"My Bag" Tag Process

I have been thinking about this idea for a while.  I have made many bags in the last few years. Several for myself, others for gifts, still others to donate to good causes. Some are for shopping, some for carrying books, and the latest for wine bottles. They are well finished, made to last, functional and look nice. 

I would like for those who use my bags to think of them as their own special bag.  It protects their stuff, makes carrying stuff easier, it is unique and easily recognizable at a social event when it is time to head home. 

After some brainstorming, I decided to attempt making tags for the bags I make.  I still have a supply of shrink plastic from card making days.  That should work.  Well this has been a process. 

My first ones were "tiny".  After I had the size down and asked for feedback. It was suggested they have round corners, be sewn with white thread to match the plastic better, should have 4 holes and maybe the edge of the bag would be better. The last photo is the model I am going with. I will put them on all my bags in stock and going forward.

I made a paper tag to explain my intention with the the making of the bag and how I hope they will use them.

A pretty shopping bag that you don't forget in the car when you go grocery shopping.  

Using a wine bottle bag at your next get together making bring a bottle easier and remember its your bag so bring it home.

A book bag to protect your book when you commute to work, take a trip, or take it to the park to enjoy the sunshine.

A book to hold your organizer/planner/daytimer and those essential things you need when you are out and about. 

A project bag to hold the pieces of your latest craft project. 

A lunch bag to bring your meal at work, at a sporting event, or at the park.

I am sure there will be different bags in my future.

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bag - Quilted Swirl

 

I made another ReUsable Shopping Bag today.  

I started with the 12.5 inch quilted square I picked up at the ReUse Center this week.   I backed the square with a 14" square of white 100% cotton. I chose to do this because the yellow fabric was thin and showed the pattern of the turquoise fabric through and with a finished layer I could create a pocket. I top stitched the swirl to the white cotton by following 2 of the diamond shapes in the quilting.  I then, used the technique of self binding to finish the edges.  That means bringing the white to the front and folding over and again and top stitching down. I mitered the corner with a technique I research a while back for napkins. Perfect Mitered Corners Tutorial. 

I then chose a turquoise microfiber cloth which matched well and created it with finished seams on the inside to a final width of fourteen inches. I sewed the quilted swirl to the front of the bag (should have done it before the sides).  I left a piece of the top edge open and created a pocket by top stitching are tall rectangle following the quilted pieces.

I created the handles by hemming the ends, pressing in half then in half again and top stitching the ope and folded sides. They were 19" long by .75" wide. I folded the top edge of the bag 1" then again another inch and sewed it down with the wavy decorative stitch. I placed the handles 4" from the edges and sewed them down the 2 inches they overlapped the bag. 

I created a skirt for the top of the bag with a double layer of white cotton and a double layer of turquoise microfiber. I serged the cut edges.  I folded over the serged edge about 1" along the finished top edge of the bag and top stitched in on.  I then folded in the serged short ends in and top stitched the 2 of them together on the side seam of each bag. 

I used white thread for this project.

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bag - Navy and Taupe Squares

This is the last of the 7 inch cotton poly squares in the Navy and Taupe which I received for free.  I paired it with some navy microfiber cloth to have enough fabric to complete the project. I created two 6 square panels then serged all the seam edges. I then sewed the 2 panels together with a French Seam hiding all the raw edges which created the bottom of the bag.

Realizing that it was not tall enough and I needed handles as well I dipped into my good microfiber fabric and chose this navy.  Works well with the pattern in the squares. I cut the navy panel 12 inches wide and ironed it half to 6 inches tall.  I then measured the width of my bag and sewed the strip to be exactly the same width then serged that seam.  Now I sewed the  navy panel to the top of the squares bag with the serger then top stitched fabric to the serged edge from the top on the squares piece.

I then changed my thread to navy for the rest of the project.

I ripped my handles to 3 inches wide and 41" inches long.  I sewed them and turned them inside out.  I fold the raw edges of each end to the inside leaving me a 40" handle.  I pinned the bottom of the handle to the bottom on the first rows of squares 5" inches in from the right and left side.  I created my reinforced squares on the bottom and the spot where the handle meets the top of the bag.  The handle is top stitched on both edges for both handles.

