Hello, hello little patchwork bags of cute-and-usefulness! 

This week I made 6 drawstring bags, based on the tutorial at In Color Order to give out as NICU thank-you gifts.  These bags are built as one long column of fabric, consisting of the outer bag, the outer contrast (falls at the top of the bag) and the lining.  It's neat how the pattern comes together, simple and effective.

I built half of my bags out of string scraps.  This multi-color bag used a bunch of my bright, skinny scraps.  Nice to see them find a home!

The pink ombre bag was actually my starting concept.  I thought I'd make a bunch of monochromatic ombre bags, but the super-controlled theme somehow didn't do it for me.  That's ok.  I want to have a variety of styles in this gift collection since I don't have any idea of the color and style preferences of the recipients, given that they were always in uniform.  I plan to invite them to choose their favorites, so I made a few more than I need.  Maybe someone will be drawn to the soft, sweetness of this ombre.

My favorite string bag is this purple, gray and dusky blue one, for sure.  The color scheme was developed based on a fabric scrap from Anna Maria Horner's Folk Song collection.

In case folks prefer a cleaner look, I made three versions without all the strings.  Tried to keep the color schemes more subdued too, but not sure I managed that...

Even without the extra piecing, these are pretty stash-friendly.  I was able to use scraps for the drawstrings and outer contrast fabrics.  The lining and outer main fabrics are mainly from fat quarter cuts that had been languishing in my stash too long.  Especially loved the opportunity to show off that Ikea text scrap.  So pretty against those blue Pearl Bracelets!

All in a good days work (or several days work, as the case may be).  Now, what's next?

Have a great weekend, everyone!