Bridesmaids’ Bags
June 8th, 2007 by Jen LoveI have been excitedly working on a project recently, and for a good cause – a friends’ wedding. She asked me to make a small handbag like I had posted previously for each of the girls in her bridal party that she would fill with gifts. The bride shopped with me at the fabric store and we picked out a main fabric and lining to suit each of her close friends. We only needed a 1/4 yard of each, so this turned out to be a pretty inexpensive gift per person. I added a pocket for the first time and snaps that are easily hammered into place. I hope they enjoy them- the time on my part and the careful selection of the fabric on the bride’s part.
After shopping for fabric she and I also came back to my house and made different earrings for each of the bridesmaids to match their dresses. I love feeling like a vital part of someone’s special day!
So my encouragement this week is that your craft can also be a good excuse to spend time with people. Too easily we craft nerds can hide in our studio or craft corner and shut the world out so we can “work” but it can also be a fun opportunity to teach someone about your passion or talk while you craft. Don’t be afraid to let people into your creative world! Also, get creative with what can be made for bridesmaids gifts. My sewing isn’t totally professional but I think my little bags were a practical, cute idea for these gifts. Do you have any alternative gift ideas to share?
June 8th, 2007 at 4:07 am
They are too cute. Looks like they were fun to make.
June 8th, 2007 at 8:09 am
What a great idea! Love the bags!
June 9th, 2007 at 5:41 am
I love them!
June 9th, 2007 at 6:55 am
Those are such adorable bags. You’re a great friend making all these bags for her. You’re right, we craftsters do tend to stay indoors all too much. That’s why I bring out my knitting and exchange tips while at the bar with my other crafty friend.. although the rest of our friends think we’re insane for doing so.
June 9th, 2007 at 7:12 am
Jen, you did such a great job on the bags. she is going to be soo pleased and her bridesmades even happier! Thanks for sharing. I loooove all the fabrics you chose too. love you!!
June 9th, 2007 at 11:39 am
the fabrics are so nice and retro! great job!
June 10th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Jen, did you use a pattern for the bags or make your own? I love how simple they are, and wanted to make one as a diaper bag. It would be nice to have something that fits my personality while grocery shopping, than lug around a HUGE diaper bag.
June 10th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
April,
I did not use a pattern which is the great thing about making bags- you can just cut it whatever size you want! These bags were a little narrow, and barely big enough for a diaper. They were cut 9″ wide, 10″ tall, with fold at the bottom so there was no bottom seam to sew. The handles were cut 4 1/2″ wide, 12″ folded length. The inner pocket was a 6″ x 4″ rectangle. To make the squared bottom I folded in at corner and sewed across at 1 1/2″ down. Check out my “Vinyl-lined bag” too, something between these sizes might be just what you need.
Thanks everyone for the feedback!
June 11th, 2007 at 8:23 am
I love your bags they are so adorable and what a great idea!
June 14th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I love the bags, I like how is each is a different pattern. Great fabric choices too!
June 29th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Chanced upon your site just today. Gorgeous bags! And what a great idea for bridesmaids’ gifts. You must have had so much fun ‘mass-producing” them and then looking at your finished products in multiples!