And more pouches!

I may have a pouch problem...can't escape them lately.  Here was last week's round.   And here's this week...

I'm thinking this could be the reason for my problem. They're just begging to be in a pouch, and so I oblige.

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts.

Have a great week, happy sewing!

Pretty Pouches

Once again it's instant gratification time, which means more small projects.  I am always in need of gifts this time of year, so  I worked on a few scrappy improv pouches.   These are small, about 8 inches by 6 inches.  They are great to use up scraps of fabric and batting.  I tend to sew right on to the batting with these, cutting the batting to the size I want first.  They're good practice for zippers also.

These were fun spring break sewing!  Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts.  

I love small projects...

A while ago I made two That's How I Roll tote bags using Anna Maria Horner Honor Roll fabrics. (It's a free pattern from Make it Coats, check it out!)  One of them was for my mom.  I have to tell you that my mom is also a quilter but our styles are very different, so I was surprised when she liked my tote and asked me to make her one in the same fabric.  I was happy to make it for her and she takes it with her to guild meetings and to her weekly quilting class.  She's been getting lots of compliments on the bag from her fellow quilters, which is really nice.  The other day we were both at my aunt's house where my mom regularly hand binds quilts during tea time.  She took everything out and realized she had no needle, which reminded me of a binding kit tutorial I had seen online.  Well, you know how hard it is to find the perfect gift for your mom who sews?  Not this year....

After I  made this awesome Goody Goody binding kit from Lella Boutique, I couldn't stop.  Enter the notebook cover....

....and the zip pouch.

If you're looking for some great tutorials on making your own zip pouch I recommend this tutorial from Julie Hirt at 627handworks.  You can see my versions here.  I also like this one from Sew Lux. You can find the binding kit tutorial here and the notebook cover tutorial here.  If you are interested in ideas for other small projects check out my project Pinterest board.

How do you feel about small projects?  Do you fit them in as quick finishes, or do you prefer sticking to quilts?

Linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts, My Quilt Infatuation, and Crazy Mom Quilts!  Enjoy the week!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Quick Pouch

We've had a bit of snow today in the Northeast...which called for a snow day!  Perfect opportunity to make something quick for my niece's birthday which is February 13th.  I made a total mess of the zipper tabs (they're totally gone) and I broke a needle. That's what happens when you transition to pouch making from piecing.  In the end it is super cute and I think she'll love it.

Enjoy the weekend, thanks for visiting!

Linking up with CrazyMomQuilts.

Cotton + Steel Pouch

Not sure about you...but I can't get enough of Cotton + Steel.  It just seems to make every project look cool.  Today is a small finish that was inspired by Heidi Staples at Fabric Mutt.  If you read her blog you will see some great zippered pouches/sleeves.  I had a little extra fabric and just improvised this pattern.  I used Essex Wide Linen in Denim which is a great coordinating fabric.  I tried some wavy stitching to add some texture to the project since the back was all one fabric.  Thanks to Heidi for the idea to put on a little leather pull to the zipper, I really think it makes a huge difference to the finished project.  More Cotton + Steel coordinates for the lining.  It measures 9 1/2 by 10 1/2 so I think it would be a good pouch inside a tote or a nice size for a small tablet and cables. 

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts

Patchwork Zipper Pouches

These are some patchwork zippered pouches that I made for presents this year.  There are many great zippered pouch tutorials out there, for this one I used the Quilted Patchwork Pouch at Moda Bake Shop by Julie Hirt.  I love this pattern because it teaches you how to make boxed corners, insert a zipper, and has lots of possibilities for quilting the pouch.  The directions and pictures are easy to follow.  The patchwork makes it easy to quilt diagonal lines or you can do straight lines with your walking foot guide.  You can use 2 1/2 inch squares or a mini charm pack.  I used Sunnyside by Kate Spain, Weeds by Me and My Sister Designs, and Social Club by Eric and Julie Comstock.  A great place to buy mini charms is Green Fairy Quilts.