Little Zippered Pouch

I do not know if I have told you, however I am not confident when it comes to sewing in zippers!
While visiting my sister today in Albury, we decided to try and make a little pouch (with a zipper)

This little pouch was originally just a 6 1/2" square with 1/2" tapered from the top to the bottom, and then boxed at the bottom to give this nicely shaped pouched.

It was lined, however the battery in my camera went flat before I could get a photo of the pouch opened so that I could show you the lining.

It was very quick to make, and the zipper, although not perfect, was not too bad!

With the swivel hoop attached, it could be used for a number of purposes... while out walking clipped to your belt, inside your handbag for easy access

What would you use it for?  I think I may make another one, a little larger for my toiletries

The next photo is of the one my sister made, in the background.  Luckily she went first, and I could learn from her mistakes (remember to leave zipper open, so you can turn it right side out, he he), and / or work out a easier way of making it. 

Judy

Orphan Block 5 + 1 - Completed

I am making my way through these blocks, another one made into the Breast Cancer Drain Bag

Only three orphan blocks remaining ... I am on target to have them completed by the end of the week!

I also took the time to make another star bag ... I think I may have overdone the red strip ... bit too powerful!

On another note, check out this blog post  from Sew Many Ways - I made these Rolo Pretzels last night , and YUMMY is the only word to describe them... I took them to dinner with two of my sisters to have with coffee. I just used normal Parkers pretzels and popped a pecan nut on top.

I did not take a photo of my version

 Judy

Orphan Block 4 +1 - Completed

I have reached the halfway mark in using the orphan blocks ... 4 down, 4 still to go.

Block 4
This block was a little harder because it was quilted in one corner only.  No matter which way I turned the block it did not look complete.   I ended up sewing a neutral shade of brown fabric to the top and then adding the wooden buttons as a accent.

 

One of my blogger friends, Selina,  reminded me about  printing on fabric - with her post on words.

I still had one panel that I had printed when I posted a hint about printing on fabric. 

I had printed out three panels, however I only made 2 into bags.  I "found" the third panel today and made it up into another Breast Cancer Drain Bag.  I love the pop of red!

I seem to be finding a lot of unfinished projects - does this also happen to you?

Judy

Orphan Blocks 2 & 3 - Completed

Two more orphan blocks have been made into Breast Cancer Drain Bags

Block 2

 A rich chocolate brown fabric was used for the lining

 Block 3

 A khaki green pattern fabric was used for the lining of this bag

Still five more orphan blocks to make up.  I love having the blocks all there, just waiting to be sewn. 

Judy

Orphan Blocks

I was sorting through my fabrics today, and came across these 8 orphan blocks.  They are each 12" square, and I am not sure where they came from, or what they were for.  Each block has a name embroidered on them, so no doubt it was for a signature quilt.

I have decided to use these blocks in my Breast Cancer Drain bags.  Each side of the bag needs to be 17" x 12", so I will just be able to add a border, top and bottom, to these blocks.

 

The problem will be getting fabric to co-ordinate with the blocks.  I am going to endeavor to use fabric I already have and not purchase any new fabric.   You can see I was trying a few colour combinations in the bottom of each photo.

The first one I am going to work on is the needle-turn basket of flowers block in the second photo.

I will show you the results shortly.

Judy

 

January Quota - Finished

Today I finished off another three Breast Cancer Drain Bags.  This completes the six that I commit to making each month.  It is a wonderful cause and a good way to use up some of my "excess" fabric!

All six bags, pressed and folded and ready to be picked up by our local coordinator, Belinda

Bags I completed today

Patchwork star, I like the freshness of this bag

 

Scrappy Bag 

 This one also has a scrappy lining - love the chickens

 

Reindeer bag

 

Change of plans for tomorrow - I have been asked if I can make a "Guest Book"  for my nephews 21st next weekend, so I will be combining my talents with my sister, who is much better at scrap-booking and card making than I am.  Plus she has all the necessary supplies.

I am going to source some products from my online store to assist - maybe use the journal book as a base?

I will try and remember to take my camera so that I can show you our results

My thought and prayers are with everyone in Tasmania, it is terrible the number of homes that have been destroyed and the fires are still not contained.

Take care and stay safe

Judy

Temperatures Rising

With the temperatures to soar into the mid 40's for the next 5-7 days, I have organised my sewing.
I certainly will not be venturing far from the craft studio or the indoors.

All these projects have been cut out before Christmas, so no preparation work was required.

Start on this years, Breast Cancer Drain Bags.
One side already sewn

 

The other side, cut out ready to be sewn

 

Three more bags, cut out and pieced.