I added a decorative stitch along the top of the bag to keep that fold in place and to add my elastic to the inside of the bag which I can use to roll up if I want it to take less space.

This bag will replace my shopping bag.  This one I made a year ago. It is polyester and is very thin but I just loved the color so I just enjoyed for as long as it was going to last.  

For information on the "My Bag" Line

Sewing Project - Pojagi Fabric Bags

I added to the piece of Pojagi fabric I made the other day.  I added some on the length and width.

I then had enough fabric to make 2 reusable bags. They both measure about 12x12 square.  I added handles from scrap fabric. 

For this bag I added handles in grey polycotton blend fabric which will wear well.  It came in the box of fabric I was given so bonus. The strip was cut 2 inches resulting in approximately 5/8 inch wide strip.

I sewed the handles right to the bottom to distribute the weight in the bag along a better distance. In this case I sewed the strip and then turned it inside out which was a challenge being so narrow.

Top stitched it on both sides of the strip on both handles on both sides of the bag.

This one again measures approximately 12x12 inches square.

For this bag I decided to cut down on the work.  I ironed the 40 inch handle strip of navy microfiber in half then ironed in both edges then just stitched it from the top. Folded in the raw edges at both ends before I sewed the seam. 

Then I just used a decorative stitch on my sewing machine to sew the handles all the way down the front and back of the bag. Back stitched where the handle meets the top of the bag and at the bottom of the bag.

This took much less time.

These are being donated.

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bags - Polyester

 
I finished another 5 bags for donation today.  I had a piece of polyester fabric which I had bought when I thought I would be able to sell ReUsable Bags.  This fabric was great colors teal, cream and chocolate brown.

I managed to get 5 bags from the piece.  They measure on average 16 inches wide and 18 inches tall.

The seams are all nicely sealed french seams as the fabric frays like crazy.

The top hem is 1.5 inches folded over double.  I inserted the handles on the first seam at the bottom of the hem then pulled the handles to the top and top stitched the top edge of the hem to secure the handle in the upright position giving them 2 seams to keep them in place.  That should do. 

The handles vary from grosgrain ribbon in a variety of widths and lengths and one regular ribbon.  I made them as long as possible given the length of ribbon.  The ribbons mostly came from the ReUse Center so they have become useful and will be returned to the center.

This is the last of the polyester fabric so I am glad of that.

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bags

I made 3 ReUsable Bags to donate to the ReUse Center this week.  I had some polyester fabric in great colors which does not work as well as microfiber.  I bought these because I was looking for a variety of colors.  They are very pretty.

Polyester fabric frays like crazy so these needed french seams to enclose all the edges. 

I folded the tops over double at 2.5 inches to provide a reinforced edge where the handles were going to be attached.

I did not have much for handle material.  I used grosgrain ribbon on the 2 striped ones.  I made handles with white microfiber fabric left overs for the purple one.   

These measure about 20 inches tall by 16 inches wide.  

The center provides a bin of bags and a table of boxes for customers so these will be used for sure.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

This week was a time to remember those who served, fought and paid a price for the freedoms I enjoy.

I have uncles and those closer than that who served to protect our country.

I am so blessed and appreciated what I have.

I have been looking for a container to hold my unPaperTowels.  These are pieces of fabric that I can use around the house that will clean up messes that I would have used a disposable paper towel.  These then can be laundered and returned to be used many other times.  Saves trees.

A Dollarama purchase with is exactly 10 inches wide and 5 inches across which is what a unPaperTowel measures folded in half.  

Perfect!

I had this book on my night stand for a while.

I bought at the Thrift Store because it was J R R Tolkien.  I read the basic story which was good but there is lots of background stuff.

This is a edit by Christopher of his fathers writings and I just did not want to read about when the stuff was written, how much was kept, how much was rewritten and changed.

I will put it with the other J R R Tolkien books and lit it sit.

I repaired some of my reusable bags this week.  These are not made to last in some cases.  This one is very good but the inside seams needed to be finished so they would stop unravelling and leaving tiny red threads every time I used

it.

