Obi = Martial Arts Weapons Bag

I am finally back sewing...and exploring a new machine. So, for an opening project, I decided to take an obi that I picked up in Kyoto several years ago and convert it to a holder for my aikido "weapons" - wooden sticks ranging in size from 5' to about 12".

It was an excellent opportunity for me to learn not only how to thread my new machine but also switch to dual feed and adjust pressure foot tension. And, it was a basically pretty simple project - basically folding the obi in half lengthwise, trimming to the length I wanted, and hemming the sides.

First, I created a knife or tanto pocket on the upper inside of the the bag. I found that an applique stitch worked great with anchoring in the extra obi fabric that I had left after cutting the obi to the length I needed.

Then it was simply a matter of adding some additional fabric to hold the drawstring on the inside of the top and sewing up the sides. An applique stitch worked great for that too.

Eventually I will probably add a piece to carry it over my shoulder.

In the meantime, I have a new weapons carrier and the first project completed on my new machine. It feels great to be back sewing!