Oct 8, 2009

How to make a patchwork string and how to use it (Scrap buster project)

!!!!! Thank you very much! I closed the entry for the giveaway. !!!!!

A woman sent me an email about this project and I decided to write this post.
scrapbuster_button

I have lots of small pieces of fabrics, and I usually make bias tapes or patchwork strings with them.
Fabric scraps

This time, I write here how I make the patchwork string.
I chose some pieces from the scraps, and ironed them. Then cut it in strips. I cut them in 1.5 inches width.
How to make a patchwork string 1

I cut these pieces. Some of them has not vertical edge, because it's a rest of my bias tapes.
How to make a patchwork string 2

Sew them one by one.
How to make a patchwork string 3
To make it sturdy, it's good to sew two times at the edge using back stitch.

If you want to use the bias edge like the picture,
How to make a patchwork string 4

put it on the other side fabric making both fabrics's right side upside and cut the edge in the same shape.
How to make a patchwork string 5

Then put them facing their rightside, and sew it.
How to make a patchwork string 6

Open the allowances and iron them.

How to make a patchwork string 7

Then, fold it in half and iron it.
How to make a patchwork string 8

Open it once, fold each side in half and iron it.
How to make a patchwork string 9

To make the beautiful edge, follow next steps. At first, fold the edge a little.
How to make a patchwork string 10

Open it and fold each corner making triangle.
How to make a patchwork string 11

Fold again at the line of first step.
How to make a patchwork string 12

Fold each side and begin sewing.
How to make a patchwork string 13

Continue sewing...
How to make a patchwork string 14

Finished!
How to make a patchwork string 15

I use it to tie something, or...
as a bracelet,
Patchwork string
or, as a charm of the bag.
Patchwork string
Or, it can be used as a drawstring for a bag.
A bag with patchwork string

This is very simple bag and the patchwork string fits well on it.
A bag with patchwork string

I also put my hand carved stamp tag on the back.
A bag with patchwork string

You can close this bag like the picture too.
A bag with patchwork string

To make this bag, you need only two pieces of fabrics in the same size.
How to make a bag 1

Then put them making the right side inside, and sew each edge.
How to make a bag 2

Put it like the picture.
How to make a bag 3

And sew the side lines, leaving a opening space to turn it out. It's better to be on the inside fabric.
How to make a bag 4

Turn it out from the opening and close it.
How to make a bag 5

Turn it out and put a tag on the outside. You did it.
How to make a bag 6

It's very simple and you can make it in your favorite size.

By the way,,,
I'd like to do a giveaway to whom read all this long post!
A bag with patchwork string
I want to make two more bags like the red one, and put something in them as a gift.
So I can choose three persons for this giveaway.
If you want to enter this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post, till 6 am of
17th October(EST).
Please make sure that when you are chosen, I should contact to you. At the 17th October, I'll write the names of the winner in the new post, so please come back here to check it out.
If you have any questions about it, please feel free to write me.-> maimairuru(at)gmail(dot)com.

Have a good day (* v *)!!!!!

!!!!! Thank you very much! I closed the entry for the giveaway. !!!!!

225 comments:

  1. Simple and charming, as always. And thank you for the tutorial- I have a lot of scraps! (and of course I wolud like to enter the giveaway)

    Lucy

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  2. Hello!
    Thank you so much for the great instructions. I think I can do that!
    I have been following your blog, and I enjoy it very much, but I never commented.
    Carol

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  3. I love the idea of the patchwork string! Very cute :-).

    -Erica

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  4. What a pretty idea. Thank you for sharing :)
    And a giveawya, well i'm in ;)
    Cristina

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  5. Oh I love this idea so much! Thank you and your tutorials are always amazing. I would love a chance to win something you make!

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  6. Thanks for the great tutorial! I love your blog :)

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  7. Thanks for the great tutorial! I think I'll try making some of these patchwork strings for my next drawstring bag project. :)

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  9. This is so beautiful and very clear - I would always mess up which direction to cut my diagonal end but you make it obvious and easy to remember! I also love the evenness of your stitching; what size needle do you use? Thank you for your tutorials - I have made your sarubobo and your pencil case; everyone loved them. Next I want to try your patchwork furoshiki with a patchwork bias edging - can't wait!! Thanks again for your beautifully clear instructions!