The manufacturer put a seam at the top of the handles where the most strain is placed.  Of course, that is silly.

The hems were keeping the handles from falling apart completely so I wrapped a piece of poly/cotton fabric around the top of each handle and sewed them securely.

This will be in service for a few more years.

This bag was one I collected at the ReUse center to bring my goodies home this week.  

The handles hand become disconnected even before I got home.  I thought I will just sew them back on.  Upon further examination the handles just disintegrated as I tug on them to test the strength.

Fortunately, a few weeks back I found some webbing for $1 so I was able to give this bag new handles for a song.

This bag is made of much light material because it is meant to fold up in a small pouch.

I was fortunate to bring home some poly/cotton scraps from the ReUse Center this week and they match perfectly.

I added a bottom to the bag which had 1 hole worn into it from dragging.  The handles are a little long. 

The seams had to be reinforced on the inside to ensure they did not unravel.

I added a strip of fabric around the top edge as well where the handles are attached to the bag.  At least the handles are one piece unlike the other. 

I am so glad the fabric matched so well.  Back into the grocery bag collection.

I found this very cute ceramic tree at the arts and crafts store last week. You can see that it is meant to be an ornament but is is way too heavy for that purpose.

I thought it would work well with my small Nativity Sets.  It is a bit small for this set but will work well for the smaller one.

I have a few bottle brush trees as well that fit this purpose.

It is super cute and it was on sale 50% so I could not leave it behind.

This is a glass ornament which opens and you can put something inside.

I used to have one but it broke a couple of years ago.  I am glad I was able to replace it.

It's that time of year.

A few people I know put up their Christmas Tree the Remembrance Day weekend.

My wall Christmas Tree will not go up until after December 1st.  My crafting projects are caught up and I have Christmas cards to do so I should be ready in plenty of time.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

I found another piece of Robert Held Art Glass at the thrift store the other day for under $2.

It is a candle holder with a pulled feather design in the base with blues, greens and purples.

I have placed a tealight on top as I don't have taper candles.

I just love this art glass and it is a good thing I don't live close to his studio in British Columbia.  I do follow him on Instagram @robertheldartglass so I look forward to seeing his new stuff as it comes out.

I have found the pieces I have in thrift stores.  I have a heart and a small vase in my collection.

It is signed on the bottom as usual.

We continue to add to my list of exercises to rehab my right knee and loosen my mid back.  I noticed yesterday after about 3 hours of sewing that it was very tight so I did my stretches before going to bed.

My knee is doing well and I added step ups last week and I am starting to use the stairs again.  It goes better going up than down.

It will come.

I have an MRI on it next week so we will see what it looks like on the inside there.

It's been cold again this week. Everyday the low's are in the -18C to -20C without the wind chill.

I had to take the bus to medical appts this week very early in the morning so it was cold!

On Wednesday the wind was very strong and standing waiting for a bus is no fun.

Two days of heart tests this week.   This is an investigation of a period of dizziness in January.  It cleared up once the tension in back was released so I don't expect anything significant coming out of these tests.  Interesting what life sends my way.

I bought a tiny bottle with a drip lid so I can carry essential oil in my car.  I chose the bergamot grapefruit combo for this time around.

Essential oils should not freeze so I can leave it in the car.

It was a hassle to bring the diffuser up, then remember to add drops just before I was headed out, then hang it back on the rear view mirror.  

Now I can do it whenever I feel the need.

I hosted lunch for 2 of my aunts after our visit to Muttart Conservatory on Friday.  My first time back since the pandemic.  I will include my pics in a separate post.

We had a great time and with time after for a good visit.

I made yellow split pea soup and whole wheat tea biscuits with yogurt with blueberries for dessert.

I soaked the peas overnight so I could cook the soup that morning.  Once the soup was simmering I made the biscuits.  They turned out well this time because I left the dough thick enough.  I usually roll them out too thin.

I have a basket of ReUsable Bags ready to donate to GrammaLink  Africa fundraiser later this year.

