I’ve only been talking about doing this for about three years! Madness! Where does the time go? Maybe a little goes into unpicking and the lack of technical skills, attention span (unless it’s actually sewing) and being camera shy has a lot to answer for too!

It’s now official! I’ve set up the YouTube, written the patterns and even demonstrated them live on Hochanda TV. But it has to be said that these guys make it all look so easy and they make everyone feel at home. So, I’ve learnt a lot about the technical stuff but there will still be glitches so bear with me as I’m still learning.

My love lies with encouraging as many people to sew as possible, so after the week I’ve had filled with admin and technical problems, I do understand the frustration when things don’t quite go to plan. That’s why I’m here – to make it as easy and fun as possible for you! Sewing of course, not the technical stuff!

Whilst there are so many awesome techniques out there, I thought ‘Let’s break them down’ as I love any project that is super easy but looks like its not. So, this tutorial is all about using your super-cute scraps to prepare you for gorgeous gift giving whilst concentrating on a specific technique. The ‘Karen Wine Bag’ is perfect for that! Boxed corners and inserting a channel for a draw string are the two techniques I’m going to teach you during this tutorial.

So, all you need to do now is download the template! Don’t have a printer? Simply cut the fabric to the measurements below. Join me in the newest group ‘Sew Along Sunday’ and wait for my video tutorial.

The Karen Wine Bag from Sewn with Scraps-Issue 1 – ‘Pretty Presents’. This super easy scrap-buster draw-string bag is the perfect size for a bottle of wine, a few Toblerones or those long, unusually shaped gifts.

To take part in the ‘sew along’ you will need:

· Two 13” x 17.5″ fabric (one for lining, one for outer fabric)

· One 13” x 17.5″  lightweight interfacing

· One piece of 20” ribbon 1/2″ wide

· Thread.

Click here to download the template and join the group here to be amongst the first to see my tutorial.

Looking forward to sewing with you!

Lots of love

Kerrie xx