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  10. Well , since i´m writing ...¿may i ask why you called Siesta your shop? I´m spanish by the way.
    PD:Thanks for the tutorial of sarubobo i love them

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  11. Dear Mai, when actually do you sleep? you've been posting so much theses last hours...and I'm thankful for that. Your patchwork string is so beautifull. I know an easy way to make a bias with only a piece of fabric... maybe I'll make a tutorial also. For the giveaway, I'm crossing my fingers! Thanks for everything!

    Dani

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  12. This is great, I love the way you fold the edge!
    Of course I want to enter the giveaway!!
    Thanks for the tutorial, using scraps is so environmental-friendly! :)
    Dora

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  13. Thank you for the lovely ideia. Smiles from Brazil, CĂ©lia

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  14. i like the tutorial (: it's great i'll try to make one strip from my scraps and the bag ;D

    smiles from mexico (:

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  15. Some years ago I spent two years living in Japan. Your blog makes me feel so nostalgic for Japan - your wonderful patterns, your beautiful little stitches, the adorable things you make and your great generosity in sharing so many tutorials. Every time I read your blog it brings back many happy memories for me. Thanks.

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  16. This is so wonderful Mairuru!!!! Thanks for so lovely gift!!
    :DDDD

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  17. I love the string tutorial - I finally have something to do with all those little pieces! Thank you for the instructions.

    I have been reading your blog, and would love to enter the giveaway.

    Shay

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  18. Mairuru
    todos os dias venho ver o seu blog, a procura de novidades e quero agradecer e parabenizã-la pelas lindas idéias e tutoriais que voce disponibiliza no seu blog, estou começando a blogar, sou completamente inexperiente neste mundo virtual,
    adicionei voce no flickr, e no wordpress, dou aulas de patchwork em São Paulo, Brasil e tenho certeza que seu blog terá acessos extras por conta da minha indicação, espero que voce leia e entenda o portugues, sugiro que vc use um tradutor.
    xoxoxo
    Eunice Rosa(Nini)
    www.flickr.com/photos/retalhinhosdanini

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  19. mairuru
    fairy hands said ...
    Mairuru
    every day I come see your blog, looking for news and want to thank and congratulate you for the great ideas and tutorials that you make available on its blog, I'm starting blogging, I'm completely inexperienced in this virtual world,
    I added you on flickr and wordpress, I teach patchwork in Sao Paulo, Brazil and I'm sure your blog will have access to extra care of my statement, I hope that you read and understand the Portuguese, I suggest that you use a translator.
    xoxoxo
    Eunice Rose (Nini)
    www.flickr.com / photos / retalhinhosdanini

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  20. I would be honored to give your pretty bag a home :)

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  21. I just found your blog a couple days ago and I love your book cover tutorial! I'm thinking of making a few for Christmas presents this year :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    -Erin
    http://trailertreasureblog.com

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  22. Hi Mai!

    First I want to show you the cute small cats I made with your sarubobo recipe

    http://princesspyro00.deviantart.com/art/Rainbow-Kitties-138829101

    And I would love to enter your giveaway!

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  23. You are so full of inspiration and creativity, and you are so generous to share! Thank you very much.

    - annri

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  24. Love this tutorial! I especially love your drawings for the bag instructions portion of the tutorial.

    I'd love to enter your giveaway, too. :)

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  25. I really like all your tutorials, you make some nice things so I would love to be in the giveaway.

    I made your patchwork cube drawstring bag and really like how it came out. I use it as a lunch bag.

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  26. Thank you Mai. Your tutorials are, as I always say, wonderful.

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  27. Thank you yet again for a wonderful tutorial! ^^

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  28. Of course I read your long post. It was very interesting! I love the string and the bag!
    I would be wonderful to win one of your creations. Thank you for the opportunity!!

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  29. Your very inspirational blog is always worth visiting! Nice pictures, clearly written text and lovely projects! Please keep ut the good work! And yes, if I could win one of your lovely pouches, I would be so happy!

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  30. I have a bag full of scraps, I'm going to give this a try! ^^

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  31. I so love your tutorials! And I've learned a lot with them, I even made two Sarubobos! :)
    Thank you so much for sharing,
    Paula
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

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  32. Thanks for showing how to finish the edge of the string, I used to wonder how to make it look neat. Your instructions are always so easy to follow, I have tried quite a few of your tutorials and have always been amazed at the results.
    Of course, I would love to enter your lovely giveaway!
    Sylvie

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  33. I just started following your blog a couple weeks ago, and I really enjoy it. I hope to do some handwork soon. Thanks for the tutorials.

