Zakka Workshop Stylish Sewing Caddy

 Hi friends!  How are you?  Hope you're keeping cool.  Its really a challenge, right?  Thank goodness the sewing room is cool (enough) and I can hang out there.  

This weekend I had everything prepped to work on the Zakka Workshop Stylish Sewing Caddy.  I have  wanted to make a frame bag for quite a while so this seemed like the perfect opportunity.  Kristyne from Pretty By Hand designed and wrote the pattern so I knew I'd be able to follow along.  And friends, it's surprisingly easy.  Like I was shocked by how easy it was. 

I really challenged myself with selecting some directional fabric, and I think that was the hardest part of the whole project.  True confession: I did have to re-cut the end pieces but the rest went ok.  It's really straightforward cutting  and piecing.  

I can't get over how professional the results are.  Look how nice and boxy that is.  I'm so impressed with how it turned out.  Its nice and firm, and holds its shape perfectly.  I haven't made a bag with this type of zipper installation, so that was fun.  I do have a tip, and that is sew one side  following the instructions then mark the zipper where the sides meet the body... I kind of like you do (or at least I do) when I sewing rows together with sashing, so all the sashing lines up.  Does that make sense?  

You can see in the picture below my two sides don't quite match up, where it folds over, not  a problem, but I think I maybe pulled a little when working on the second side of the zipper.   It doesn't really show and I'm not worried about it, but it's a little tip.  

I did crack up, at first I was kind of disappointed,  my ends weren't that great, but Kristyne mentions that you need to let it sit a bit to learn it's shape and  later when I came back and dorked around with the ends a bit they laid down quite nicely, even after opening and closing .  I was a little afraid because the ends did not look good at first.  Don't be discouraged!

Look at the interior, it's huge!!!  I think it would make a great makeup bag as well, you could easily customize the inside with pockets. Could be a lunch bag, you could make one in more masculine fabrics as a dopp bag for men. 

Glamor shots, because I love how this bag turned out.  

I really enjoyed making this bag and totally would make it again.  The frame  insertion, piece of cake.  Even  top stitching the little casing line of stitching was easy.   If you needs inspiration go check out the #stylishsewingcaddy hashtag, lots of wonderful bags and much better photography there.  You can order the pattern with the zipper and frame from Zakka Workshop.  

That's it sewing friends!  I'm already thinking about what to work on next!  See ya later. xop

Little Wisteria Pouch

Hi there!  How is your weekend going?  If you follow along on Instagram, you saw that I had all my pieces and parts ready to stitch up a Little Mint Designs Little Wisteria Pouch.   Jean was very kind to send me a copy of her pattern, and I was anxious to give it a try because I have been wanting a little clutch like this for quite a while!  I love all the details, especially the slip pocket inside.  I have never sewn one before so it was fun to learn a new technique.  Jean's dainty designs are easy to sew with her excellent instructions and photos.  I've had such good luck with her patterns.  This one was no exception.  My only reason for not doing it sooner was the fact I needed to order more zippers.  

I love being organized with a project, and I like the way Jean approaches each design, very methodical,  and just my cup of tea.  My favorite part of the project was the little templates for the outer and slip pockets.  Genius really.  I also like the templates for interfacing.  I like that she keeps the bulk out of the seams. 

I think my pouch turned out great.  Its not perfect, my zipper pocket is a little off center.  My own error, so know that even experienced sewists have less than perfect results.  But honestly can you even tell?  I'm not mad and it doesn't ruin it for me.  Lets be kind to ourselves over things like this.  

Another thing I love is that I added in a third fabric for my pockets, it makes me so happy to see those little dots in there.  Would 100% do that again.  The more the merrier.  I mean you really could go wild with fabric right?  I know you get it.  

Love the inside.  Couldn't be more perfect.  Can't wait to try the mini pouch.  Perfect for dropping into my larger purse, when I just don't feel like lugging it around. 

All in all a delightful make. Love everything about it.  I recommend The Little Wisteria Pouch for sure.  Delightful.  Can't wait to make another one!  

Ok pals, that's it for me.  Be sure and check out the #littlewisteriapouch hashtag on Instagram to see more pouches! And follow Jean, she's coming out with a very cool new tote bag with a drawstring top!  I can't wait for that one!  

xop

Swoon Curious

Hi there friends, what have you been up to?  Lately it seems like I've been busy, I have a little bit of work, some weeks more than others, and then there's just stuff, you know, takes time, but isn't anything all that interesting.  

One thing that caught my eye this summer was the Summer Swoon Along.  I really love that quilt, the block is clever, and the piecing easy.. I've just never made one.  I have the 16 inch pattern, you can grab any of the many Swoon patterns over at Camille's site here.  There are a ton of totally cute patterns, but I'm sure you already know that.  Check out the #swoonquilt hashtag for some beautiful quilts. 

                                             

I have all the beautiful Tanya Whelan Posie fabric just waiting for a great project, so I went for it.  I ordered the Barefoot Roses dot from Thimbleanna to use as my background. I plan on using the ginghams as that accent part of the star and then the pretty florals as the stars. Posie will be available later this year.  

I made just one block for now, no rush right?  I have to cut a bunch of squares for my house quilt that I still want to blog all about, but that is means going through my scrap box for a nice mix of fabrics and I've been really lazy about doing it.    I have sewing motivation in spurts so I'm making the most of it when I do, and then I don't worry about it.  

Anyway you guys have been busy sewing and doing fun summer stuff, I see you on Instagram!!!  I hope you're all doing well.  So much intense weather everywhere I worry about friends near and far.  Sending my best wishes to you!!! xop