Sewing. Love it or hate it? Wish you knew more? I do. My official knowledge stems from lessons over a summer in between 4th and 5th grade that my mom was smart enough to sign me up for. I didn't realize it then but that information I thought I forgot was still somewhere in my brain. It gradually woke up when my mom gave me her sewing machine when I was twenty five. I was married by then and had one child. I started sewing curtains for my home and it all came back to me. Especially my dislike for patterns. Why did they seem so hard to read and how many projects did I start with such hope and then crumple up or better yet throw away? Patterns to me are like higher math or standardized tests. We don't mesh well and yet I keep trying. I can't help myself. Walking into a fabric store is like a drug to me. Rows and rows of bright colors and textures and smells is almost as good as chocolate. If I'm having a bad day, I go "pet" some fabric. Try it. I guarantee you'll feel better too. You don't even have to buy anything. The real stickler though is if I find a remnant pile or a "good deal". That's how I stumbled on this Beginner Drawstring Bag. I'm sure I'm not the first to sew this but maybe this pattern will entice you to try sewing one more time if you have given up or start if you are scared. I too have put my machine away over the years but I keep coming back to it. Walking in Dollar Tree *(No affiliation)* one day I saw these shrink-wrapped towels and thought what a cute thing to make a bag out of. When my kids were little they couldn't tie a bag but they could always pull something open or closed. I eventually got smart and traded in being a pack mule to letting them haul some of their own stuff. This bag is perfect for just that and they will love it to bring action figures, cars, snacks with them. Better yet they may even keep up with their things because they have a place to put them. *Sigh* You can hope for that but we'll see... They are also great for themed birthday parties for each guest. I bet a teenager might love one also. There is a tutorial which you can use below. There is also a video on You Tube. It is about 17 minutes long and takes you through the whole bag. If you are just starting to sew or are trying to teach sewing, it is a great first pattern and very forgiving. I am not a professional seamstress but I know that I learn by watching and some things make sense learned in a different way. Just remember these towels are trademarked and can not be sewn and sold commercially. I hope you enjoy the pattern, pass on what you learn and be generous with what you make. Your hard work will be appreciated.
| beginner_drawstring_bag1.pdf |
