I bet you wonder where I've been, huh? I went to an amazing conference in New Orleans a few weeks ago and when I got home, I immediately got sick - I don't know if it was a cold or a flu-bug or both but it kinda knocked me down for a week. I still had things to do, though, because people were counting on me, but I didn't have the energy to do alot of what I wanted to do.... but I am pleased to tell that you that I am feeling MUCH better and am ready to go back to doing what I love - crafting and sharing it with YOU!
One of the things that I had to do this past week was to make my (dare I say "famous"?) Hot Pepper Jelly to sell at a craft fair that was held at Southwest Research Institute, where I worked for 25 years.
This year, I had decided to add some fabric draw-string bags for people that wanted a quick cute gift. I designed the bags to perfectly hold one jar and I think they came out pretty good!
These bags were made with Stampin' Up! fabric and I was able to make 6 from one package. Sadly, Stampin' Up! dropped the fabric line (sniff....) but there are still some available on the Clearance Rack.
If you are wanting to make some of these bags, cut 2 pieces of fabric 6-1/2" x 18" (that is about 1/4 of one of our extra-large fat quarters). Fold each one in half right sides together and stitch the sides with a 1/4" seam allowance. That will make 2 bags each 6" x 18". Fold over the top edge about 1/2" and press. Turn one bag inside out and slip into the other. Stitch the top edge closed, then make another seam 2" from the top, and another 3/4" from that one, making a 3/4" casing. Use a seam ripper to open the casing on both seams and insert 2 lengths of ribbon, making a double pull. Adorable!
I am also making some larger bags for the Alamo Craft Company - the crafter's group there will be stuffing the bags with toiletries and gifts and donating them to a local nursing home. I am honored to be able to help with that project.
So, are you YOU crafting for the holidays? Leave a comment below to tell us about it!
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