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  34. lovely! always the best tutorials and fine handmades! :D i'd love to win the giveaway! thank you & cheers!

    littletjane (at) gmail (dot) com

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  35. Love the idea and your clearness in all of your tutorials :D It definitely makes me want to tackle this one!

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  36. How charming, and what a nice use for those little scraps of fabric. Thank you.

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  37. Hallo ~
    I love the tutorial.. A very creative fabulous idea!

    I want to join the giveaway!
    Wan

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  39. Boo, part of my previous post got eaten :(

    Anyhow, I have a ton of scraps and will definitely make string. And thanks for the giveaway!

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  40. What a great tutorial! I hope you win.
    shannoncarman(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  41. I always love your ideas and designs. Thank you for sharing them with us. happy day!

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  42. Yay Mai! I love your blog and all of the instructions you give. You're one of my favorite blogs! XOXO

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  43. Thank you for your time and dedication in your explanations.
    Recently I visited and I love your work.

    Greetings from Chile!!!

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  44. Mai, you do such cute stuff! I love it

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  45. There is a beautiful simplicity to everything you make--and your instructions are always so wonderfully written, thank you for sharing!

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  46. So cute! And great instructions, too. I still can't believe you sew everything by hand. You do it so well.

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  47. Oh my goodness! I could think of a million things to do with a patchwork string.

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  48. I really like your blog. It's very interesting. Thanks for sharing with us your ideas. :-)

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  49. Not only have I read through the whole post. I have also looked carefully at all the pictures, and am ready to go ahead and try both tutorials, the string and the bag!! It's always hard for me to think of easy ways to make pouches, and your tutorials are so helpful!! Thank you so much :-)

    Oh... and count me in for the giveaway, of course!! ^^

    Contact:librosfera(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. I love your design!!! so cute!
    Thanks for a great tutorial! I'd like to enter the giveaway, I dont't think my version would be as good as yours ever!><

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  51. Lovely scrap string Mai. Glad you enjoyed your few days on the tropical island. It looks spectacular.

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  52. I found your blog last week and spent a whole day reading all the posts from the beginning. I love the way you write, and your tutorials are amazing. What I love the most (besides the beautiful things you make) is to see the pictures of you handsewing. I don´t have a machine and I have just started learning to sew (even though I am fourty something years old!!!!). You really inspired me. I don´t have a blog, sorry. But my email is gmc.bernard@gmail.com. Greetings from Santa Fe, Argentina.

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  53. Your works are always lovely :) Thank you for your patience and generosity by writing this long tutorial!

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  54. As always you work is lovely. You must have a lot of patience, with all those neat and tiny stitches ;-) Cute idea, those strings. I definately am going to try that sometime. Thanks!

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  55. This is a great idea for small pieces of fabric! I think this could also work for bias.
    And the bag looks really cute!

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  56. I am a regular visitor of your blog, but have never left a comment before. So this is my chance to step forward and let you know how much I enjoy your posts, your tutorials and your creativity.
    I'd love to enter the giveaway.

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  57. XD Those sloth on your tags are darn cute~!

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  58. I love these little patchwork strings! what a great idea :)

    You're so sweet for making these tutorials and sharing them with us.
    Thank you!

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  59. Arigato! I cannot tell you how beautiful your work and your blog are. Amazing. Your sewing is so lovely (and I love the cat and dog photos, too!). Thank you for this tutorial and for the giveaway, too!

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  60. I love reading your posts. You are so creative. I can't wait to see what you will write about next.
    I also like your posts about your town and travels, makes me feel like I am there - I like to hear about Bo Chen :)

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  61. This is my first time to leave a comment, but I have been following your blog for about 1 month - found you by way of another blog and I'm not sure which it was - anyways - I love your work and very impressed that you do all the sewing by hand! I just learned to make my own bias tape so this is helpful to me - what a great idea to make it patchwork. please feel free to visit my blog - though it is not as good as yours.
    Megan

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  62. Mai, I love your work and your blog. It's always a pleasure to read here and see what great things you have been up to.

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  63. oh I love your blog, it's so inspiring. The patchwork string is lovely, you are so patient to handsew it all. Thank you!

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  64. That is beautiful! The patchwork string is so lovely and perfect for fall. And a giveaway too? Best post ever! I'll be linking.

