Beautiful Drawstring Bags

I'm still feeling a bit behind on my handmade holiday gifts, but an evening in my sewing studio produced five lined drawstring gift bags...and yes, I do already have the items that are going into each one (thank goodness!). I think it took me longer to pick out the coordinating fabrics and cut all the pieces than it did to sew them together...but then again, I do love going through my fabric stash and I tend to get sidetracked (imagine that). These bags were made using one of the best tutorials I have seen - it is on the In Color Order blog...and it is called the Lined Drawstring Bag Tutorial. I really enjoy this blog, it is one of my favorites - it is always full of eye candy and great ideas. When I saw the tutorial for the drawstring bags, I knew I had to make a pile for the holidays. The finished size for these bags is approximately 7" W x 10" H...but Jeni has a PDF pattern available for a very reasonable price with instructions for 8 different sizes! For each of my bags I used 3 fat quarters (and had fabric left from each one) and ribbon for the ties...but the tutorial will show you how to make fabric ties, should you desire. Since the bags are fully lined, they are quite sturdy and perfect for "wrapping" holiday gifts (and very easy to customize for a friend or loved one). I am totally tickled with how each of them turned out - I love this pattern. So, instead of the usual paper gift bag, why not try making a few of these lovely reusable drawstring bags...I'm pretty sure you will impress the recipient(s)!