Making my own gift bags...

So this year I decided to make my own fabric gift bags for Christmas instead of wrapping everything in paper which then gets thrown away. Actually I decided to do this about 3 years ago but just actually started the process on Monday. Since this is my crafty blog I decided to document the process - at least in the beginning. I started with some fabric that my wonderful mom sent to me (3 years ago - yes I am suitably embarrassed that it has taken me this long to get started), then I went to the Arts & Crafts center on base and bought 2 more designs as well as some cotton batting and then ordered 3 additional fabrics from Joann Fabrics - can't wait to get those in the mail....Debbie Mumm coordinating fabrics - can you say YUMMO?

cutting the pieces

folding and pressing the handles

pinning the handles on for topstitching

finished product - like a tote bag

I added 3 large buttons and ribbon loops to hold the bag closed against prying eyes

this bag is a quick one similar to a pillowcase but with boxed corners at one end making it gussetted for holding things

close up shot of the ribbon I sewed on and the button I added as an embellishment


I hope to make some more soon and post them as well. Took me longer than I expected to make the first bag because I was trying to noodle out how to sew square corners. I used to do that so easily but it has been so long since I actually set up and turned on my sewing machine that I forgot. AFTER I completed the bag I played around on some scrap cloth and VOILA I remember now. My other bags will be similar patterns but I will be using 2-3 fabrics instead of just one. And I have an absolutely cute pattern for a quilted gift bag - this will be a gift all by itself but I still plan on using it as a "gift bag" and not just the gift.