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  65. The colors you used are beautiful. I wonder if I could make things combine as well as you always do. And of course I read to the end. I knew I would want to give this a try. I do love your blog and please enter me in the contest!

    Sara

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  66. Love, love, love the patchwork string and will definitely start making some. Great way to use up the scraps. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  67. I always read your post to the very end, so much fun! And a surprise with this one, arigato gozaimasu!

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  68. What a wonderful idea! I hate to throw anything away, and now I can use the littlest scrap!

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  69. Yay! I'd love to own some of your work! And getting a package from Japan - what could be better?

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  70. Your scraps look so great together- I probably over think and never get a random look that I am happy with.

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  71. Great idea! Now I know what to do with the bin of scraps I can't seem to throw away.

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  72. Thanks for the great idea! I love being able to use up all my scraps. This is perfect.

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  73. I love everything you make and these ties are beautiful! I can't believe you make everything by hand, you are so talented. :)

    By the way, I've been reading for awhile but this is my first time commenting. I just love your blog and etsy shop!

    Brigitte

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  74. I love your idea of making patchwork strings! It's pretty and useful. :) I keep all my scraps in a box, I'll definitely try to make one some day soon. Thank you for this tutorial.

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  75. Thank's for this tutorial, i think It's beautiful! I'd love to win a nice bag you've made :-)

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  76. Beautiful as always Mai still in awe that you do it all by hand lovely bag so simple & cute ....hope you are well xxx

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  77. This is very , very cute as everything you make, Mai.....I just love the Mairuru style, you are so talented and I also love the sweet , simple tone of your blog.
    I would be very happy to enter this giveaway !!!!!
    Greetings from france !
    Virginie alias Mitsoukotte

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  78. I love ideas for scraps and yours is a good one!

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  79. wow, that looks like a lot of work, but i just love the effect! beautiful!

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  80. Just beautiful! What a great idea for all of those scraps!! :)

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  81. This is such a cute idea! The bags would be perfect for gift bags at a birthday party or for neighbor gifts during Christmas time. Thank You!

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  82. Hi Mairuru,
    Thank you very much for sharing all your ideas! It is very nice and all so beautiful.
    Smiles from Amsterdam,
    Cecilia

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  83. Wonderful, as always. Thank you for posting this tutorial. I was about to throw away a big bag of scraps I thought were just to small to do anything with. Now I think I'll make some patchwork strings!

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  84. At first I thought "that's a lot of work for string" but totally changed my view when I saw your end result. I love it, and it goes with my belief in using every little piece till the end.

    I've been having computer problems for awhile, Mairuru, now trying to go back to your posts that I missed.

    Aloha!

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  85. I love the look of your patchwork string!! I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-use-your-fabric-scraps-for-patchwork-strings/2009/10/10/

    --Anne

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  86. Mai, I am so inspired by you! I love your creativity and the fact that you take the time to sew it all by hand. It's just lovely. I can't wait to try this project for a gift and I do hope I win yours!

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  87. So cute, u'r really creative. thanx 4 the tutorial=)

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  88. I would absolutely LOVE to win something that you've made, I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing the beautiful things you create :)

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  89. Hi Mairuru!!!

    Thanks a lot for all the things that you show in your blog. Thank you for sharing, it's really nice of you.
    I follow your blog and I think it's the best. I love sewing and origami too and I am always expecting what you are going to teach in your amazing tutorials. Congratulations and thank you very much!!

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  90. I love your string, I'm going to have a look through my scraps for thin fabrics to make some. That's good cos I never know what to do with the thin stuff. Thanks for the tutorial. Vicki xx

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  91. That is so cute!! I really like the bracelet idea, and the bag is very sweet. Thanks for the tutorial!

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  92. Hi,

    I was looking through your listings in your Etsy shop and found your blog. I love your tutorials! The step by step instructions are very clear and are absolutely great for a beginner in sewing like me :)

    Loved the stuffs that you make and would love to try sew a couple of them myself for my loved ones, following your tutorial! :)

    Muiee

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  93. Thanks for the tutorial. I'm going to give it a try.

    I'd love to enter your giveaway.

    Gracescotkeith at hotmail dot com

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  94. This is a lovely tutorial, thank you so much.

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  95. Such a great tutorial! So simple with such a big impact!

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  96. This is such a great tutorial - and I love your trim that you made - so cute!!

