We have a friend here – an older lady from my husband’s work – who has been such a blessing to us. For most of the first year, she would “hang out” with the kids and I on Wednesdays, taking us to different places around Chiba. She continues to look after the kids on Wednesday afternoons while I’m at work, and they just adore her; we joke that she is their Japan grandma. She is so sweet and generous, and I love being able to show off my latest sewing projects each week as she flatters very nicely 🙂
Last year I made her a great granny square table runner as a part of the Great Granny Along using some Good Fortune; today is her birthday, and so of course I needed to make her something. When I told her that I had made Jonathan’s preschool bags, she was very excited at the idea of me making bags as she would like one! I brushed her off, muttering that I don’t know how to make “real” ones, but stored away the idea.
Using some cherry blossom fabric that I’ve hoarded for over 2 years for the inner cover and some Japanese cherry blossom fabric, I used Ayumi Takahashi’s bento (lunch) bag tutorial to make her a little lunch bag.
Inside I used this crazy little print of a Japanese waffle-type dessert in the shape of fish. They’re usually filled with custard or adzuki bean paste, or both (the best option!) and rather moreish!
And to go with her lunch, she needs some tea, right? This is from Ayumi’s Patchwork, Please! book and I spent more time picking fabrics than I did sewing it up!
I used some Art Gallery Fabric scraps for the outside and the pocket linings, with an Ikea canvas for the outer pockets – saves interfacing and the colours match really nicely! Admission: we had no tea bags (only one kind of loose tea) so I had to go buy some today specifically for the gift and photos!
Funny story about the string loop – I didn’t have any small ribbon, or nice string other than fiber-ey plastic type we used for tying up our recycling. So I went hunting around the house and found this as a part of the corner tie in an old doona cover we now use as a blackout curtain in the stairs to reduce summer heat. Upcycling! My mother-in-law has ordered one for work – she’s asked for orange and dark pink – and I will make sure to have some appropriate loop options on hand when I make it.
I’ve now added some Aussie chocolates and a tin of loose tea inside the bento bag, wrapped them up and shall deliver them on Wednesday!
Linking up to And Sew We Craft, Let’s Get Acquainted, Patchwork, Please SAL and Sew Cute Tuesday!
Amy's Crafty Shenanigans says
So lovely – and I adore your tea pouch!
Larissa says
It’s gorgeous! I’m sure she’ll love it 🙂
Jess @ Scrappy n Happy says
Beautiful! I love this bag and have so far made 3 of them!
Swedish Scrapper says
Lovely! I actually admired your loop option– mine turned out to be too stretchy and floppy, so your tidy one rocks, in my opinion!
Swedish Scrapper says
Oh–and I made a teabag wallet with the hexie fabric you sent!
MsMidge says
That is THE most beautiful bag and gift! Ever!!! I need to make some tea bag holder thingies for gifts, and for myself!
Actually Amy says
It it is beautiful, Alyce!
Sheila says
what a lovely thoughtful gift, One of these days i’m going to make myself one ( or both) of these, I say it every time i see one posted.
Fran says
What gorgeous gifts! Lucky lady.
Gina says
Very pretty gifts; love the Bento lunch bag!!
Tammy says
What a lovely gift. I ams ure she will love it.
amy says
It’s beautiful!!! I’ve made several bags from that tutorial and they are always so useful, I’m sure your lovely friend will adore it!
audrey says
This is so cute! I keep meaning to use this tutorial for myself! 🙂
DeborahGun says
such lovely gifts 🙂
Nita says
A beautiful gift for a beautiful friend. You are such a nice person.:)
Flying Blind... says
She’ll be gushing for sure!
Jeneta says
Oh she’ll love it (because I do!). Great ideas using the Ikea fabric and the doona cover tie. I recently purchased some Ikea fabric for the firsttime – the heavier, canvas like fabric – which is destined to be made into a play tent for our dining table. Hopefully I will get to it before my kids are too big to fit under the table…
quiltswithpersonality says
What a beautiful gift. The bag is just gorgeous. I am sure she will be delighted. It is so wonderful having someone to give you that special time when you are away from home! Have a beautiful day on Wednesday. Marie x (mlismore@optusnet.com.au)
Roslyn@Sew Delicious says
Wow so beautiful and also very thoughtful of you 🙂 She will LOVE them.
Finding Fifth says
What a thoughtful gift for your adopted Japanese grandma. Just lovely.
maria says
How wonderful, what gorgeous gifts. I love the fabric you’ve used on the main part of the bag.
Janice @ Better off Thread says
They are both beautiful! I want the lunch bag for myself, but the tea bag pouch is a great idea for my husband’s relatives!
Lisa in Port Hope says
A lovely and thoughtful gift. A great idea for a gift bag too for any occasion.
Kelly Young says
What a great gift! I’m not a tea drinker, but I SO want to make the little pouch anyway! You should link this up at Needle and Thread Thursday!
🙂 Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation
Moon Cat says
I love this bag!
Sara says
It’s lovely! I would buy that!
Sarah Lou says
Such a beautiful bag, a very thoughtful present!
Susie says
Beautiful gifts! Love your fabrics for them!
Erinn LaMattery says
So cute!! Love them and the colors you chose!