This one was cutting it fine, but I made it... here's my finish for the le challenge theme 'wood':


Since I don't have loads of time to sew I like to try and check a couple of things of my 'to do' list when I can. My eldest daughter has an upcoming birthday party to go to so I thought I would make a bag for the birthday girl. 

I used Svetlana's Drawstring Tote Bag pattern and some bird/tree fabric I have had in my stash for a while - the recipient's name begins with a 'S' so I thought it would be perfect - and the trees are my link to the theme 'wood'.


I picked out the lime and pink from the feature fabric and it works well, the pink is a cotton canvas that was given to me and it adds a nice weight to the bottom and I used it for the handles and lining too. I only quilted it every 2 inches but the canvas gives it added strength and I was pushed for time!

The pattern is fantastic, so quick to make and nice details like the casing for the ties and the outer corners sewn in to the seam:


I used ribbon rather than making fabric ties and happened to have two colours of ribbon that matched nicely. I would love to buy something I could use for ties like this, something studier than ribbon that would work for a drawstring - does anyone in the UK have any recommendations? I would happily stock up on neutral ties because I am definitely making more of these bags and I don't really like making my own ties from fabric. I have ordered some twill ribbon from The Village Haberdashery because I think that will work nicely but please leave a comment if you have any suggestions or let me know what you use!


This bag is easy to make but looks fancy and I will be making one for Fred and one for myself! I might make some for teachers gifts too.

See how other crafters interpreted the theme 'wood' and if you have a finish that fits the theme come and link up, one random winner will get a $25 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop!

Le Challenge