I made 17 bags since February 4th.  It was a learning experience and I am happy with the results. I kept one for myself so 16 are being donated.

Most of them are microfiber so they will last a long time.

I hope it puts a few dollars into the hands of grandmothers in Africa who stepped up to care for their grandchildren when the parents died of AIDS.

Feels good to give back.

I did visit the Muttart Conservatory this week with 2 of my aunts (my Mom's sisters).

I bought a yearly membership which will allow me to go anytime I want and also visit the Zoo regularly.

The spring flowers were all in bloom in the feature pyramid.

I chose the Amaryllis because it reminds me of my Mom who I miss every day.  She was such a great lady.

This is the variety Minerva and it so reminds me of Christmas.  They can appear on seasonal greeting cards.  Classic combination of red, green and white.

Looking forward to more visits once life settles a bit.

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bags - Pillowcases

I bought a couple more of those $1 pillowcases the other day at the thrift store.

I liked the pattern on this one with the warm green and the brown polka dots.

I found a roll of fabric tape at the ReUse Ctr last time I was there and it seems it was bias tape.  Well imagine my luck. It was brown which is what I needed for this bag. It does need to be ironed and folded but I guess that is the cost of getting it.  I understand there is a thing a ma jig that will fold it for you as you iron along.

This was a standard pillowcase with no header band. Polyester fabric.

Measurements: 25 inches T overall, 19 inches W and the bag is 18 inches deep.

Brown bias tape, brown button and black elastic.

Nice to have a bit of variety in the colors and patterns.

This bag was made with a King size pillowcase of good quality micro fiber.  I did cut off a decent amount (about 8 inches) off the top to keep the fold bottom. Nice weight to the fabric in this bag. 

It was a nice purply blue so I paired it with a leaf green bias tape.

Measurements: 25 inches T overall, 20 inches W and the bag is 18 inches deep.

I found a nice button to match the blue color. 

This fabric came from a pillow sham type piece. I like the pattern so I bought it.  It was polyester though so static was quite a problem.

I had to sew all the seams on this one and I got the sides seams wrong.  To make enclosed seams you have to make your first seam right sides out which is counter intuitive. Well, I was saved by the serger!  Yeh Yeh!  I just serged the seams on the inside of the bag just like they would have been inside a pillow case. 

The back is black and had been a fold closure so I had to sew those 2 piece together to get a full back for the bag. 

This bag is quite squat so it is wider than the others I made.  It ended up wider because of the serging of the seams instead of enclosing them. 

Measurements: 25 inches T overall, 23 inches W and 17.5 inches deep for the bag itself.

I paired it with black bias tape, black elastic and a purple button.  I needed a bit more bias tape because of the extra width but I had enough in the 3 yard package.

I love the zebra print on this bag. 

It takes a bit of extra attention when folding at it is that bit wider.

I am bored with  making these so I am taking a break and moving onto other sewing projects.

Lessons Learned:

- Microfiber is very nice for these bags but I have not found any that was patterned.  

- Bias Tape to buy new would make this project not cost effective for selling.

- Polyester fabric was mostly patterned but very easy to ravel. 

- Pillowcases are by far make these a breeze to make because the side and bottom are already done. If you can get them for a good price it is the way to go.

- If you don't have a collection of buttons choose clear button which will go with any color and pattern.

- I am really happy with how the grey thread seems to work well with the colors and patterns.

- The pattern from Fabric Patch worked really well. 

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bag - Bright Big Ones

I bought a piece of polyester fabric on Friday that I thought would make 3 bags. I just loved the bright colors and was quite sure I have bias tape that would work.

Sure enough, I had yellow, orange and green. Brown would have worked too. 

It was a nice change to sew with nice colors rather than the beige, grey, tan ones I have made in recent days.

I decided to maximize the use of the fabric so the bags finished are a bit bigger than the ones I have made so far.

Measurements: Overall height = 24", width = 24 inches and the bag itself is 17 inches tall. 

This fabric was like the other patterned polyester fabric so it frayed easily.  It feels really nice and irons beautifully.

The first one got yellow bias tape with an orange button and a white elastic.

