Drawstring bags a plenty: A teaser

This is for you.  Yes, you.  You asked for it, and now, finally, here it is.  A drawstring backpack tutorial.  Well, almost.  Here's the thing....

For my own sanity's sake, I am going to assume that if you are seeking sewing advice from me, you are a beginner.  So, I am going to start at the beginning.  I am going to post a series of tutorials, starting at the most basic drawstring bag and work my (our) way up through a series of variations until I reach the Mama Backpack.  I'm still working on writing them and will post as I get them done.  This is the teaser.

Here's what is ahead:
1.  Simple drawstring bag  (yellow print)
2.  Lined drawstring bag and backpack variation (white print)
3.  Better lined drawstring bag (blue print)
4.  Padded drawstring bag (black)
5.  Mama backpack (brown stripe)

If that is not enough, I am building up to even more tutorials, including (hold on to your hats) a drawstring skirt.  Crazy, but true.

Why am I doing all this? 
1.  Because I love to find your tutorials and I've learned so much from them.  This blogland of crafters is an amazing place full of creative women and lovely energy.  These are a little payback.
2.  Because I wanted to make a drawstring bag for a long time and couldn't figure out how to make one.  I bought a pattern and couldn't follow it.  I searched the internet and, although all authorities claimed it was so easy that it was often assigned as a beginning sewing class assignment for middle schoolers, I couldn't figure it out.  Finally, my mom (She's the best!) taught me.  I pass on her knowledge.  And I hope these tutorials do her justice.
3.  Because, now, I can.
4.  Because I think I will now set out to become a repository of "All Things Drawstring."  I think this will be "my thing."  I can't believe how many variations there are, and I have only scratched the surface.  I am a little crazed for drawstrings at the moment.
5.  Because I am looking forward to seeing your projects!!  If you make any of them, please comment and include a link!

So... as soon as I can get it done.... #1.  Oh, and don't worry -- Everything was made Using What I Have!  April is here.

Comments

[Birdypups]

It's very kind of you to want to give some good energy back to the blogging world. You're right, its a great place full of creative and kind women who inspire me everyday. You are one of those women for me, thank you. Now hopefully I can create my own tutorial one day!

[Tonya]

Thank you!! After looking at this I see where I went wrong with Jonahs. Keep up the good work. Your a inspiration to all. ;-) We have to get together!! I know I say it and things come up but all the kid stuff is done. YIPEE!!
xoxox! Tonya

[Angela]

I'm loving you now for the lattes I can't get from you AND the upcoming tutorials! Yippee skippy! Your bags look great.

[Mimulus]

These bags are fantabalous...adn don't kids just love drawstrings?! Thanks for the tutorials...I know I have some fabric that Ican make up a bag with for use hwat you have month. Know I have the knowledge thanks to you. By the way, your 30 days of photos is a beautiful gift to the blogosphere too. Bea has great cheeks and eyelashes, and how do manage such amazing close ups! I gotta go take a class on digitial photography or at least read the owners manual for my camera. That turtle shot...with such transparent water was wild.

[Carmen]

Ok I also made a simple drawstring bag. I think the ones you made are lovely and useful for so many different things! And I happen to have many of the same fabrics you used for them, so I guess we have similar taste! Thanks for the tutorials, it makes me want to make more bags!!! here is my link: http://polvorondelimon.blogspot.com/2006/04/getting-ready-to-welcome-new-baby.html

[Mia]

Hi ya,
I love your bag tutorials and would love to include links to them on my blog. Could I also take a photo of the finished item and post it on my blog? This would ensure more traffic to your blog as OneHourCraft is attracting a lot of visitors each day!
Cheers,
Mia

[Anita]

I stumbled across this trying to find a group that would take my bags of fabric scraps. I was of the school of thought that I didn't have time to "quilt". After watching and reading your tutorials, I am inspired beyond belief and now feel that with your " elp" I can apply the ten minute a day priciple to this project. Thanks a million for your beautiful inspiration!

[cindy]

Hey, thank you soooo much for the draw string tutes!! I absolutely love drawstring bags & had the same frustrating experiences you write about. I just found your site & am looking forward to making each type of bag. Again thank you very much for sharing.

[cindy]

I just finished the lined bag. Thank you, thank you, thank you! It turned out fabulously!! I am making another one tomorrow.

[rose martin]

My 9 year-old daughter wanted to sew a project using monkey fabric that she had picked out. After sifting thru many sites, yours was the simplest, most user friendly tutorial that she could follow. She made a small drawstring to use at school for her pencils/pens. Your easy directions just encouraged her. Thank you!