canvas that is 10"x22"
• about 21 inches of 1/2inch double fold bias tape (this is a great time to use up some scraps or try making your own - good tutorial here) 
• 4 large eyelets and setting tool

Fold the fabric in half so you have a rectangle that is 10"x11" and iron the fold well. 

If you are going to add some applique, now's the time to do it.  You want to add your applique to the INSIDE of your folded piece of fabric.

Here's the genius part I borrowed from Roselee,  start your bias tape about an inch from the top (open end of fabric) and sew a 3/8 inch seam from the top all the way to the bottom, folding the bias tape under at the bottom (folded end of fabric).  You've sewn and enclosed the seam in one step.  Amazing!

Next, box the corners by marking 2 inches from the bottom corner. 

Match those marking, draw a line across and sew on the line.

Iron the seams and from the corners up so the bag has more shape.

 Here's what the inside will look like.

Finish the top edge with either a serger,

or cut with pinking shears. 

Fold the top edge towards the inside about 3/4 inch, so that the raw edge of the bias tape is covered, and sew around. 

2 inches down from the top, centered, and 1 inch apart, make 2 markings for where your eyelets will go.  My bag front was about 5.5 inches across, but this might vary a little depending on how you ironed it.  Just make sure the markings are centered and the spacing is even. 

Follow the instructions to attach the eyelets.

Use the front 2 eyelets to mark where the back eyelets should be.  This insures that they line up at the end.

There you have it!  Thread some pretty ribbon or bias tape through, fill with a gift, and you're ready to go.

Be sure to add yours to the Flickr Pool.

It's alway so fun to see what you come up with!

Yay or Nay?

 With all these baby gifts I've been making lately, I had the idea to also make a cute reusable gift bag.  We try to be as green as we can be, and I thought this would be really great.  For whatever reason, it was A LOT cuter in my head. So what do you think;

Cute or not?  

Tutorial or no? 

Baby Gifts

Lately the days seem to be flying by.  Not sure if it's because it's summer or just because that's life.  My oldest child is starting kindergarten in a few days and though I'm really excited for her, it's also a huge change in our life.  I can't help feeling like before we know it, it'll be high school graduation. 

So in the midst of all the changes, I haven't been blogging too much.  I have some posts planned, but I'm trying to just enjoy the last few days of having my little girl at home. 

I also started listing some backpacks in my shop again, which there has been high demand for with school right around the corner.  This cute turtle pack was a commission from my neighbor.  It's for her sister-in-law who is expecting a new baby boy in a few months.  Since it will be a while before he can actually use it, I added a cute little bib and washcloth set.   

I got the idea to package the washcloths from Dana's burp cloth tutorial.  Definitely gives the set a nice look.

Another friend is expecting a baby in early October, so I made some cute bibs using my Scrappy Baby Bib Tutorial and some matching washcloths.

 I love the colors and the way it all comes together.  Perfect little baby gifts.

Iron On Glitter Sheets - Product Review

I recently received a complimentary box of sample craft products from FashionArtProjects.com.

I was immediately drawn to these iron on glitter sheets. 

Talk about instant gratification! 

Because I'm a sewist at heart, I had to sew the shirts I applied these to, but you could just as easily use a store bought shirt and there would be no sewing involved.

Simply trace your pattern, cut it out, and iron it on.  That simple!

For my son's tank I used Rae's, Flashback Skinny Tee pattern and for my daughter's tank I used Crafterhours', Racerback Dress and shortened it to a top. 

Great patterns and a great product.