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  97. Thanks for the tutorial. I love the string + bag look. I'm going to have to use it for gift giving in the future.

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  98. Absolutely love you contest entry. Adorable! I make bias tape all the time, but never put scraps together. Have a great day!

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  99. Thank you for sharing this tutorial! The patchwork string is a great use of scraps, and it looks so perfect on the bag you made. :)

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  100. what a great idea! I can only think of about 100 uses for that cute scrappy string!

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  101. I'm pulling out my scrap basket now to make a long length of patchwork string. It will be perfect to use as ties on the charity wheelchair and walker caddies I'm making for a local nursing home. Thank you for the great idea.

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  102. love it so much - thanks for the chance to win!

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  103. I LOVE this idea! You could even use it as ribbon for wrapping present.

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  104. Beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  105. What a cute idea! Thanks for holding the giveaway also!

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  106. Hello Mai,

    I have really been enjoying your blog which I found through Sew Mama Sew several months ago. Your work is so inspiring and I also love your photos of Japan. It makes me want to visit there someday even more than I already did :o) I would love to win something made by you and these bags are so sweet. Thank you for hosting the giveaway.

    Leah

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  107. this is such a simple and charming idea! thanks for sharing, and for the chance to win!

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  108. I love this, I have been wanting to make something like this for a long time!

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  109. Thank you for such a beautiful tutorial! I have been making similar ties/drawstrings just recently, but I love the hand-stitched details on yours and your sweet patterns. I love the bag too. You have inspired me! (And yes, I'd love to enter the giveaway as well).

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  110. so simple . . . and that's the charm. am so used to doing everything the "quick" way that it never occurred to me to hand sew the bias and that it would make it look so wonderful. thank you for the eye-opener!!

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  111. thats an absolutely gorgeous idea, i love the tape and the bag!! thanks for the tutorial!

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  112. Hi, I'd like to participate in the giveaway if possible, because I'm in Brasil. No problem if I cant ;)
    I have your blog on my reader. Great job! Erika

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  113. i absolutely love this!!

    please enter me in your giveaway!

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  114. Love this so much! Can't wait to make my own.

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  115. Love ths! Thanks for the tute!

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  116. Very cute! What a good idea!

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  117. I love the idea! I always keep my scraps because I can't bear to throw them, and now I have new cute idea--thanks to you. I lived in Okinawa for 3 years and loved the Japanese style and culture, so I am excited to have found your blog through Sew Mama Sew.

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  118. You did a wonderful job with this tutorial; I just love it!

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  119. Great tutorials!! Thanks for sharing them with us. Found your blog from Sew, Mama, Sew.

    Julie

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  120. so simple, but with such a lovely result. If only I didn't hate ironing!

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  121. Aparna Mulgund10/11/2009 2:31 PM

    Wow!I love your blog. I love the tutorial. I am going to try this. You are so gifted, and you hand sew, no machine sewing . Amazing!

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  122. It looks so simple but I would never think of it! great tutorial! Thanks!

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  123. This is absolutely simply fabulous; simple is always best, and I am going to try to make this right now. Very creative use of scraps....Thank you!
    Janet in NY

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  124. absolutely lovely! very sweet!

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  125. Stunning in its simplicity. Thank you so much for the tut. and the giveaway!

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  126. This really is stunning. I love the plainness of the bag with the busy string. Thanks for the tutorial.

    sserraspereira[at]gmail[dot]com

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  127. The beauty of your post is the way to use the patchwork string - so simple but so beautiful. Also, isn't it funny how mismatched fabrics end up matching perfectly?

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  128. Thank you so much, really a gorgeous post, and what a fantastic idea for all the scrappy bits that you keep and can never throw away...!!

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  129. Thanks so much for the creative idea! I have been looking for an excuse to make a drop waist denim skirt for my daughter, and I will give this patchwork bias tape a try along the bottom edge. Can't wait to see how it comes out :)

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  130. What a great way to use up scraps and I can also think of many ways to use the tape.

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  131. Thank you for this tutorial! Scrap string or bias tape will be very useful for Christmas gifts. It is very generous of you to offer three giveaways. I have my fingers crossed. =]

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  132. I am a big admirer of your hand work. My own is so slow that I am amazed you can make so much by hand. Thank you for sharing so many of your project techniques.

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  133. I love your patchwork string--thanks for sharing your tutorial!

