Oh how I love sewing a little make all for myself! Especially when it's cute and useful!

The Bonnie Curves pattern by Laura Cunningham is really fun, with great advice for sewing curves and a tutorial for the most adorable drawstring bag.

curved sewing

I'm confident sewing curves, though Laura includes lots of helpful tips in case you're not, but improvised sewing can be unnerving and this was an easy way to do improv and still follow a pattern (I like structure). The steps are all laid out but you are creating the curves and adapting the instructions as you wish.

bonnie curves drawstring bag

It was a good excuse to raid my scrap basket too. I found this gorgeous Deer Valley print by Joel Dewberry (discontinued) and mixed it with some Carkai by Carolyn Friedlander, Essex Yarn Dyed Metallic in Storm and Netorious in Camp Out, Cotton and Steel for the casing and lining.

I am using the bag to hold my precious selvedges! Also by keeping the bag in sight I might remember to actually use them every now and again.

fabric selvedges selvages stash

This is the reverse side of the bag, though actually I think I prefer it - the touch of floral and the bright Bear Hug, Spirit Animal by Tula Pink makes me so happy.

bonnie curves drawstring bag tula pink


I added some cross stitches, an ode to Laura's signature hand stitched crosses which I love, but I cheated and used my machine. Stitched with Aurifil Brillo #752, it adds the prettiest glittery shimmer!

quilting cross stitches

I followed the curves with a couple of lines using Brillo too and used the new Forty3 thread for more curved lines and some straight lines towards the bottom of one panel. I knew this section would end up near the bottom and I pieced some of the Yarn Dyed fabric with the selvedge still attached on top of the Tula print, keeping the frayed edges for some fun additional texture.

using fabric selvedge in sewing

Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed metallic fabric

The pattern is so well written and a joy to follow. The bag has a neat finish and I love how unique these bags are because of the improv! 

bonnie curves drawstring bag

Even the side looks cool! The size of the bag is perfect, handy for storing sewing notions, toys or to give gifts in. I'm definitely making more and with even more curves.

bonnie curves drawstring bag


Click here for the link to Laura's Craftsy and Payhip shops to buy the Bonnie Curves pattern and be sure to check out her free patterns too!