I have just done a shop update with a new collection of patchwork and hand stitched bags and needlebooks. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time you know how much I love to use up my scraps. I had already made a bunch of scrap quilts earlier this year, but I still have more scraps left. It’s nearly impossible for me to throw even the smallest scraps away, so I went searching for other ways to use them. Believe me, even though I finished 15 pieces made from these scraps I have so many more! Good thing these bags are very enjoyable to make.
This collection includes one large drawstring bag, two sizes of Japanese Rice Bags, two sizes of zipper pouches and two needlebooks. Each one involves make a patchwork blank which is then hand stitched over the course of an evening or two. Hand embroidery is not called slow stitching for nothing! I would guess the smaller bags have 2-3 hours of hand stitching and the larger ones 4-5 hours. Luckily, with the lock down I’ve had lots of hand stitching time.
The drawstring bag show above is a basic flat style bag, but it’s big enough to hold a small zipper and needlebook if desired. I envision these bags a project bags for knitters, crocheters, and stitchers of all kinds. Of course, they’d also be wonderful gift bags too.
All of these pieces are made with various cotton, linen and linen/cotton blend fabrics from my stash. The embroidery is done with cotton embroidery thread. The drawstrings are linen twill tape.
The Japanese Rice Bag was traditionally used to bring rice to the temple for religious ceremonies. It was also used as a gift bag or to organize various household goods. It’s such an elegant design, basically a cube with square bottom and sides that are the same size. My larger ones are 7” cubes, the smaller ones are 6” cubes. The larger ones can easily carry a small zipper and needlebook, plus a project as seen below. The smaller ones can hold a needlebook and are the perfect size for a small knitting project like, socks, mittens or a scarf.
A couple of years ago I made one Japanese Rice Bag with a free pattern I found online. It was not my favorite pattern though. So I recently purchased this pattern designed by Karen Stevens which allows for cottage industry sales of these bags. If you would like to make your own I highly recommend the Modern Japanese Rice Bag Pattern.
The zipper pouches also come in a large and small size. They are so much fun to do because each side can be different. I have used various patches on all these pieces, but this little Owl and the Pussycat patch may be my favorite.
I can also incorporate various bits and pieces of hand stitching as in the large zipper below which has a piece with mending inspiration.
The other thing these bags allow me to do is to add any bit of embroidery that comes to mind. I’ve had fun with the double crosses you can see on the Owl and the Pussycat bag. I think they are my favorite motif. I also love to add words as they come to mind, so some pieces include “mend”, “sew”, “stitch”, or “love”.
I have many more pieces in progress, especially in the rice bag and zipper styles. If you’re interested in keeping up with what I’m making, you might want to subscribe to the blog (by email or Bloglovin’) or follow me on Instagram (kristinshields) or Facebook (KristinShieldsArt). My favorite place to post is Instagram and I often show in progress shots there, so if you only choose one way to stay in touch that’s what I’d recommend.
