Things to sew for travel... |
When it comes to the world of drawstring bags, I'm very much a latecomer.
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The other kind of drawstring bag, of course, is the simple rectangular version that people commonly use as eco-friendly gift bags. Even before my sewing days (re)started, I would carry shoes in one of those whenever I travelled anywhere.
Speaking of slippers, that's something else you can sew for travel. (After all we've been through in the past year and some, our aversion to germs may make more of us want to wear slippers in hotels.)
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While I swear by this method of making drawstring bags, there are situations where you might not need a lined or reversible bag. The fabric gift bag that I used as a shoe bag for years was just a single layer.
While most sewers tackle a drawstring bag as one of their
rites of passage projects, I didn't get around to making my first one
until 2016, when I came up with the idea of the
Bundled Up Bindle Bag.
It's based on the circular drawstring bag, which when made in different sizes can be functional as a jewelry pouch or a child's play mat.
It's based on the circular drawstring bag, which when made in different sizes can be functional as a jewelry pouch or a child's play mat.
My take on the idea was to incorporate multiple layers to form a variety of
pockets. With the use of mesh and laminate, the pockets could also be made
to be waterproof or see through.
My Bundled Up Bindle Bag... |
I will admit that I had never used mine until this year. First, I found an
unexpected use for it while pursuing one of my pandemic activities.
The three mesh pockets allowed me to do some colour sorting while I worked
with the pieces in the main top compartment. (I often took my puzzles
outside to work on and this bag was just the thing to keep everything
organized.)
Sort, organize and carry your puzzle pieces... |
For travel, however, it's perfect for day trips to the beach or for a float
on the river as it can keep your sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent,
wipes, bathing suit, etc., all in one grabbable bag. It's also easily
packable as it can be laid out flat or rolled up when not in use.
My bindle bag pattern
sells for only $2, but if you're looking for a freebie to hack your own version, I'd suggest
searching for "circular drawstring play mat" or "circular drawstring bag".
You'll find no end of similar items, although it may be harder to find one
that features pockets. (But hey, if you're somewhat skilled, you can
add pockets, right?)
Here is a laminated version from Bernina's
WeAllSew
blog, presented by Melissa Mortenson.
image courtesy of WeAllSew... |
It's an example of a mid-size version that's useful for carting around
makeup. However you go about it, it's a fun project, infinitely useful for
travel, and easy to do.
The other kind of drawstring bag, of course, is the simple rectangular version that people commonly use as eco-friendly gift bags. Even before my sewing days (re)started, I would carry shoes in one of those whenever I travelled anywhere.
Four years ago, I discovered this
terrific method
for easily making drawstring bags of any size.
Simple drawstring bag is an indispensable travel shoe bag... |
It's reversible, too. I found the method featured on a video tutorial by
Laura Coia. (Refer back to my original post for the link.)
Some time later, I made a much smaller version — finished size about 4.5"
wide by 5.5" high — out of some Robert Kaufman fabric scraps.
Mini version... |
I use it to carry my
kimono slippers. (What do you know, still a shoe bag!)
Speaking of slippers, that's something else you can sew for travel. (After all we've been through in the past year and some, our aversion to germs may make more of us want to wear slippers in hotels.)
While I swear by this method of making drawstring bags, there are situations where you might not need a lined or reversible bag. The fabric gift bag that I used as a shoe bag for years was just a single layer.
image courtesy of Erica Arndt... |
If you'd just as soon make a simple drawstring bag that doesn't require two
pieces of fabric, I highly recommend you check out
Erica's Super Easy Drawstring Bag sewing tutorial on YouTube. True to its name, it's super easy and straight
forward.
Do you use drawstring bags when you travel? If so, what for?
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