Birthday present shoe bags
Children I know have so many toys that when birthdays come round few of us want to add to what they already have. I made a little utilitarian shoe bag for the grandson last year when he started nursery and for a year it hung from his peg clearly declaring his name in red felt – a visibility very useful when another pair of trousers were needed…possibly quickly. Daughter No 1 liked the bag and – in a double desire to avoid the path of ubiquitous plastic and embrace the individuality of the handmade – has commissioned me to produce some for birthday presents.
Birthday present shoe bag with appliquéd and embroidered felt
Detail of appliquéd and embroidered felt
Here are the first batch of 3. All are made from heavy weight cotton I already had – either woven ticking or printed cotton duck. Cotton duck is a heavy weight cotton with a close weave which keeps its shape well but can be a bit of a devil to get a needle through. That extra bit of body in the fabric helps the bag to stand up to wear and tear and to keep it looking fresh for longer. Not sure little boys will be all that enamoured by ‘a bag’ but their mums will probably happily find a use for them.
Birthday present shoe bag with appliquéd and embroidered felt
No point in gracing such a practical item with too much hand embroidery, so I used appliquéd felt which speeds things along. Double stitching either side of the casing means the stitching is as sturdy as the fabric and double nylon drawstrings with knots secured by stitching means the cord can’t easily unknot itself and wander off.
Birthday present shoe bag with appliquéd and embroidered felt
Bug detail on birthday present shoe bag (appliquéd and embroidered felt)
Lots of birthdays coming up so must rustle through my fabric chest for more suitable pieces. We’re enjoying the bugs – must do more.
Birthday present shoe bag with appliquéd and embroidered felt
Birthday present shoe bag with appliquéd and embroidered felt
Birthday present shoe bag with appliquéd and embroidered felt
4 Comments
Oh those little appliqued bugs are adorable! All three designs are very cute.
Thanks, Amara.
This is a brilliant idea, much more useful and in spite of the heavy wear they’ll receive, probably more lasting than the latest toy!
I think so – and they wash perfectly well too!
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