You may have noticed when I shared the Coming Up For Air mini quilt on Monday that I had also hoped to at the very least put Test Block 4 to use quickly. I pondered whether to made another mini quilt but when Debbie from A Quilter’s Table left a comment on the mini quilt blog post, I asked if she could recommend a simple, beginner friendly bag pattern that could use a fairly large block (I was thinking 10½” or so). Debbie makes beautiful bags and I am always impressed by the quality of her work. She quickly replied with a suggestion for the Sotak Handmade drawstring bag tutorial (and video) for a lined drawstring bag.
Fabric Selection
I was excited and knew that if I got stuck I could reach out to Deb for help. Honestly, the longest part of the entire bag making process was choosing the fabric to use for the lining of the bag. After auditioning what felt like my entire stash (it wasn’t), I settled on Kona Cerise. I was delighted to know that the tutorial was easy to adjust the sizing for, and I ended up choosing to use Test Block 4 for the front of the bag and Test Block 3 for the back of the back. Test Block 3 was the smallest, and I was able to cut it down to 12½” square, so that set the size for everything else (12½” square or 2″ x 12½”).
Drawstring Bag – Test Block 4 Side (Front)
45 minutes after cutting all the fabric, I had a fully finished lined drawstring bag! I used some colorful parachute cord from my husband’s shop stock for the drawstrings.
Drawstring Bag – Test Block 3 Side (Back)
I’m so pleased I was able to use these test blocks for something really useful!
Lined Drawstring Bag
I photographed the bag on top of our very happy mint plants, so now the bag also smells really delightful. :) Thank you very much for your suggestions, time, and help, Debbie. I’m classifying this as a DrEAMi (Drop Everything And Make it) project (coined by Sandra from mmmquilts).
This is a great way to use your test blocks, Yvonne. What a fun bag, and so satisfying to finish it so quickly!
That was a perfect idea for those test blocks. Deb frequently inspires me with all of her beautiful work.
Your first drawstring back turned out SO good! I’m glad you were able to use your test blocks for something new to try (totally fit with the whole theme of this project), and what fun bag lining and cording. Nice to just dive in and make something. It’s such a treat when we can do that.
Doesn’t it look terrific nestled amongst the mint! What a fun cute little bag, and hooray for a satisfying, quick diversion (and useful too)!
A perfect way to use those test blocks. The bag turned out beautifully. No one would ever guess that wasn’t the plan all along.
Such a great idea for a bag made with your test blocks!
I love that you turned your test block into such a cool drawstring bag. Thanks for linking to the pattern.
Fabulous way to use those leftover blocks! I will keep this in mind for the next one!
Oh this is so neat! I love the colors you used as well!