joivey

My granddaughter is having her 10th birthday soon and I want to make her something special and "expensive-looking". I do machine embroidery so I can monogram, applique, or embroider on it. I have made her many zippered monogrammed cosmetic purses, but want to something larger. She does gymnastics, so maybe something with a drawstring to carry a change of clothes in. I love seeing pictures of things ready-made and then trying to make something like that....so, if any of you friends know of anything you think would work, thank you in advance.
Thanks,
Jo Ann

JustAbitCrazy

I make drawstring bags out of used curtains (for ladies in abuse shelters). The fabric is usually heavier than quilting cotton, lasts a long time, and you can get some very "expensive looking" fabrics. I even use the drapes that say dry clean only. I just wash them in cold water after deconstructing them and before cutting and sewing. I believe often times the dry clean only warning is there simply because the drapery fabric and lining fabrics would shrink at different rates if the completed drapes were washed, and you'd have ruined drapes because the lining would be longer than the drapes, or have puckers, etc.

You don't have to use recycled drapes for your gift bag, of course. Take a coupon and check out the drapery fabrics at JoAnn's!

joivey

What a wonderful thing for you to do. And using drapery fabric is a great idea. I have quite a stash of my own, including denim, ticking stripe, etc that I could use and then line them from my quilting stash. How did you make yours...drawstring top? zipper? velcro? tab top?

joivey

Sorry, I forgot you said you used a drawstring at the top.

tessagin

My niece made a couple drawstring bags for her friends for Christmas last year. She used legs from jeans and clothesline cording for the drawstring.

Sandygirl

These are easy to make.
http://www.sewthankful.com/TaylorMad...Fce6wAodHAYMxw

sandy

Judith1005

Here's an awesome tutorial for a Peek-A-Boo bags. I have made many of these for my small grandchildren. You could substitute the "Peek A Boo" window for a coordinating fabric or an embroidery. It is an excellent tutorial. Can't wait to see what you decide to make.

http://makeitperfect.com.au/peek-boo-toy-sack-tutoria/

This is not my blog, you don't have to pay for the pattern. I just found it to be a wonderful tutorial.

farmquilter

Jo Ann check out this site about a duffle bag. I have made it twice and it goes together rather fast and it makes a great bag for babies and my 21 year old GD.

http://www.robertkaufman.com/quiltin.../Cargo_Duffle/

Judith1005

Super cute, I want to try one of these. Thanks for sharing the link.

Jeanne S

There are lots of cute duffle bag patterns and then you could embroider her name on the outside. Great gym bag.