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  134. You are so great at sewing by hand! Your work is simply beautiful.

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  135. Amazing handwork! Thanks for sharing.

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  136. What a nice way to use up scraps. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  137. Love this idea!!!! I'd love to have my name considered for your giveaway.
    Thank you!!!

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  138. Quite wonderful, as always! I love your work, Mai!

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  139. good use of your scraps.
    Kathy

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  140. What a clever way to use all the tiny scraps leftover from larger projects! I absolutely love it.

    If I win (fingers crossed!) you can reach me at:

    jibssa at gmail dot com

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  141. jackie.bonette10/11/2009 8:45 PM

    thank you so much for the tutorial...i will definitely have to try your patchwork strings! :)

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  142. This is a beautiful, perfect idea. I'm sure you'll win one of the fabric vouchers from Sew Mama Sew for such a simple and delightful use of scrap fabrics. I'd love to enter your giveaway too... so cute.

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  143. Thanks so much for the tutorial. What a great idea for all my tiny scraps!

    Deborah

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  144. Wow this is awesome. I will try this technique. Thank you

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  145. I always enjoy your blog because of the special care and simplicity in your creations. Thank you for sharing and inspiring! I would love to enter the giveaway (I would love to be so lucky as to win one of your lovely bags!)

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  146. Thanks for the tutorial. I think I will do this with some Christmas fabric and use it when I wrap presents.

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  147. This is a very handy tutorial. I can see the bias strips as ribbon for packages. I am a "bag freak" so of course I would be happy to win one of yours!! I enjoy your blog very much.

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  148. I enjoy your blog so much. Your crafts are beautiful. I also enjoyed hearing about the trip you took and seeing the pictures!

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  149. Great tutorial, Mai. I love the patchwork string and all the stuff you make and I'd love to win your giveaway. Thanks for writing such a great blog.

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  150. I love your string and the clearly written instructions. I am a visual person and enjoy the pictures. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I enjoyed it very much.

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  151. Great idea - love the bags...

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  152. Well, wouldn't I love to have one of mairuru's bags! And so many thanks for your tutorial-well made and inspiring as usual. Greetings from Germany. Claudia

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  153. Hello hello! I found your blog accidentally and immediately fell in love with it ^^ i'm no good at sewing but you make a very nice tutorial, i'm gonna try it soon! oh and also, i linked your blog to mine, i hope you don't mind :) Here's my blog :
    http://cecilliahidayat.blogspot.com

    And of course, i would like to enter the giveaway, as much as 154 other blogger here! :)) hahaha

    very inspiring blog, thank you for sharing with us :D

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  154. I think your tutorial is very well-written and easy to follow. Thank you for posting such a cute project! Sara

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  155. Thank you for posting your easy to understand tutorial. I would love to be the recipient of your giveaway. Sara

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  156. Thank you so much for both tutorials:)

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  157. Those are very cool. I can't wait to try!

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  158. What a clever use for such little scraps! Great idea!

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  159. What a great way to use up scraps. So, so lovely!

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  160. What a clever idea. Thank you so much for sharing. I love all the projects you share with us. Do you have a book because if not, you should definitely write one. I would be very happy to win one of your projects.

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  161. This is so cool and so simple and such a great idea!

    Thanks for opening up our eyes...and getting rid of some of our scraps.

    Christine
    Gardnwest AT aol DOT com

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  162. I always enjoy reading your tutorial, mai!

    Grace

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  163. Love your blog and your work!

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  164. oh how lovely - please add me to your prize draw! you are very kind - and clever!!

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  165. Wow! I love this bag! Thank you for the tutorial :)

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  166. Love this. I can't stand to throw anything away. Perfect use.

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  167. Leslie Newton10/12/2009 8:53 AM

    Love the use of scraps. I am a scrapper from wayback! Good idea!

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  168. You make it 'seam' (haha) so easy! Thanks for taking the time to share your process. Love the bag...very nice!

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  169. Oh, what a nice way to use up wee bits of fabric. Hmm. This might revolutionize the Christmas bags I plan to make. Thank you!

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  170. mattrochelle@msn.com10/12/2009 9:08 AM

    What a lovely idea! I can use this in my Christmas wrappings! I enjoy your blog.

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  171. Thank you for the patchwork string tutorial--I have been wondering how you do that! I love your blog and have been reading it for awhile--I recently made your little patchwork button pouch as a gift for a friend and it turned out great :) I will have to send a picture (it is on my camera but I have not put it on my computer yet).

