Level: Beginner

Every mom dreads those long winter days and rainy summer afternoons when the kids are trapped indoors. Stitch up this quick party bag and be ready for those house-bound days. Personalize it with your child's name and fun designs. Then keep it tucked away until that "I'm bored" time comes along. Change the contents often so that every time they open it, it really is a SURPRISE!

Janome Supplies Required:

• Any Janome Sewing Machine (Mary used the JEM)
• Janome Embroidery thread
• Janome Blue Tip needle, size 75/11
• Janome plastic bobbin thread
• Janome standard "A" foot

Fabric And Notions Required:

• 3/4 yd. heavy weight fabric
• 3/4 yd. lining fabric
• Various calico scraps 5" X 6"
• Thread scraps
• Fusible web

Fabric Preparation:

1. Cut a rectangle 16" X 34" from the heavy fabric.
2. Fold in half, lengthwise.
3. Trace the doll designs and letters on the paper side of the fusible web
4. Roughly cut fusibleweb 1/4" bigger than actual size of each doll and letter. Then fuse to wrong side of the calico fabric scraps.
5. Cut out shapes.
6. Fuse the shapes on to the bag front.

1. Thread the needle with embroidery thread to match or contrast bag fabric.
2. Select a straight stitch, medium length (2.8 - 3.0).
3. Sew a diagonal line, approximately 1 _" over the edge of a fused design, stop sewing with the needle in the down position, press the reverse button and sew backwards the same distance, turning the fabric slightly. Continue to sew in this manner over all the outside edges.
4. Use this same process for each of the designs and letters.
5. To create hair for the dolls, use a fabric glue or adhesive spray on the top of the dolls' head. Scatter thread scraps over the glued area. Sew with the same forward and reverse straight stitch to secure the thread hair.

1. Cut two pieces of lining fabric 16" X 17".
2. Cut two 23"X 3" strips for the straps. Sew right sides together lengthwise. Turn right side out, press.
3. Sew the straps to the short ends of the bag fabric, 4" apart.
4. Sew each piece of lining to the short ends of the bag fabric, right sides together. Press.
5. Fold the entire piece in half width wise with right sides together. Sew a 1/2" seam along both long edges.
6. Turn right side out. Press.
7. Turn the lining to the inside. Fold in _ hem to the inside of the lining bottom and top stitch.
8. Fill with fun things for a raining day. Suggestions: crayons, markers, scissors, color paper, glue stick, old greeting cards, yarn.