By
LeighI've always given handcrafted gifts to family members for their birthdays and Christmas. This year, thanks to
the homestead, I haven't been able to make the knitted, woven, embroidered, or sewn gifts I usually do. Instead, I decided to give some of
fig jam,
muscadine jelly, and
canned figs I made this summer from our harvest bounty.
Even so, it didn't seem like enough. I wanted a personal, finishing touch that would make it even more special. The answer? Some little bags made from handwoven samples.
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These were made from the
waffle weave sampler I wove in July 2008 (all those samples come in good for something :) Not only was it the right size, but it's also in Christmas colors!
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The sampler was 7.5 inches wide and quite long. I cut 20 inch lengths for the bags. I purchased cording for the bag ties.
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I folded them over one inch at each end. Then I seamed the sides, with the selvedges on the
outside of the bag. The selvedges made a nice finished side to the bag with no turning and no bottom corners to neaten.
I only sewed the side seams up to where I sewed the fold. Unfortunately the photo showing this didn't turn out.
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I think they made a perfect wrapping for my gifts. Plus, once the goodies are gone, recipients will have the bag forever.
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