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  172. Thank you for the very clear tutorial! Thank you for stirring up the imagination!
    samcorrie@peoplepc.com

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  173. This patchwork string is beautiful! I'd love to win one of your wonderful creations! Thank you!!

    jodie.marie
    at
    verizon.net

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  174. Love this tutorial, I can't believe you hand sewed them!! Beautiful!

    Sarah @ www.comeandseetheseitz.com

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  175. adorable! the patchwork bias tape tutorial was exactly what i needed--i have so many teensy scraps, and this is perfect for those. thanks!

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  176. Hi!
    Just discovered your blog through Sew mama sew!
    I love bias tape and this is a great way to use your scraps and make your own mutlicoloured bias tape! I'm going to try that!
    It looks beautiful!
    And yes, I'm on for the giveaway!
    Thanks!
    Barbara

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  177. i just discovered your blog via purl of the orient... what a fantastic idea for fabric scrapbusting!

    and please enter me in the giveaway. :)

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  178. My first visit to your blog, via SewMamaSew -- love the scrappy string / bias tape. I certainly will make that project. And, yes, do enter my name in your drawing. I'm adding you to my fav list -- will visit often. Thanks!

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  179. Cool idea for using up the many scraps I have! Thank you.

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  180. Found you through Sew Mama Sew - great tutorial!

    Cheers,
    Christine

    http://cuttingedgequilt.blogspot.com/

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  181. i followed the link from sewmamasew, and i am so happy that i did! i have copious amounts of scraps and i love to handsew, so i will definitely adding this to my basket of projects while i sit in the car-pool line waiting to pick up my oldest from kindergarten.
    xxx

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  182. Using this as a lanyard would be so cute! The bead ones always break, especially if you work at a school and kids pull on them. I'd love to see that project done!

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  183. Beautiful handsewing! Thanks for the tutorial and giveaway. :) -me@salihan.com

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  184. Hello Mai,
    I've recently found your blog through your article on "Sew mama sew". I love your style! ^.^ I am very inspired with Japanese fabrics, and simple designs. I would love to come and visit Japan one day. Thank you for posting so many beautiful pictures!
    Daria

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  185. How sweet! Thanks for the tutorial. I will definitely try it out.

    Kris

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  186. Adorable - I can't wait to try this!

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  187. The patchwork string and bag are adorable!! I'll have to try both as soon as I get the chance.. but I'd also love to win them! :)

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  188. So glad I found this site! Love your stuff.

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  189. Fantastic! I love this idea. Just found your site from Salt and chocolate link. What a simple way to personalize a surprise!

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  190. Creativity at it's best. Thanks for sharing. Must try it as I have scraps of material
    Mena :)

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  191. How very sweet! I would LOVE to win one of those darling bags. I found your site through your tutorial on Sew, Mama, Sew. So cute!!!

    Genevieve

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  192. Patchwork string is such a lovely idea. I think I will try this. The little gift bag is nice too a perfect way to give a gift.

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  193. Hello Mai! I found your blog through sewmamasew and I'm so happy about it. So happy. I read through almost all of your post in one day as I couldn't get enough. Brilliant ideas and it's so nice of you to offer so much advice and lovely and clear tutorials. I'll try to make a patchwork string soon as I want to use it to tie a ribbon around my friends present. I think it will make it a bit more special. Thank you!

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  194. i check your blog almost every day and love your work so much. i really love hearing about the food you and your boyfriend eat , eating is a favourite in our house too , we have a japense restaurant near us as there is a toyota plant in the next town, it is i think pretty authentic and we love it even though we usually are pretty sure we order everything in the wrong order and look like very strange people who have no idea how to eat a meal properly! really this comment should go on the post about your recent trip and the food you both ate but if i put it here there is a very small chance (so many other fans!) that i might win some of your work. you make me smile every time i open a post thanks so much, klara

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  195. I make drawstrings like this but not patchwork! So cute! And what lovely hand sewing. Thank you for the tutorial. I hope to try this myself soon.

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  196. hi mai!
    i love reading your tutorials, they're so amazingly cute and original, as well as your stories about life. say hi to bo!

    amanda

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  197. Thank you for sharing your instructions! The hand-sewn fabric string is so precious and would make any gift much more special! Thanks, too, for the giveaway. So nice of you!

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