I tried to do this idea I’ve had for years. It involves sewing, however, and sewing is nothing for me but a pain in the you-know-what! I always think it’s going to be quick and easy, but I battle with my machine soooo much, I get frustrated.
I grew up in a household where we recycled our Christmas wrapping paper. Christmas morning, pocket knives appeared, tape was sliced, paper was folded and placed back in a large box for next year. My parents were born in 1929 and 1931, children of the Great Depression. They didn’t have much money growing up and waste was frowned upon. They passed that on to me and I can’t tell you now how that big trash bag full of torn wrapping paper gives me the willies on Christmas morning. It’s just WRONG. What a waste. Good money and trees disappear in a flash. I’ve never liked it.
For years I’ve wished someone would make it popular to have Christmas fabric bags to put your presents in. Sure, you have to put them in a box for those who have to touch and try to guess their present, but so what? Most things come in boxes these days. Towards that end, I bought some Christmas fabric pieces at the thrift store a few years ago. This year I was going to do it!
I cut the fabric into various sizes. I decided it must be a lined bag, so I planned to mix and match designs. This bag has a dark green liner. Now, I’ll never lie and say I knew how to do this… I watched this YouTube video! She explains it better than I ever could!
Can you imagine if everyone did half of their presents in reusable, washable fabric bags? Sure, they won’t hold a fishing pole or huge, bulky item, but I love the idea.
I don’t love sewing.
It took me much longer to make than it should have. If anyone would like to trade some sewing for a craft item… can we talk?
I have a stack of fabric… and we *will* talk!
Find me here!
I don’t remember saving wrapping paper when a child in UK 50’s. Things were scarce after the war.. However, I do remember the Christmas decorations that came out year after year. Crepe paper (is that still around!) was cut into 2” strips, stitched together down the middle on Mom’s machine. These strips went from the centre light to outer walls – pale green and pink for one room, red and green for the other. The sewing machine ‘gift’ was passed on to my sister and I but never did I think I’d use it to make masks during CV. Yes, bags rather than paper are much better.
I know what you mean. I always thought my Mom was kind of silly for always saving paper, now I get it and try to save items that will work for holding a present. Your fabric bags are a great idea.
Same in our family – trim the used Christmas wrapping paper and SAVE!
I’ve got my share in a box. I like your new idea very much.
Sounds like you may need a less fussy sewing machine. I’ve been wanting to do this for years but when it comes down to it I end up not having any time. Sewing Christmas things in June sounds boring but November and December are so busy.
What a great idea!