This is the fifth one of these I've just made:
I saw this pattern a few times, and I had to have it.
(The clickable link takes you to a page where you can order it. Because I don't know how to make a clickable link from an image. Anyone? Anyone?) It's possible that some of you could figure it out by looking at the pictures, but not me. I need instructions, and the more detailed, the better. And lots of close-up photos. So I ordered the pattern (the first time I've purchased a downloadable pattern) for this little zippered pouch made out of quilted fabric that has a clear vinyl front. The photos are so clear and helpful. And the instructions are quite good. I'm glad I purchased the pattern. Tracy, the designer, includes a lot of tips for sewing vinyl. I followed the instructions to a T. And I made one. Then another, and another. Then I got the idea of changing the size. My first attempt came out a little odd, but maybe in an endearing way.
See how the vinyl "wraps around" the bottom? That's what I mean. Endearing?
Then I wondered what would be the biggest size I could make with a fat quarter*. The photo at the top is one I made last night, and it's close.
And these were all made with one fabric each. Imagine how cute they'd be made up with multiple prints. Which I will get to. These are so much fun to make, and a pleasant break from garment sewing.
Okay, so let's have a giveaway. Would you like to win one of these?
Post a comment by Tuesday, September 3 at 11:59 pm EDT. Try to give me some ideas about the size(s) that would be most useful to you and/or what you would use it/them for. I'll announce a winner (anywhere! Not limited to the United States!) by Thursday, September 5.
I've been using fabrics and zippers and vinyl that I have on hand. The vinyl has ladybugs in a random pattern all over it. I have no memory of what I thought I would make with it when I bought it (ahem) some time ago. And I'm not sure how much of it I have left. But now I'm going to use it all up on these. Unless you have some other ideas for easy sewing projects that use vinyl (with ladybugs sprinkled randomly all over it).
* A fat quarter is a term used in quilting. It means 1/4 yd of fabric, but instead of it being the full width of the fabric (usually 42 to 44 in. wide) and 9 in. long (1/4 of 36 in. [36 in. = 1 yd]), it's 1/2 the width and 1/2 the length. So a fat quarter is still 1/4 yd, but it's about 22 in. wide by 18 in. long.
Update: This next one (just completed) is off the top of the cuteness scale (in my opinion). Wouldn't it make a great case for a summertime first aid kit? The size, as you can probably tell, is about 9 in. wide by 5.5 in. high. I added a little loop to this one, too, so that a key ring (for example) can be added.
I made it from fabric left over from this purse project:
Update: This next one (just completed) is off the top of the cuteness scale (in my opinion). Wouldn't it make a great case for a summertime first aid kit? The size, as you can probably tell, is about 9 in. wide by 5.5 in. high. I added a little loop to this one, too, so that a key ring (for example) can be added.
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| Front |
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| Back |
Blessings and peace...
Is this for real? Am I dreaming? I have been needing something like this for a while but don't have the time to leave the house to search for one in stores, let alone try to figure out how to sew it! We have tiny colored pencils that we like to take along for coloring when we're waiting at the doctor's or restaurant, etc... and this would be perfect for them. Please don't consider me an entrant for the giveaway, though. I will happily make a purchase or exchange for one of these little cuties as I was hoping to buy something similar anyway! Love that you're back to blogging! -Theresa (ps - I know you haven't been on facebook, so... did you know we are expecting? In January! Hope you and L. are well!)
ReplyDeleteTheresa! C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! ! ! !
Delete(haha, I am so clever LOL)
Thanks for being the first to comment and, of course, for all of your sweet words. I miss you! Let's get together soon, okay, please?
Oh how cute! I can see using those little bags many different ways. A make-up bag in my purse (I could actually see what was in the bag - cool. I like to carry a small nail clipper, lip balm, nail file, small bottle of aspirin/allergy tab.) A wrist bag to have at the gym along with my water bottle to carry my gym entry card, lip balm and my single car key. A small for for a coin purse. I can see if I have nickels and dimes without opening the purse. One to put in my knitting bag to house small items such as needle markers, tapestry needle and maybe a small pair of sissors. I'm sure more ideas will come to mind. An I love the Lady bug!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, Thanks -- these are great ideas! At the moment, I'm trying to figure out what is the smallest size I can make -- so that I can use up some 7- and 8-in. zippers.
DeleteOh wow! I need to get this pattern for some travel cases. Thank you! Your bags are really nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary, and hi! I'm kind of eyeing a zippered vinyl blanket bag I saved from a recent purchase... I'm also thinking of making one that is clear (or with ladybugs) on both front and back, with fabric at the sides and top/bottom edges (for the zipper).
