Bag of the month: Pinwheel bag

This is the bag I made in May -- an easy to sew and versatile, adaptable pattern that produces a bag that could be used for multiple purposes, including as a gift bag.

Basic bag

This particular version has cords drawn through a bead to close the top, and I found the pattern and tutorial here: little bag tutorial

The only pattern piece that you need will end up looking like this:

I call these bags pinwheel bags because the bases end up looking like this:

Embroidered version

I thought this would make a nice gift bag for some pampering products. The embroidery design was from Jenny of Elefantz blog and was offered earlier this year, although is no longer available. However she has many other designs, which can be found here: Jenny of ELEFANTZ blog

Add a pocket

To add a pocket cut another pattern piece , but with sides only 6 inches long. Overlock the top edge and then fold it down 1.5 inches and sew it down. Lace can be added to cover the stitching line. Then baste the pocket to the side it will go on, before sewing the bag together. The pocket piece will include the triangle of the base. It is nice to add  pockets to two opposite sides, and one could be used to hold a card, if the bag is used for a gift.

Make a draw string top instead

The original bag was designed with a draw-string top, and the pattern shape can be made in any size that suits the purpose. Instructions for this version can be found on this blog, titled "Saving our planet: making a bag for rags" under the "Saving our planet" tag. 

Remember: Happiness comes from living as you need to, as you want to. As your inner voice tells you to. Happiness comes from being who you are instead of who you think you are supposed to be. Shonda Rhimes.