Linen project bag ~ Trimming, french seams & done

Right side of bag
Trim only slightly for the next step.
This is to make the sides straight and a tad thinner

Ribbon side of bag
Trim

Turn bag inside out
I used a chopstick to gently push the corners out

Make sure the seam is tucked and flat.
 Pin to keep in place

Starting from the bottom of the bag, stitch a 3/8th seam making sure that the previous seam is enclosed
You can feel where the seam is.
I pin to help me know where to stitch
You don't want any threads or seam peaking out of your finished bag

 

Now stitch the other side

Both sides stitched - selvedge view

Back view - folded flap is inside

Inside view before turning right side out

Right side out

Done! of course if  you make another bag you could place the ribbon on the other side ~

Happy Mother's Day 

Linen project bag ~ folding, sewing and ribbon

Stitch selvedge edge - 3/8th from edge

Stitch folded edge -7/8th from edge

 

fold flap - right sides together  down 3"
Align folded edge with top of selvedge edge
 folding the rectangle in half
You have the unfinished edges on the right and left
Opening at the top and the bottom of your bag is the fold

Notice that wrong sides are together

tuck folded piece of ribbon between right sides of fabric
 raw edges to seam
Loop of ribbon tucked inside

ribbon peaking out

pin to secure

stitch with a scant 1/4" down both sides
I start from the top that way there is less wonkiness

Right-hand side of bag 

Stitch down second side
Left-hand side of bag- flipped over starting from the top again

This is in preparation for the french seam

More to come ~

Linen project bag tutorial ~ ironing and pinning

Your cut piece of fabric

fold over selvedge edge and iron

fold over opposite, the cut edge 1"- iron  flat

fold over a second time and iron flat

twice folded open view

folded once

twice folded side view

lots of pins-selvedge 13" edge

pins-cut 13" edge

 

We will be stitching the 2-13" edges to finish.

More pictures and instructions to come ~

linen project bag tutorial ~ gathering

ribbon and Japanese fabric

fabric with selvedge

cut fabric with selvedge

Here is a list of materials you will need to complete 1 bag:
1-13 x 32 inch continuous piece of fabric. I cut mine including one selvedge edge.
1-10" piece of ribbon. You can make this longer if you would like....
And all your favorite sewing notions, machine, iron and scissors or rotary cutter.

I have little bits of time, so please bear with me. This is how I complete my projects, by breaking them down into parts. It is quiet in the house at this moment, so I can blog too! I never can begin and complete any one project in a day. Many apologies ~

More to come. Folding, ironing and pinning are next.

linen project bag

 

 

 

Here is a simple tutorial for a project bag that is both handy and easy to make. I made the one above with one rectangle of white linen, a piece of ribbon and a lot of thinking. I like to make french seams for a  finished look, so it took me a while to put the steps in the right order. I have been inspired by each and every  tutorial, project, quilt and garment I have sewn over the past few years. This is my way of giving back and brightening someone day who might be looking for that perfect 'thing'. This is how I started on my journey in the home-arts. I would seek out free tutorials or read every word of a blog to see how an item was made. It began as totes and bags, then scarfs and then my first quilt. Now I have collected  many quilting books, craft books, quilt patterns and garment books and patterns. There is simply not enough time to do every project, play with all the new fabrics or make and cuddle with each beautiful quilt. So I have to pick and choose.

Now for the preview~

In the photo above I have the Mara Shawl, that I have been diligently knitting,  in the linen bag to give you a basic idea of the size.  What you see there is 2 skeins of DK knitted on the needles with one skein left to be knit and the pattern in a protective sleeve, all in that bag. The finished measurements are  approx. 11 1/4 wide by 12 1/2 high and has a fold over flap.  I can throw my projects in my purse or larger bag and they stay clean and together.

Over the next few days I will post my process, pictures and instructions as clearly as possible. I have divided my photos and project into 4 posts. Of course at any time you may want to jump ahead and complete your bag.  Make them different sizes or use the bags for a variety of projects. Enjoy~

My favorite bread making tools.....

 

I have learned that the tools we use are essential in the outcome and the pleasure and ease of making bread and other items. I had read somewhere that gathering all of the tools and supplies at the beginning of a project makes the process smoother. It has taken me all these decades and now I am a firm believer. It is much like a sous chef who assembles, cuts and chops ingredients for the chef. I now use this concept for most of my cooking, cleaning and sewing projects. 

The items above I use for making Peter Reinharts transitional whole wheat bread. A family favorite for everything from a late night peanut butter toast snack to a delicious turkey sandwich for lunch. I really like the cambro square containers for letting the dough rise.  I use the flour sack towels for wrapping the bread after baking and while cooling. The turkey roasting bags are perfect for covering Kitchen Aid mixing bowls. As long as I have all the ingredients and my tools assembled, I am ready to go and it takes no time at all. Usually to mix both the biga and soaker is about 15-20 minutes.  Then after it sits till the next day, the additional items are all combined and voila....bread. 

I just love that linen towel with the purple stripes....splurge

Enjoy the weekend!