Another Zippered Bag

One of my friends that attends the Bible study at my church has been going through a tough time.  The ladies in the group decided to each bring in a small gift for her and we would put them all together in a basket to give to her.  

I picked up the basket from Marshall's and made a medium sized zippered bag to give to her.  Not knowing what others would give to her, I used colors that matched the basket for my gift.  

This is another of my "go-to" gifts that I like to make.  I picked out some soft cream fabrics and I like how they went together.  The bag is made using 2 1/2" strips that are quilted.  I like putting the zipper in the top part of the bag instead of at the top.  This makes the zipper look better on the bag.  

I picked out a card for her that matched the colors that I used.  

All of the ladies put a gift into the basket and it looked amazing!  Our friend was so grateful to receive her gift and know that we are all thinking of her this week.  :)

What To Do With Strips of Fabric

A friend of mine recently had some surgery and I wanted to make a little something for her.  While I was getting my steps in and doing my daily walking at Hobby Lobby, I noticed this really bright and cheery fabric that was on sale.  Of course, I had to get some! 

The first thing that I did was to cut it into strips.  Then I had the idea to make a couple of cosmetic-type zippered bags with it.  There's no sense in just making one, so I made three of them.  I lined them with felt and it was just the right thickness to make them sturdy without being too stiff.  I just happened to have zippers to match on hand, so I used those.

I was going to sew small tabs on the sides of them, but was sort of in a hurry and decided against it.  Now I wish that I had taken the time to do it.  I think tabs make the zippered bags look more finished.

Then with some of the remaining strips, I sewed this hexagon centerpiece.  Can you see the flamingos in the fabric?  I just love them!  I think it came out so cute.  So cute, that I went back to Hobby Lobby and purchased more flamingo fabric!  I'll take that out and use it on another day.  :)  Stay posted.

Mens' Bags - Not a Purse!

Each year I try to think of something to give to my boys something for Christmas that is handmade.  This year  I came up with the idea to make them camping bags. They like to go hiking and camping and they can put their toiletries in them. I even filled them with items that they will need!

The two bags coordinate- I just love the plaid fabric.  I thought it was so masculine looking!

I made one bag with the tan color as the trim and one with the blue.  I like how they both came out.

I sewed a little gusset in the bottom so that all of their toiletry items would fit.  When they opened up their gifts, my daughter pointed out that they were getting a "purse" to carry their items in.  It's not a purse, it's a Mens' Bag!

Make one of these for the special men in your life!  Click here to order the pattern from my Etsy shop!