One of my special talents is turning a simple task into a more complicated and time-consuming one. I truly excel at this, friends.
Exhibit A
Let’s consider the case of my niece’s 14th birthday gift.
I decided to get her a Crumbl Cookies gift certificate because she’s such a fan of the store’s sugary offerings.
Most people would order the gift certificate online and call it a day. But do you know what’s better than an emailed Crumbl gift card? A physical gift card and a fancy pink Crumbl cookie cutter.
And do you know what’s better than a physical gift card and a fancy pink Crumbl cookie cutter? A physical gift card and a fancy pink Crumbl cookie cutter … in a handmade drawstring pouch! (Darn you, presentation—you get me every time!)
In other words, what I could have accomplished in two minutes at my computer (and what would have arrived on my niece’s actual birthday) ended up requiring a trek to Crumbl, a sewing session, and a trip to the post office … two days after her special day.
And that’s how I roll!
Project Specifics
If presented with a comparable wrapping conundrum, you may be tempted to draft a quick pouch pattern yourself. Do not bother: The Lined Drawstring Bag Pattern from Jeni Baker of In Color Order has all the math we need. It includes many different sizes, so it’s easy to home in on one for the gift at hand.
I sewed the snack bag size, tweaking the measurements for boxing the bottom so that the fancy pink Crumbl cookie cutter would fit.
I wish I could give you information about the fabric, but all of it came from a collection of fat eighths I won through my guild, and there wasn’t a printed selvage among them. Perhaps the star of the project isn’t the fabric, though—it’s that awesome mint-colored flowery twill. My niece prefers black, gray, and white, so that twill tape adds a subtle and sweet bit of color to the project.
If you find yourself in need of some mint-colored twill, it’s available for purchase through the designer’s website. Check out KP Creates for all the details. (All of my stash suggestions are just to enable your purchases. There is no affiliate anything on my site.)
The Lined Drawstring Bag is a well-loved pouch pattern. It was released a full 10 years ago, and I know that I am not the only sewist who considers it her go-to for making pretty pouches. It just so happens that Jeni announced a Lined Drawstring Bag Sew-Along on her blog recently. The fun begins on November 22. Both the original pattern and expansion pack are on sale through November 28. (Again ... just here, aiding and abetting your sewing purchases. You’re welcome!)
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I may have laughed out loud when I read your post title 🤣 I love the pouch, and it really is the perfect wrapping for this gift. I've made a few of them over the years, too.
ReplyDeleteI think the gift will be all the sweeter for your niece and worth the extra wait to have something so lovingly made.
ReplyDeleteYou had me at "...turning a simple task into something complicated and time-consuming! :-). Adorable little gift bag, and thanks for reminding me about Jeni's drawstring bag pattern. I had completely forgotten about that and your timing is perfect, what with Gifting Season breathing down our necks and Christmas music blaring in the supermarkets already!
ReplyDeleteI think you went the extra mile (and spent the extra time) to make the gift extra special. A good approach, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteBut it is so much nicer this way ;) xo
ReplyDeleteA very cute drawstring bag! I love the pattern, also. I'm sure your niece will enjoy it!
ReplyDelete