How to Make Horizontal Strip Patch Bags

The other day my husband was going overseas to visit his parents and as usual I bought many gifts to give to his relatives. I had never liked using wrapping paper because I think that they're a waste of resource: you tear it off and throw it in the bin. Usually I would recycle any that was gift wrapped to me but I don't usually use it for others.

So this time, I made bags to put the presents in. After the person opened the presents they have a bag to use to carry whatever they wish to. No waste! And do you know what's also great with these bags? They use fabric scraps that I had from my other projects. It's a win-win-win. 

Flower Buttons Cushion

I had a phase where I was making everything with buttons (see children's bag). This cushion was the result of one of them. It was very simple.

First I appliqued the 5 petals on (looking at it now I should have made 6 petals for a more symmetrical look. I might make another with 6 and in different fabrics and see how that works out). I used the sewing machine to applique. It was much quicker.

Love For Others Message Cushion

This 'Love for others what you love for yourself' cushion is a great cushion to remind ourselves to think of others every time we look at it. It is taken from the hadeeth (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (s)): "None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Reported in al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

This took me hardly any time at all to do.

Free instructions.