Saturday, December 19, 2009

Small Bags For Small Gifts

By Leigh

I'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.

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!

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.

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.

I think they made a perfect wrapping for my gifts. Plus, once the goodies are gone, recipients will have the bag forever.


Related Posts:
Sock Knitting Bag

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

I Have Pirns!

By Leigh

4, new to me pirns
These are for my bargain shuttle. They were passed on to me by Barb, after they were passed on to her. I feel equipped!

Now, I freely confess that it will be awhile before I get to try my new shuttle. I'm still cutting rags for the rag rug I'm planning for the bedroom, and that will be the first project on my loom once I can get back to weaving. But I will definitely be learning to use it in the not so distant future.

So, a heartfelt thanks to Barb, and also to everyone who left me helpful and encouraging comments about my new shuttle. All are very much appreciated.


Related Posts:
My $6.93 Shuttle