BURLAP BAGS

Well, our Century Dinner party is over.  It was so much fun to get ready for - I'm not going to know what to do with myself this week!  

After dinner the half-centurion girls opened their gifts.  I had made some burlap bags for them.  I used this pattern that I bought years ago but had never used.  Aren't these great looking purses!?  Love the ball trim on the front one!  The company has a website that looks pretty interesting - you can find it here.

 I altered the pattern a bit for my project.  I love the size on the pattern envelope, but I wanted them a little bigger for these gifts.  The first one was made with burlap for the bottom, green twill straps, and a band of cream damask with some burlap roses across the top.  The bottom portion has four deep pleats that attach to the band on either side.  I used my Boulangerie stencil again, but this time stenciled some numbers in the center instead of the fleur de lis.

 Even though I used a fabric paint, I think they should only be spot washed.  I don't know what would happen to those roses if they went through the washing machine.

 The next one was made with a design called "Bird and Nest Engravings" from the Graphics Fairy ironed on one side.  A good spring design!  I used TAP (transfer artist paper) for the iron-on.  It's the best way to iron a design on fabric, yet not get the shine that T-shirt transfer paper leaves behind.  The band and straps are made from a blue and brown damask with more burlap roses on the band.  The lining for this one is a brown and cream toile with birds and flowers.  I also used gathers on this one, rather than the pleats the pattern calls for.  Both bags have a magnetic closure on the band.  I should have taken photos of the insides, but, oh well.  Next time!

 So, now I'm in "bag mode".  I have such a stash of fabric and many of them would make great bags.  

I guess I know what I'll be doing this week!

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