Learn to make a simple drawstring pouch

At Restival 3.0 Priya owner of Pri Pri UK taught us how to make a simple drawstring pouch - perfect for keeping jewellery, your face mask or even a little collection of chocolates ready to gift to someone for Easter.

Looking for a mindful activity to do one evening? Click on the video below to find out how to make yours.

Equipment

2 pieces of non stretch fabric cut out to 13cm x 18cm

a safety pin

a few pins

needle & thread

2 pieces of draw string or ribbon at 35cm each

scissors

tape measure or a ruler

an iron

About Priya

The concept of Pri Pri was born out of my love for Indian textiles and colours, and my passion for dressmaking.

One of her first sewing memories is aged 10 when Patti, her grandma, came over from India to stay for the summer and taught her how to use a sewing machine. It led to her first little business venture, using zips from the big sacks of rice at home to make pencil cases & raise money for charity.

It was her grandmother who also first introduced her to the zero waste concept & the importance of sustainability. Every scrap of fabric would somehow be put to use or repurposed. Ties would become scrunchies, offcuts would be made into patchwork. But it was when her little niece was born that she found herself drawn to the treasure chest of her mum's beautiful old saris, & had the idea of making little party dresses for the newest family member. It didn’t take long for her side project to become Pri Pri, which has now expanded into a whole range of colourful partywear & accessories.

And with the treasure chest of fabrics now all used up, the journey to source vintage saris has taken her to Mumbai, India where carefully chosen repurposed saris are laundered & then upcycled into Pri Pri products.

With the business inspired by her Indian heritage & female family members, Priya wanted her business to give back to these communities. She found a wonderful social initiative back in her grandmother's home of Mumbai, who work with women from disadvantaged backgrounds and train them in tailoring. These artisans now help to make up her designs, while empowering them with skills to transform their lives.

It means a lot to Priya that the business is a move towards a circular economy, while also coming full circle with where the concept began.