DeleteI think a size that will hold cosmetics would be great. Not exactly sure what the dimensions would be though. Probably depends on how many products you use. I like the idea of the see through front as I am constantly rummaging around in my bag to find what I want. A see through front would help tremendously.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, thanks so much for visiting. I love your idea -- customize the size for what you're going to put in it. Excellent!
DeleteSandra, what a lovely surprise to read your review of my *In The Clear* quilted pouches download pattern this morning. Thank you so much for your kind words.
ReplyDeleteYour pouches are fantastic! Your workmanship is quite excellent. I love your "endearing" pouch too!
I'm so glad you have enjoyed sewing your pouches and have experimented with different sizes! Once you learn the technique, there are so many different variations. They are a LOT of fun to make in multiple or pieced fabrics too...or to use a small panel print as the background for the window. :-)
Tracy - Sew TracyLee Designs
http://www.sewthankful.com/The_Clear_sewing_pattern_Sew_TracyLee_Designs.html
Hi Tracy, Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such nice compliments. Ooooh, I think I might have a few small panels that would be great for these; another great idea!
DeleteI've looked at this pattern a number of times but haven't bought it yet...maybe this is the push I needed to make me go ahead and purchase :-) Your bags are lovely - very cute fabric :-)
ReplyDeletecummingsnadine@aol.com
Hi Nadine and welcome to my blog! Thanks for your compliments. I think you'll be happy with your purchase of this pattern. The first one takes the most concentration (like with anything, I think), then each one after that is more and more fun. Yes I am easily entertained; it's one of *my* endearing qualities! :)
DeleteIf you make them the right size, they would be a nice way to carry an ereader.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, Thanks for visiting and for leaving your idea. I wonder if the vinyl might be a problem (coming into contact with the ereader)? Actually, though, no where is it written that you MUST use vinyl. The pattern could be used for a totally fabric zippered case.
DeleteThe little zippered pouches are adorable! I've looked at that pattern numerous times and contemplated buying it, but I have soooo many patterns already. You may have persuaded me to buy just this one more.
ReplyDeleteI think one of these bags would be perfect for carrying crochet hooks and pens and pencils.
Hi Elaine and welcome to my blog! I think crochet hooks are another great idea. I have some, even though I (still!) haven't learned how to crochet, which I blame entirely on being left handed. Even though there are millions of left-handed crocheters. :)
DeleteI think these ate just adorable! I would use various sizes for storage of our younger granddaughters hair ornaments - pony tail holders, baretts and such! The pouches would also make nice "gift wrap" whe new hair accessories are given! The older granddaughters are always in need of pouches to organize their bags - and all could even coordinate with the color of bag they were carrying! Of course I would use various sizes for gifting items as the dimensions can be so easily changed for any need!
ReplyDeleteHi Martha, thanks for visiting and leaving this very helpful comment. I happen to know some cute little girls who have lots of hair ornaments. Yes, once you've made one or two, it is very easy to change the dimensions.
DeleteCongratulations, Martha! You won this little contest. Please contact me to let me know which of the three little zippered cases you'd like and also your mailing address.
DeleteYour zippered pouching are endearing. I'm a quilter. Currently I'm working on a long-term project of hand piecing a queen size Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. It is made from hexagons that finish at 1". After I cut them out, I need a pouch to put them in as I take them with me when I travel. I flying to Albuquerque to see two of my grandboys for a couple of weeks. Hand piecing is a great way to pass the time in the airport and on the plane. A pouch would be perfect to put my hexagons, scissors, thimble,a couple of pins and a spool of neutral thread in. I'm only seen clear vinyl available for sale. Yours is absolutely adorable and I love your pouches. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHi Suze, oooh, a zippered case for hexies! I love it! A friend of mine loves to hand-piece hexies; I think you've given me a great little idea for a birthday gift; thanks!
DeleteThis would be a good ID holder -- and, as a librarian, I can see it used to hold my library card! They are very sweet. I agree with the others that this looks like a good pattern to purchase!
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, welcome! I agree that an ID holder is another great use for these little zippered cases.
DeleteI love little zippered pouches....and the addition of the see-through window is perfect!
ReplyDeleteHi Patty, Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your nice comment. The see-through window is what prompted me to buy the pattern. That, plus learning to sew on vinyl, which I already had a piece of, is what did it for me.
DeleteThanks to everybody for visiting my blog and for leaving such helpful comments. If you make one or more of these, will you let me know?
ReplyDeleteThose are very cute pouches, Sandra! The clear top definitely adds a useful twist.
ReplyDeleteHi Shams, I just saw your comment now. Thanks for visiting. Yes, I agree, I like the ability to see what's in it before I open it. I'm thinking of making a few for travel.
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