Friday 10 November 2017

Drawstring Bags ~ Stashbusting

Just a quick post today to show you my latest makes that have used a little of my poly/cotton stash - lined drawstring bags.

Learn how to make a lined drawstring bag ~ Threading My Way

I'm not a fan of polyester, even though, when added to cotton, it makes for a fabric that needs little ironing. 

I bought plenty of the stuff in the 60s, 70s and 80s. In recent times, however, I've decided to try to avoid this synthetic fabric, but I have unwittingly purchased some at Op Shops (Thrift Stores). I've also been given some.


Whilst I prefer to wear clothing that doesn't contain any polyester, I can still use the fabric I already have to make non-wearable items.

Learn how to make a lined drawstring bag ~ Threading My Way

Drawstring bags are a good way to work my way through much of my poly/cotton stash. I haven't put an iron near the fabric, and they still look very presentable.

I loosely followed my Drawstring Gift Bag tutorial, changing the measurements to make larger bags.


All up, I sewed seven drawstring bags. Even though I cut out over twenty, I'm stopping at seven for the time being.

At the end of last month I talked about projects stalling for one reason or another. I had thought that cutting out multiples of the one project would enable me to be more efficient, whereas in reality, it often bogged me down.

I would feel guilty for not sewing the whole compliment of cut items before progressing to a new project. And this is where I've decided to make a change...

After sewing seven bags, I've had enough - boredom has set in and I feel the need to do something different. Instead of stalling and doing no sewing, I'm packing away the rest of the cut bags for another time. 

When I want a quick, non-thinking project, they'll be sitting there waiting for me. In the meantime, I'll head for something totally different. Time to finish off my mini log cabin quilt.

What system do you have to make your sewing time efficient?

These seven drawstring bags are headed for Sewing for Charity Australia. Although not as many as I'd first envisaged, I feel a sense of satisfaction when I look at the parcel waiting to be taken to the Post Office. Much better than the guilt I sometimes feel when I haven't lived up to my self imposed goals.

... Pam




7 comments:

  1. WOW when you get fabric with poly content, you get PRETTY poly content fabric - when I find some in my stash it's never that lovely, lol. I don't always notice the content until it gets near the iron! I'm with you on the kitting - I've been doing it for years and it's definitely a time saver, but sometimes I get too many of the same items kitted, or too many kits using the same fabrics ... and then it gets boring and I don't want to look at them. I think I'll assign one of my stash boxes as a "put on hold for a few months" box - absence DOES make the heart grow fonder!

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  2. I can see how having twenty of the same thing waiting to be sewn could be very boring Pam, I think you are absolutely right to want o mix things up a bit when you are sitting at the sewing machine, otherwise you might just as well be working in a factory ! The charity will be those bags and you are halfway there already next time the urge to do some charity stitching strikes - win win :)

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  3. I do a lot at the same time ... and then they become ufos! But the plus side is that when you tackle your ufos you get lots done in one sitting! xx

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  4. I can get more done by cutting several and then sewing, but I, too, get bored. I have found working in sets of three or four does me fine. But, like your leftovers, I do like to have a few on hand for days when I don't feel like cutting. I received a lot of my mother-in-law's old fabric -- even some fun double knit from way back. And I am using all of the odd stuff in tote bags, too, for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. So nice to be able to pass it on. And I agree with Sandra, that is lovely fabric. They will be so appreciated.

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  5. It's always exciting to have the iron let you know about the polyester content.
    I have found that cutting less than four helps. Of course, by the fourth bag, I am forcing myself to sit and finish, but at least there is an end in sight. My enthusiasm at the beginning of a production marathon is way out of whack by the time I get to the third item. Mostly I work with twins.

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  6. I also do a lot of sewing for Shoeboxes and charity and I found out the hard way that although I LOVE cutting and prepping kits I get crazy bored when it comes to sewing them!! I now only prep 5 items at a time, that is my boredom limit!! Now I get so much more accomplished without that, "i'm so bored" factor!! LOL! Your poly/cotton fabric bags are lovely :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sheila. Good to hear I'm not alone in getting bored with too many of the same. I've just finished 3 pillowcases for charity. 3 didn't initially sound much, but I was very pleased with the turn around time and the lack of boredom.

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