 

 

These three are ready be be assembled, everything is cut out.

 

Ten key ring card holders, for an order.  All cut to size, ready

 

 

AND then if there is still time, I had a  couple of Christmas Projects that I did not get a chance to make.  It is not too early to start for next Christmas is it?  Just kidding, but I would like to try these two patterns.

 

Folded Christmas Tree - this looks like a cute Christmas ornament

 

 

Sweet Treats Bag - this was a kit I purchased, before I stocked Marg Low patterns in my store

 

 

Everything in the kit, ready to go

 

 

 

These projects should keep me inside for a couple of days. 

I really do not like it when it gets so hot ...there are so many bushfires already burning in NSW and this extreme weather just adds to the danger of more starting

 

Take care and stay cool

 

Judy

Japanese Knot Bag

This little bag has intrigued me for awhile now.

 I first saw it posted here.  I left a comment on this blog that I would love a tutorial to make the bag.  FarahLin kindly sent me the name of the magazine that had the pattern, however I was unable to purchase it in Australia.  Then, bloggers being the kindhearted people that they are, she kindly scanned the pattern and emailed it to me ... THANK YOU FarahLin

I had a little bit of difficulty with the pattern instructions, and had to use my unpick, but once the pattern was deciphered, it was very easy to put together.

It is quite roomy inside, and the idea is to pull the larger handle through the smaller handle to close it.

I think they will make great gifts, and I want to make one in Christmas Fabric (as a gift bag) and another in "elegant" fabrics for evening.  They are large enough to pop your wallet, mobile phone, keys etc in, and the good part is that you can pop them in the washing machine to clean.  The pattern was available in  three different sizes, and this is the smallest size.

I really needed some-one to model this bag, so you could see how cute it really is ... it does not look quite the same just sitting on display.  I may be able to find a model for my next one (or two)

Hope you have had a crafting day

Judy

Four Finishes

I finished off four Breast Cancer Drain Bags today, therefore have my promised quota of six ready to be picked up in June.  I will need to make some more, so that I can get in front.

The following two bags were made with the same fabric, just cut differently.

These next two were made from left-over strips of fabric - I love the scrappy look of them

As always, I made a matching little tissue pouch to pop inside each bag. 

Next on the list of things I want to make, is an iPad pillow.  Then I saw a great tutorial for a fabric origami bag.  There are never enough hours in the day / week in which to sew or craft.

I just received a parcel from Amy Bradley Designs, new patterns to be added to the store. 

Two new pattern releases:

Animal Whimsy Quilt Pattern - I love this one, many uses for these cute critters

Little Cowboy, Little Cowgirl Quilt Pattern

Enjoy your day

Judy

Pillowcase Grocery Bag

What can you make with a pillow case?  Apparently a lot of things, however one item that caught my eye was the grocery bag.   

Take one very wrinkled (I should have ironed it first) pillow case.  This is a vintage pillowcase and I love the colours and pattern.

Then using the instructions from this site turn it into a grocery bag or everyday tote.

Very cute and practical.

Now anyone that knows me, will know that I will always think of another way of doing things ... Well, I am going to track down some Christmas Santa Sacks (in the sales) and make some cute gift bags using the same principle.  I will need to be careful with ones with designs as the pillowcase is turned into itself to make the lining.  I hope to be able to get some and show you the results very soon.

Judy

More Covers

As always with new technology there are bits and pieces that we become dependant on for our business. Mine is a portable expansion drive - I have two.  One to backup my computer (essential) and another one that stores all my photos etc.
They have just been stored in the original boxes, however today they have a new home in specially made covers.

This burgundy one fits the 1TB seagate drive and has a little pocket on the outside back.

Back, showing pocket

Then I changed the design (as you do) to make a brown one for the 500 GB Seagate drive, this one has the pocket on the inside for the USB cable

Here are the pair of them, side by side. Very different, but each very useful.

A friend has asked me to make her a couple of loyalty card holders, so that will be another quick and easy project.   Pity about Ernie Elf who has been sitting neglected for two weeks, his body is made and sewn together, however he has no face or clothes. Poor Ernie!

Judy

Drawstring Bags - finished

I have completed another four drawstring bags for the "New Beginnings" flood appeal.  Very simple design with a small applique on the front.

Close-up of two of the bags

My sister has made some as well, so once I have received them all, I will send them up to Queensland so they can be filled with goodies to be distributed.

Back to making some more Christmas ornies, new pattern in the pipeline which I hope to show you the results of tomorrow

Have fun

Judy