Drawstring Bag Tutorial

If you read my last post, you will know that I needed to make 20 drawstring bags this week for an upcoming event.  After creating the pattern and making a couple of mock-ups to get the measurements right for the size I needed, I made a schedule for getting them done in the time frame I was working with.

One day I did all the cutting and clipped together the body pieces readying them for sewing, which was Tuesday's task.  The 'body' should measure 12 x 12.5, with the fold at the bottom and the clips on the side.

For each bag, I cut:

one 12 x 25-inch rectangle for the body (If fabric is directional, take this into consideration when cutting.)  

in addition, for each bag I cut ...

one 2.5 x 23-inch strip for the facing (I folded this piece in half making it 1.25 x 23 and pressed it.)

one 5.5 x 11-inch rectangle for the loops (I turned under a quarter inch on both sides and stitched it down.  Then cut each in half into a 2.25 x 11-inch piece.  That piece then got folded in half and pressed with the finished piece measuring approximately 1.12 x 11) Each bag needs two of these pieces which will be the loops.

The next day I stitched up the body pieces using French seams.

I clipped the 'loop' pieces to each side of the bags (front and back)

Next, I fit the facing piece to the size of the bag opening, stitched the facing closed making a circle and then clipped it on over the loop pieces.

I stitched it all down, turned it, top stitched it and pressed it all.

For the last step I ran the cording through creating a 'draw string' for each bag.

I loved the way these turned out and can't wait to show you how they will be used for an upcoming event.

These make up really fast and once I got the design down and the kinks worked out, I speed through the sewing process.  This is definitely a method that I will use over and over, in fact, I think I will make up several to go in my gift trunk for gift giving purposes.

What's next in my sewing world?  Well, it's time to get the summer wardrobe out, see what I have, what I can restyle if I didn't wear it last summer and what I need to add.

What are you stitching up and or creating?

mrs. patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine

Notebook Pen Holders: I've Wanted to Make These for a Long Time!

 I've wanted to make notebook pen holders for a long time, and this week with frigid temperatures outside and 6 inches of snow on the ground, I tackled the project.

First, I watched a few Youtube videos and took notes.  Then I combined the notes, customizing the end project to fit my vision.

Here's what I did ...

Cut: (These measurements are for an 8-inch notebook.  For a different size notebook, measure the length and substitute it wherever 8 inches are called for in these instructions.)

2 pieces of fabric 2 3/4 inches x 8 inches 

2 pieces of lightweight fusible interfacing 2 3/4 inches x 8 inches

1 contrasting piece of fabric 2 3/4 x 10 inches (For a different size notebook, add 2 inches to the measured length of your notebook.)

1 piece of lightweight fusible interfacing 2 3/4 inches x 10 (For a different size notebook, add 2 inches to the measured length of your notebook.) 

Iron the interfacing on to each piece of fabric, fold the 10-inch piece in half lengthwise and press.  Top stitch 1/8 inch from top of fold on folded piece.

Place pocket on top of one of the 8-inch pieces, aligning the bottom of both pieces of fabric.  If you want compartments, stitch down the middle of the pocket piece.  As you can see, I wanted compartments.  (Do not stitch across the fold again!)

Cut 1 piece of elastic 8 inches long and place it pretty side down on top of pen holder and stitch across both ends of elastic.

Place remaining 8-inch piece of fabric with right sides together on top of piece with pocket.

Stitch 1/4 inch around leaving an opening for turning. I also trimmed the seams to 1/8 inch to reduce bulk in finished product.  Clip corners, turn and press being careful not to let the iron touch the elastic.

I'm so pleased with the way these turned out, as you can see, I made two.

I hope you've enjoyed this little tutorial!  I will be making more, next time for larger notebooks!

mrs. patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine

Let's Make Some 'No Sew' Christmas Decor

Aren't these just so cute!  I saw a picture of these somewhere, I don't remember where and fell in love with the look.  They fit my farmhouse style decor perfectly.

I set out to recreate the look ...

I already had the ticking on hand so cut it into 7 by 6-inch pieces or close to that.  

I pinked the length ends (7-inch sides) ...

Placed a recycled used canning lid in the center ...

folded both sides over the canning lid (I used a dab of clue to hold it in place)

Do you see what I did next?

Those two rubber bands were used to scrunch up both ends ...

For the final touch, I cut two 10-inch pieces of red rickrack and tied on each end covering the rubber bands ...

As you can see, I made several!

Once I had them made, I popped outside and cut a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and bay leaves.

I arranged them all in this wooden bowl and this is the end result ... I absolutely love the look!

I gathered enough rosemary and bay leaves to fill this cup while outside as well ...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

(This was a project where I used what I had on hand ... that's my goal for this holiday season decor ... use what I have on hand to make new decor and or update what I've been using for years.)

 Until next time ...

mrs. patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay, and it helps keep in sewing supplies.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means.

What I Made This Week: 6/1/24

Deciding to be more intentional in looking for moments to sew and create have paid off this week!

Here's what I worked on and completed ...

I've named this my 'chicken skirt.'  Yes, I have!  I fell in love with this fabric when I saw it on the bolt at a local fabric store.  I used my personal money and purchased 2 yards.

I 'sat' on the fabric for several weeks not sure what I would do with it.  I like modest fashion and am always keeping an eye out for 'looks' that I want to copy.  When I saw a similar style skirt in my perusing one day, a lightbulb went off in my head and I knew what I was going to do with it.

Ta-da ... my 'chicken skirt!'

I worked on it 15 - 30 minutes at a time all week until I finished it.  I couldn't be more pleased with the way it turned out.

The specifics:

The skirt is made with 2 full yards of 45-inch-wide fabric.

No pattern was used.  I basically cut the fabric into one-yard increments. Sewed the sides together using French seams.  Hemmed it, made the casing for the elastic, inserted the elastic, stitched up the elastic opening and it was done.

It has an elastic waist and is mid-calf to ankle length.

The fabric is mid-weight 100% cotton.

It's a whimsy kind of skirt that will bring me joy to wear!

This week I will work on styling it and pulling together a complete outfit using what I have in my closet.

Update 6/5/24 ... the way I'm styling this skirt ...

With a blue t-shirt, jewelry, earrings and summer sandals.

For those times when I'm going to be in a cooler/cold environment, I'll pair it with this blue jean jacket, jewelry, earrings and ankle boots.

I also stitched up 2 more pillowcases of the 20 I plan to stitch, make and mail by September for Ryan's Case for Smiles.

Please share what you stitched up or created this week, I would love to hear what you're working on!

Until the next time,

patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay, and it helps keep in sewing supplies.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means.