The problem is that it's so darn hot over there at this time of year that you can't do much except splash in the pool or visit some place airconditioned! We had days of 36 celsius (97 fahrenheit) and over 90% humidity. Urgh. But hey, I love my family!
While we were there I just happened to visit a fabric store. Where I found a bundle of six Christmas fat quarters for $3. I should have bought two because fat quarters make awesome gift bags and I need to replenish my stock.
Fabric gift bags are great because they:
- save time on Christmas Eve when you realise you haven't wrapped half the pressies;
- are reusable so your time investment in making them is repaid over and again;
- save waste - I hate seeing that rubbish sack full of single use wrapping paper;
- look pretty!
I make mine by sewing two fat quarters together WRONG sides together on three sides. Then turn them inside out and sew RIGHT sides together to make an enclosed seam. Fold over the top raw edge twice to make a neat hem and sew down. Sew a length of ribbon to the side seam with a tight zig-zag stitch and you're done.
You can see the enclosed side seam and the top hem in the picture above. I sometimes use ric-rac or twill tape instead of ribbon. They are more durable but I don't hold as much in my stash.
I make gift tags from old Christmas cards and thread them onto the ribbon before tying it. Simple!
What do you do to make your Christmases or holiday celebrations simpler?
