A couple of weeks ago was my husband's birthday. I don't know what it's like for you, but for me, I never know what to get him for a gift. This year was no exception! I just could not think of anything to get him and he wasn't giving any hints.
Then I thought about the shirts and pants he had given me when he cleaned out his closet. I was looking through them all and remembered how he likes to have a laundry bag with him when he travels. And he does do a lot of traveling for work. So I picked a shirt and a pair of jeans and and came up with a laundry bag.
I cut the shirt straight across right under the arms and straight across at the bottom to cut off the shirt tails. I left the buttons buttoned and sewed the shirt closed down each side of the buttons. Next, I cut the legs off the jeans and got out the seam ripper to open the inseam seam. Using the widest part of both legs, I cut pieces for the top and bottom of the bag. The last step was to make a casing and insert the cording for the drawstring top.
The best part is he was surprised and very happy with it. Not only did I come up with the perfect gift, but it didn't cost anything!
I've been forgetting to leave you with a sewing tip at the end of each post to celebrate National Sewing Month. I remembered today though, so here it is: If your project requires a lot of cutting straight lines, it is easier to use a rotary cutter and quilters ruler on a self healing mat than it is to use scissors. The cut is cleaner and straighter doing it that way. It's also much quicker.
Then I thought about the shirts and pants he had given me when he cleaned out his closet. I was looking through them all and remembered how he likes to have a laundry bag with him when he travels. And he does do a lot of traveling for work. So I picked a shirt and a pair of jeans and and came up with a laundry bag.
I cut the shirt straight across right under the arms and straight across at the bottom to cut off the shirt tails. I left the buttons buttoned and sewed the shirt closed down each side of the buttons. Next, I cut the legs off the jeans and got out the seam ripper to open the inseam seam. Using the widest part of both legs, I cut pieces for the top and bottom of the bag. The last step was to make a casing and insert the cording for the drawstring top.
The best part is he was surprised and very happy with it. Not only did I come up with the perfect gift, but it didn't cost anything!
I've been forgetting to leave you with a sewing tip at the end of each post to celebrate National Sewing Month. I remembered today though, so here it is: If your project requires a lot of cutting straight lines, it is easier to use a rotary cutter and quilters ruler on a self healing mat than it is to use scissors. The cut is cleaner and straighter doing it that way. It's also much quicker.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Ooh, I love laundry bags :)
ReplyDeleteAnnette, that is a very thoughtful gift! Your laundry bag is so cottage chic -- Love it!
What a Great idea and lovely gift!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect gift!!
ReplyDeleteI love giving and getting things like that...it looks very "manly" too!! :-)
Oh my goodness! That is insanely clever!
ReplyDeleteGreat gift! Handmade gifts are the best.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
This is so cute!! xo, Mary
ReplyDeleteFun gift! My Ogre wants a home brewing kit for his birthday, so I better get to hunting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Every time I pack our suitcase I put our shoes and slippers in plastic grocery bags and always think that some day I should sew up some little shoe bags instead. This would be perfect!
ReplyDeleteLoving the surprising idea you came up with, Annette! I am facing a similar problem quite soon and you gave me hope. Maybe I will create something out of the blue :)
ReplyDelete