Sew a Handkerchief Bag

Pretty and practical.

Now that fall is officially here I have been trying to embrace it.  Honestly I don’t like fall very much because it leads to winter which I just hate.  I have been reminded lately of Daniel 2:21 which tells us about God that “He changes times and season.” In the past week or so these words have often been brought to mind.  I feel challenged to change my attitude to be thankful for the change of seasons rather than be a crab.  I will miss summer but that is no reason to not enjoy fall. 🙂

Notice the zipper which runs down the length of the bag. Nice and handy for refilling with handkerchiefs.

 

Since I really enjoy sewing and crafting I have been working on some fall projects in order to have a change of heart.  I’ve also been praying that fall would be a joyful time in our home.  I recently made the handkerchief bag.  I love using handkerchiefs instead of tissues.  Not only are they softer and greener for the environment but they are so pretty.  I always feel so ladylike using a handkerchief.  Yes I really do carry them around in my purse.  I also don’t have to worry about leaving tissues in my pocket (we are notorious about this at our home) and then washing the clothes.  Yuck!  If you’ve ever sat and tediously picked off tiny pieces of tissue you know exactly what I mean.  😉  

Tissues are dispensed one at a time just like a box of Kleenex.

 

This bag has really simplified using handkerchiefs in our home.  I no longer have to look around or run upstairs to the drawer where they are kept.  We have it hanging on a hook in our small downstairs bathroom.  Having the bag in plain sight has really helped me to remember to use them.  I was amazed at how quickly we went through the dozen or so this bag holds.  (I’ll be sewing up some more soon.) 

Opened view of the back where you insert the handkerchiefs.

 

I wish I could say the idea was mine but it was not (otherwise I would gladly share the tutorial with you).  I followed the directions step by step in Amanda Soule’s book The Rhythm of Family.  I used a home decor weight fabric and it turned out wonderful.  I made about 8 handkerchiefs 12 X 12 as recommended but found this to be a little large for the bag.  Next time I will probably make them 10 X 10.  (Most of the ones we already had are much smaller than 12 x 12.)  Overall a great fun project which has already helped me look forward to the fall season.

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