I would love to make eye spy bags for the big gives, Is there an easy tutorial
includig what kind of plastic and filler is used?
Thanks in advance and thanks for all the great ideas.
You are an amazing group of women and 2 guys?
This is the tutorial I use. however I alter all the measurements and add a handle:
http://ajpadilla.com/reduce-reuse-recycle/i-spy-bag
1. Cut a piece of transparent vinyl 3.5" square. Cut two pieces of fabric 2 x 3.5".
I make my vinyl 5x5 inches when I cut it and my resulting window size is 3.5 x 3.5. I make these two pieces of fabric 5.5 x 6" though you could just do 6x6 for ease.
2. Using a 1/4" seam, sew the two pieces of fabric to two sides of the vinyl. Fold fabric over and top-stitch.
I fold my 5.5 x 6 piece of fabric in half to make it 5.5 x 3 inches. Iron the fold. Iron under 1/2 inch on each of the 5.5" raw edges. My pic is blurry -- I was going to attempt to do a tut but I have to redo it but hopefully these pics helps you understand
I do not sew the the pieces to the vinyl. I adhere them to the vinyl with wash away wonder tape and top stitch 1/8 and 1/4 inches from the edges. For the first piece don't worry exactly about vinyl placement, but when you sew the second side on you make sure the vinyl is 3.5" across. In the example I am doing I made a 4" window, but now I do 3.5"This photo is adhereing with wonder under tape:
And this is finished stitches:
3. Cut two pieces of fabric 2 x 6.5" Sew to the other two sides of the vinyl + short strips. Fold fabric over and top-stitch.
I cut these pieces 9x6 inches. I fold and press so they become 9x3". Then I fold under 1/2" on the raw edge of the 9" side and attach to the fabric and vinyl. Here I just pin to the existing fabric rather than using tape. This photo gives you and idea of the assembly:
4. Cut a piece of fabric 6.5" square. (Or join strips of several fabrics and trim down to a 6.5" square.)
I make my fabric 8.5 x 8.5 inches for a 3.5 x 3.5 window (just adjust this to the size window you make). Sometimes I also put a lining in the bag -- just make that the same size. My handle measurements are 3.5 x 11' . I actually make the handle first thing so it's ready to go. I fold it in half and press and fold each raw long edge under 1/2" and top stitch along both ends. I assemble my bag as such pinning the handle at the top and leaving an opening at the bottom to turn inside out and fill. First I place my lining down, then fashion fabric, then handle, then vinyl piece:
Sew TWICE for security (again leave an opening at the bottom) and double back at least once on the handles. Turn bag inside out. Assemble trinkets and take photo and make a list. Put trinkets in bag. Fill with approximately 16 oz of pellets (this may vary depending on the size you like to make your bags). Then topstitch the entire bottom of the bag TWICE. I thn print my picture and list and put them between clear contact paper (though vinyl sealing would be more durable), hole punch that and tie it to the handle with a coordinating ribbon.
Trinkets I use:
That chain is a ceiling fan chain (cheaper than buying a craft chain) and I cut it into about 1 inch pieces.
Get things at the dollar store, walmart, target's one dollar section, tiny hair bands, pennies and nickles, coated paper clips, legos, beads, buttons. Those cute button packs are awesome to use -- I buy them when they are 2 for 1 or 50% off. Use coupons from Michaels or ACMoore to buy bead packs of cute things -- like my seashell and fish themed colorful beads came from Michaels in the toy section/kid's craft area. I read you can use a safety pin if you glue it shut. Look for party favor trinkets. Lightweight things like pom-poms are easy to find. The hex nuts are almost impossible to find. We have never found the hex nut in my dd's bag and my ds found his only once. Heavier things are harder to find. White buttons that match the color of the fill can be challenging too. I now put at least 40 items in the bag.
This is the fill I use. I am very LUCKY and get it at Walmart for $4.97. My Joann's does not sell it. Hancock's sells it for the same price for an 8 ounce bag (I get 32 oz at Walmart). I have not looked to see if Michaels or ACMoore carries it.
Sorry if my instructions are as clear as mud. I just did things to make it easier to sew on the vinyl and a size I was happier with. I wouldn't make the bags any larger than 8.5 x 8.5. Smaller may be nicer because they'd be lighterweight, but my kids are happy with the ones I made them which were 9x9 (turn out a little smaller once sewn).
Here is a finished bag I made for a friend (it has a 4x4 window):
And sorry if photos are all different sizes -- I find resizing in photobucket to not be very user friendly.
Someday I'll try to get better pics and do a proper tutorial.
I figured they were tinier than a regular pillow case based on the fabric requirements but just couldn't picture in my mind what size they were. Someone on the BG board was asking for my detailed instructions. I tried c/p your tut but it wouldn't copy the pics so I just posted a link there to your tut on part 24 -- I hope you don't mind. Please let me know if you do and I'll remove my post.
I'll keep looking and get back to you.
Gianna is OVER princesses, customs and anything that is girly, ruffly, and in her opinion babyish. 
and the bun is sooo not her...I would always say "are you sure you don't want the pink/blue/rainbow hair?" The FGIT always was surprised, so I guess I am as strange as I think I am 
it! Bigger isn't always better! 
If you need me to take detailed pictures of Phalen's (or measurements, etc) I'd be happy to!
