Monday, October 4, 2010

Gift bags...101










I had the best of intentions on this week's tutorial. I thought I would take a photo of every step as I sewed my crafty gift bags. I think I missed a few steps. But the first photo shows the muslin fabric and ribbons. Shopping...step 1.


Then I cut the fabric into horizontal squares, approximately 8 1/2 by 11. I added 5/8 inches on three sides and around 2 inches on the top for seams.






Now for some sewing. I sewed the bottom 3 sides 5/8 and did a zig zag cut.


I folded down the top an inch and a 1/2. The cut ribbons were sewed underneath the fold to form the handles of the bag.



Now for the art! I printed out my illustration, "Confessions of a Children's Book Lover", 4 per page on fabric transfer sheets. Mirror image.





I cut the transfers and ironed them on to the bags.












My proud moment. A perfectly finished gift bag. Applause please. Silence...






The goods. Minnesota wild rice, a bear themed pencil, a goofy cow chocolate and a banana cream pie flavored lip balm.








Plus my friend Barb Bjornson made some pretty recipe cards and donated some pearson's nut rolls to round things out.









Now the bags are ready to give to the speakers at this year's MNSCBWI conference. I made a few extras and used some for prizes at the end of the conference. I may be a crafty Queen but I think I'll stick with my illustration career thank you very much.










9 comments:

Nina Crittenden said...

You are so clever! The bags turned out beautifully! It was so kind of you to make them! :)

DJan said...

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!!!! What a wonderful thing you did here, and boy I think the recipients better appreciate what you did, because it's really exceptional!

Ellen Whyte said...

Lovely! And I'm feeling guilty for buying mine...

The Chair Speaks said...

Beautifully crafted!

Christina Rodriguez said...

Wait.... you actually SEWED the gift bags yourself??!! Cheese and crackers, Sharon, you put A LOT of work into these on top of filling them! I feel like a ninny for not noticing this at the Speaker's Dinner. Bravo!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

These are awsome gifts,,, and so much love went into them!
love
tweedles

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Very Nice. My mom said what a clever way to sew the handles. LOVE it! Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Lui said...

Applause! Applause! from Lui

And drooly kisses from Sweepy & Sumo

Anonymous said...

Such a great idea with these gift bags - and very well result. You have all reason to be proud :-D