drawstring bags
February 26th, 2008
I never did say that I sold one of my diggers, but I did! And on my birthday to boot! My little floral digger was sent off to Jen at scissorspaperglue and I sent the polka dot digger off to New York yesterday morning. I knew I wanted to make the packaging for my toys and after a little brainstorming I came up with this simple drawstring bag. It’s made of muslin and I figured out how to do french seams just so I wouldn’t have to line it (they’re not really hard at all you just have to get over putting wrong sides together, but corners I had trouble with–anyone out there have any advice?). I also get to use my automatic button holer (holer, really? hole maker maybe?) which makes me feel like I know what I’m doing–always a treat. At first I wanted to embroider “my digger,” but found some passable stamps at Joann’s instead. It gives me a place to put the name of my shop as well. And I finally got my felt rocks up in the shop and made a small linen drawstring bag for them too.
The rocks turned out nice, I think, but they are less for the diggers and more for decoration really. I really like the moss covered ones and I may just do a couple set of those. But back to the drawstring bags. For a while now I’ve had the idea to make simple drawstring bags for toys. There are just so many damn toys and our toys are getting smaller and more complicated now–they need to be contained! The bags would be made of linen or a linen/cotton blend or even just muslin, and maybe lined or not lined, and with trains or blocks or dinosaurs or animals on the front either stitched or appliqued. And the reason they aren’t made yet is because I can’t decide on anything. Is linen too precious for a toy bag? Is muslin too cheap? Would embroidery get snagged or does applique look too slapped together? Would you even buy a toy bag? I need some feedback from the mamas (and papas) out there. I have a little craft fair coming up in march (!) and I think this would be something I could make a bunch of and that would go over well (the craft fair is also a children’s clothes and toys consignment sale–it’s called half pint resale and my very talented and energetic friend put it all together!). So leave a comment and help me decide, because I’ve been thinking about these silly little bags for too long now.
I think toy bags are a great idea. My little one would love to fill and dump it, too. (She’s 2) I might go with the cotton fabric–easy to wash and cheaper to purchase (especially if you’re not sure how they’ll go over.) I love embroidery and applique–any decoration would look great. Excited to see what you come up with!
I love toy bags! We keep puzzles in calico bags, and a friend just made my son a big bag from a thrifted pillow case for his lego. We also have one for cars, doll clothes, and the tea set linen. Yours are beautiful!
Wow. Cute rocks. And love the bag!
The rocks turned out better than I ever dreamed, good job.
I think toy bags are a great idea and would be much nicer alternative to the big ziplocks I currently use. Have you thought about making the drawstring come out of both sides of the top of the bag, with a loop on each side? I think kids might enjoy pulling both loops at the same time to tighten the top of the bag. Does this make sense?
that’s a great idea abby. It would make them easier to hang as well. Keep the suggestions coming!
this post is amazing. I have been working on drawstring bags for my dolls- and also thought of french seams so I wouldn’t have to line them .
I was tossing up embroidery but your idea of stamps is sooo much better.The way I was going the packaging was going to take as much time as the product. You have me back on track – thankyou !!!!!!!
bags are good — they need a picture with the words (for the pre-readers) and they need to be sturdy!
love your blog!
have made those rocks before, but could never think what to do with them… they are great for your diggers(v.clever)
love
I think toy bags would be a great idea. Nice way for kids to carry their toys with them. A blogger I read said her son takes one to church with him, keeps toys together and minimizes noise.
I find that when I make little bags for my friend’s children, that muslin is just fine. These little pals literally love the bags to death. Also because most of my friends don’t sew, they are happy to just get something homemade. The muslin I use is quite thick, so it is quite durable.
I just wanted to say that I think your idea of the mobile swap was absolutely brilliant! I know I missed this one, but I hope you consider hosting another swap, I would love to participate.
Your blog is charming.
I love muslin, it’s soft. And I love linen. Actually I just love fabric, so I can’t help you with which is best!
I would buy a toy bag – I have a tatty little one I made in 2 minutes when I was about to leave the house for holiday last summer and I had a handbag full of little toys. It’s crappy, but it’s still going strong (after being washed and chucked in more muddy puddles). A nice one (which I always think I’ll make but never do) would be great!
So this is where you got to..looking good Meg!
x
I think muslin is just fine–I love it and use it often. Also, the price point would be more affordable too…
Little toy bags are a great idea. I use open bins for my son’s toys in general (one for cars, one for animals etc..)but little bags have endless uses–and kids just seem to LOVE to have little compartments for things! Great for travel too.
Love your rocks!
My grandson, who is 8, thinks the bags should be left plain. He says that way kids could decorate their own. And boys won’t have girly stuff on their bags.
I think a simple outline drawing of what’s to be put in the bag would be great. Then a person could embroider or paint the design themselves. Or leave it plain, if they wish. Just our 2c!
your stuff is fabulous!
i agree with everyone… “yes!” to toy bags. we use them, & they really do help keep mess & stress to a minimum.
Love the bags. Trying to think of ways to use one just so I can buy one from you. Dog toys? I’d put some more stamps on for decoration. Stick figures stamps come to mind, if they exist. Maybe backpack type strap(s)?
Be sure to take a picture of your craft booth at the show.
I love those pebbles!
[…] can see I finally made the toy bags I was talking about and though I wasn’t excited about them while I was making them, or even […]