The next one got orange bias tape with a light green button.

And the third got green bias tape with a yellow button and white elastic.

These will perkup the full basket of folded bags I have made this month.

Great to get 3 bags done today!

There they are all folded ready to join the rest in the basket.  It is overflowing with about 15 bags.

I have enough bias tape to make about 12 more then I can get rid of the rick rack that also lives in that box and it will be another empty box to add to the result of de-cluttering.

I have decided to keep the patterned polyester one with turquoise bias tape for myself.

How To: ReUsable Bag - Folding Instructions

 
There are many ways to fold these reusable shopping bags but I thought I would share what I have found to be the easiest in my opinion.

You can click on the tag ReUsable Bag on this post to see all the bags I have made. 

Sewing Project - ReUsable Bags - 2 more shorter ones

These are a very similar size to the California King ones I made earlier. Overall height 20" T x 19.5W - bag  is 13" D.

I brought home some taupe microfiber fabric home from my sister's on Saturday that had been in my Mom's stash.  There was enough to make to 2 bags I thought.

It was very nice weight and I just had to assess the size of the piece and figure out what I needed.

There are some left overs which I have no idea what I will do with it.  The cut outs from all these bags are starting to pile up.

These bags do fold up to a reasonable size.  They would not fit in my purse but they would work for a lot of places.

I hope to find a few nice patterned microfiber fabric.  Doing these plain ones is getting boring.   I likely have enough bias tape to about 5-7 more.

I have started tacking the elastic to the front of the bag with a bit of stitching before I add the bias tape.  It helps to keep in place.

Means that I don't have to manage 2 things at once.

The button hides the overlap of the bias tape which works well.  Hand sewing the button can  be challenging because there are 2 layers of bias tape and the elastic in that spot.

It is working out alright.

This bag is another short and wide one.  

I used dark brown bias tape, black elastic and a brown button on this bag.

The bias tape makes this go really fast. I don't need to pin or anything.  Just open the tape, slip the edge of the bag inside and top stitch the edge. Works really fast but just quite costly.

This is the package of double fold bias tape in dark brown which I used on the bag above.\

Check out the price! It is $1.00 when the current price is now $3.30.  I wonder how old that package is?  70's?   Who knows!

I am starting to have a little basket full of these bags.

Right now the plan is to donate them.

I will bring them to show the girls at quilting on Monday.

Sewing Project - Patterned Polyester - Large Bag

When I was out shopping with my sister on the weekend I found this lone pillowcase and these nice colors - Turquoise, lime green and grey and a beautiful pinwheel pattern. It was an impulsive decision to purchase it.  Big spender at .50 cents.

This pillow case is made of polyester and is not microfiber.  It is quite thin.  It did not have a wide band at the top like most pillowcases do so that gave me more fabric to work with. 

It was constructed differently as well in that it was folded on one side so there were seams on one side and the bottom.  I like to have a fold at the bottom which I think is stronger.

I reinforced the seams with another of my own. I decided to add a boxed bottom since I had lots of fabric to work with. This also allowed for more reinforcement to the bottom of the bag.

I chose some turquoise bias tape, a turquoise button and black elastic for this bag.

Still working with the medium grey thread which was great.  I have gone through one bobbin and I have a cone of thread so I am good to go for a while yet.

I did have to cut off some of the length at the top otherwise the bag would have been to tall and skinny.

Finished it measures 24" tall x 19.5" wide.  The bag part is 16.5 inches deep. 

I was toying with making a bag to store it since I had cut off some fabric but stuck to the tried and true method.

Despite being bigger I think it makes an overall smaller package when rolled up. 

So a bigger bag in a smaller package and it's pretty may be winner.

The package of bias tape for this bag was prices a $1.50 so an older one for sure.

The fabric as very much inclined to fray so that was a bit of a challenge. Also, it was much more susceptible to a hot iron so I have to be very careful to keep the temperature down.

Getting the cut edges encased quickly was quite important.  

Update: I am keeping this one for my own ReUsable Bag.  I love the pattern, the colors and I brought 14 books home in it the other day so it is strong as well.