I have had a little bit of a splurge, nothing crazy but there was fabric I really wanted and embroidery floss that is needed, along with a couple of other utility items for making. It's not all buying, though, as I recently used up scraps to make my first ever open wide pouch...
This thread is my second order from Lakeside Needlecraft, I adore the subtle tones of the gently over-dyed embroidery floss - Sampler Threads by The Gentle Art - and the colours are even prettier when stitched.
left to right: Chalk (x2), Mustard Seed, Celery, Cornhusk, Avocado, Apricot Blush, Peach Ice Cream, Coral Reef, Copper, Adobe, Nutmeg, Heirloom Gold, Tarnished Gold and Aged Pewter.
Sew Hot is my go to shop for interfacing, notions and "stuff I need". I decided to have a go at making myself a lunch bag, since I'm taking lunch to work everyday a cute handmade bag is necessary right?! (urm... excuse to make!!)
On the right below is Insul Shine - the other side is totally reflective metal that is hard to photograph but I'm hoping will work well to insulate my lunch!
On the right below is Insul Shine - the other side is totally reflective metal that is hard to photograph but I'm hoping will work well to insulate my lunch!
Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex is my favourite interfacing when I'm looking for something with shape but not too stiff, I've found many inferfacings wrinkle fabric or just make projects too cardboard like. This works so well for zip bags etc, I stocked up.
And then the fabric that I couldn't resist. Having already worked with Conservatory Fabrics I know how gorgeous it is, so I got some more of the Vestige collection by Bookhou.
clockwise from top left: Charcoal Shapes panel, Rose Shapes Panel and Natural Tilli Rain, Vestige by Bookhou
I also love love love Carolyn Friedlander and these natural colours are so brilliant for something softer or to mix in with other brighter prints, also grids are a must for me!
left to right: Brown Wings Grid and Stone Freeform Grid, Gleaned by Carolyn Friendlander
Again for my lunch bag (which may comprise some of the fabrics above, though I haven't decided for certain yet) is this zipper and pulls pack. I really like the dark tone metallic of the zip teeth and it would work well with that Bookhou print.
Lastly, because I also find text prints charming and useful, is this First of Infinity print by Lecien. I have used this print before, in another colour way, for my drawstring tote bag and I love it - I think I scooped up the last piece!
Making room for more fabric means that some must get used! I dove into my scraps to make this wide open zippered pouch - a great free tutorial by Noodlehead.
It was fun using some of my favourite prints, including the text print from Carrie Bloomston's Story collection. I made it for a work colleague and happily she liked it!
I will certainly try making more, I really like how easy the zip part is. I have to say I don't love boxed corner like this though, the sloping sides bug me for some reason. Next time I will play around with the dimensions and maybe box a little less.
My other downfall was the fact the zip probably wasn't long enough, I like the versions I've seen with more of a trailing zip. The square covering the end isn't my neatest work and I realise now I should have reduced the speed on my machine and taken it more carefully. Lesson learned!
Have you made a wide open pouch? If so I'd love to hear about any modifications you made or any tips for getting that zip end piece looking neat?!
7 comments
Post a Comment
Hi Lucy,
Beautiful purchases! I’m going to have to look at those zips! I recently made the pouch and I did the zip end slightly differently. I used the zip end technique from the Emmaline retreat bags (also free pattern) as I found I finished them better that way. The folding is slightly different. Looking forward to seeing your next makes.
Kelly x
I always cut that zipper end piece a bit larger than the pattern calls for- it allows me to tuck in pieces more easily. Looks great- I love the patterned denim you used for the bottom.
Thanks Kelly! I will check that pattern out :)
Good thinking Laurie! Isn't it pretty, it's Art Gallery Fabrics denim - I love daisies!
some lovely fabric purchases there. With the overdyed threads, if there are indi dyers for knitting yarn, it makes sense for embroidery too. I recently bought some of that stuff for free hand embroidery that you tear off after. Must use it!
I have this open wide pouch on my to do list as well as the Lola pouch.
In class we recently made the Sew Together bag, the tab was similar but folded in a different way, it was quite a neat way to do it.
I think you did well for your first open wide pouch. I use a bit longer zipper and I think it helps. Of course you need a cute lunch bag. That will help you keep on making and taking your lunch. Lovely fabrics.