Sashiko Progress and Drawstring Bags

As I told you here, I received this great gift of Sashiko supplies from my friend who now lives in Japan. She also has a GREAT blog on her life there which includes stitching.  Well I have been working on it and thought I'd show you some pictures.

First an overall of my progress:


Then a close up of my stitching.
I did a little bit of searching on google and I think this is the Asa-no-ha, Hemp leaf pattern.

Also last weekend I made 10 drawstring bags for Sampler Guild of the Rockies. I volunteered to make 10 and glad I did not volunteer to make more! I have never made them before, but following the directions that came with the fabric worked out fine. I do not have to put in the drawstring, just make the bag and here they are! I had to make two bags (2nd and 4th from the left) with fabric from my stash, but that is ok because I have plenty of Christmas fabric!

They are roughly 8 1/2 inches wide and maybe 14 inches tall.

That about covers it for now!!