Sparkling Cider Bottle Cover

I love sharing treats with the neighbors during the Holidays, but I often feel that a paper plate leaves a lot to be desired. I find it lacks visual appeal and isn't very personal. Stop by tomorrow to see how I personalize and hand out my goodies!

Holidays growing up always included Sparkling Apple Cider and in recent years have expanded to include many of the newer flavors, Apple Cranberry being my new favorite.  I enjoy taking a bottle along with me to parties and as I visit with dear friends this month. It lets them know that they are on my mind this holiday season. But I don't want to take a naked bottle with me, and so I ventured into bag making. It doesn't take a lot of time, but it does make the gift a more personal.

CIDER BOTTLE COVER

I measured my bottle, and used a ruler to make a pattern 12 inches wide by 11.5 inches tall. I also cut out a circle with a 4 inch diameters for the bottom.

I cut out one rectangle and one circle of each lining and fabric.

Fold each rectangle in half, right sides together, matching 12" sides.  Leave an opening 1/2 inch down from the top, 3/4 inch to 1" long, on the outer fabric only. See it between the pins? You should now have two tubes.

Pin the circle to the bottom of each tube, with right sides together. Sew around the whole circle.

You should now have two tubes with round bottoms. Turn the outer fabric right side out. 

Tuck the outside into the lining. Match raw edges and pin. Stitch around with a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Leave an opening to turn right sides out, X marks the spot.

Turn right sides out, and tuck lining inside. Match the tops, and press.

After pressing, line up the open hole, pin it closed and top stitch all the way around the top.   (NOTE: See the difference pressing makes?)

Below the opening left in the outer seam, top stitch again all the way around. This will leave enough room to run a ribbon through and cinch your bag closed. Using a safety pin, pull your ribbon through the opening in the side seam, go all the way around once, pass your opening, and take your ribbon around a second time. The second pass is what keeps your cinch tight.

(Top stitches are pictured on the lining so the thread is visible)

Put your cider in the bag and you are ready to go! These are so fast and easy to whip up and adds a nice customization to your Hostess gift! Check back tomorrow for another great neighbor gift and a giveaway on Saturday!