While visiting Amanda this morning, I saw her beautifully inventive bread wrap- a drawstring bag from an old tea towel. It made me think of this bag I made last summer when we all headed off to Michigan for our art getaway weekend. Each of us presented a secret partner with a collection of vintage art materials to use as extras while we crafted together. I drew Rebecca as the recipient of my bag.
I have stacks of these vintage towels and noticed that this particular embroidery would be fine if I flipped it and used it upside down. So I did.
Folded in half to a perfect size, sewed up the two sides on the machine and used a long length of doubled pearl cotton to lace a drawstring around the top. Buttons in between the stitches made it a bit fancier and there were enough to add at the ends to make them heavier. The handle is from a length of grosgrain ribbon, folded in half and stitched along the edge.
Kind of Camp Crafts 101, but it was more about the contents and I thought she could always take it apart and cut it up for one of her textile creations- or put it back to use as a towel.
So, what's in your linen stash? Might be sweet for Easter.
Note to my wonderful newsletter subscribers: I'm going to host a giveaway just for you. If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time. xoC
What a lovely bag to make use of vintage linens! I just can't pass them by - it sometimes makes me sad to see that work, lovingly created by someone, sitting in a shop. I feel the need to bring them home and show them some appreciation - however, I only have so many places for display. This is a great way to make use of my "collection".
Posted by: Kathryn | April 07, 2009 at 07:33 AM
I'm going to look through my stash for a victim.
Posted by: paddywack designs | April 07, 2009 at 08:10 AM
Love this idea and may borrow it for a "may basket" swap I'm in. Also had to tell you how much I love the new picture of you in your sidebar...too cute.
Posted by: julie | April 07, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Oh Charlotte, I love Camp Crafts 101, and this bag is just lovely! Can't wait to give it a try. Thanks always for your inspiration!
Posted by: Julie B. | April 07, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Well now, I didn't know you had a newsletter or I would have signed up long ago!
I'm loving all these sweet and simple ideas you're showing us. These days, I'm so busy but I do like to feed the creative side of me and your projects are just the thing!
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | April 07, 2009 at 11:46 AM
What a sweet, sweet bag. It makes me smile just looking at it :)
Posted by: Lilli | April 07, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Luv your bag...the buttons and stitch trim on the top edge are perfect! What a great idea!
Blessings~LillySue
Posted by: LillySue | April 07, 2009 at 05:24 PM
Charlotte,
I think this might be my favorite of all the crafts I've seen on this blog, and I've had so many favorites!
It's beautiful.
mary
Posted by: mary | April 07, 2009 at 09:07 PM
Take it apart? never! It hangs on one of my favorite old chairs to remind me daily of my sweet charlotte. :)
Posted by: rebecca | April 08, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Simply lovely...love the linen
peasant type look, thanks for
sharing..off to looks for linens!
Thanks again for inspiring me!
Posted by: Ellen | April 08, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I used this as my every day purse. It'd definitely get lots of comments! It's absolutely so sweet!
Posted by: Calamity Anne | April 08, 2009 at 11:46 AM
How sweet!
Posted by: pam | April 08, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Oh, this is going on my list of 'to do' over the next few days that I'm on vacation from work--YES!
Posted by: Kris | April 08, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Charlotte, I love the way your mind works with all of the little felt creations you come up with. So very pretty. Love the tea towel bread bag too. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Easter! Warmly, Cathy ^..^
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | April 08, 2009 at 11:01 PM
I'm having so much fun checking in to see your sweet mountain projects. This little tote is so pretty and perfectly simple! Thank you.
Posted by: Holly Abston | April 09, 2009 at 10:06 AM
adorable idea
Posted by: The Joyfulhomemaker | April 13, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Your bag is so charming!
I didn't know you had a newsletter Charlotte, how did I manage to miss that?! And my old brain can't seem to find the info on signing up now - am I too late? sniffle sniffle SOB. Don't want to miss out, no sirree.
Posted by: Sally | April 13, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Love it!
Posted by: Kimberly | April 22, 2009 at 03:54 PM
What a beautiful bag!
Posted by: Missy Severson | April 25, 2009 at 02:08 PM