As mentioned, I started sewing some Cotton Candy pouches at Sew Day. I had cut them out as a reminder after I sewed the Slimline version of the Cotton Candy pouch wrong. I was a little angry at myself, because I want to work on new pouches – patterns I haven’t tried before. Even though I love the Cotton Candy pouch, I have made it many times. I felt, however, that I needed to remind myself how to get this pattern right.
I was pleased with the progress I made at our Special Sew Day. I would have liked to have made more progress, but forgot the zippers. When I got this far, it was time to clean up and go home anyway.
I thought I would try the triangle fabric fabric I bought at Bay Quilts recently and see how I liked it in bags.
Both of these will be for the Pink Project. I know one is blue, but I am doing a second batch for the local Alumnae Panhellenic group and want to use some different fabrics.
I made this Cotton Candy pouch for a friend’s birthday.
It ended up being a ‘slimline’ version as I sewed the side panels to the wrong end of the main panel and had to trim extensively. It worked out and she liked it so no harm.
However, I need to get this right. I have made so many of these pouches that I am shocked and amazed that I made such a big mistake. I am going to make some others to cement the process in my head.
As mentioned, the Hildegarde Notions Trunk is finished.
I have to confess that the end of making the Hildegarde wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked. The Velcro was the challenge.
The photo left shows the dividers in the interior. They velcro to the side strips of Velcro, which I sewed to the lining. The problem is that the I sewed the wrong side of the Velcro to the sides. It was the same side of the Velcro that I used on the dividers, so the dividers didn’t stick very well. Yes, I should have checked I had the right part of the Velcro, but I assumed. Always a problem.
Resewing the Velcro
The Hildegarde looked really good, so I thought about not changing out the Velcro. I decided, in the end, that I would never be really happy with it-and I really like this bag, for once-, so I ripped the lining apart and sewed the correct Velcro sides to the lining sides.
The Velcro strips are originally sewn before the lining is sewn together, so it is very easy to sew them to the sides of the lining. I used the sewing holes to place the new strips of Velcro and took my time. I didn’t want to take the whole lining apart, so I unpicked as little as possible. I used some washaway tape to hold the strips in place and resewing worked pretty well. Later, I realized I could have changed the Velcro pieces on the dividers, which probably would have been a lot easier.
In my defense, I rarely use Velcro, so I forgot to check that I had the right Velcro side. I won’t make that mistake again. At least I hope I won’t!!
I am glad I did, because now I am super happy with it and the dividers actually work!
Hildegarde Finished – front (closed/exterior)
It turns out I had to unpick the turning opening a second time, because I forgot to put the Peltex in between the lining and exterior. Again, I thought about whether I really needed to do it, but the bag was saggier than I wanted, so I did it. I had to insert the Peltex around the stitching of the lining to the exterior. It wasn’t easy, but it was doable and the bag doesn’t look as saggy. The reason this happened is that I didn’t notice the last page of the pattern! In my defense, half of the second to the last page was blank so I thought that was the end, though I did think it ended a little abruptly. I have made a note on my pattern in case I make this bag again.
This bag has taken a long time to finish. I am not sure why, because it came out really well and I really like it.
It is quite a large bag, for one with a handle. The finished size is 12.75 inches in length x 6 inch tall by 5.75 inches deep.
Hildegarde Finished – front (closed/exterior)
I am pretty pleased with my fussy cutting. The fabric I chose, a Heather Bailey print called Aflutter in pink. I find it very cheerful. It is from an old line, so I don’t know if you can find it again.
I worked really hard on lining up the birds on the top and in the front panel. I can’t remember doing that kind of fussy cutting before. Sara models fussy cutting on her sample in the pattern.
Hildegarde Finished – back (closed/exterior)
I think the little bit of top stitching on the back looks really good as well. I used pink for most of the topstitching, but there is also a bit of white as well.
I like the plethora of birds on the back.
Hildegarde: Interior with dividers
Remember I said that I thought the dividers were unnecessarily complicated? They weren’t. They now seem super useful. I am glad I took the time to follow the directions and make them. I wonder if I could (should?) put another mesh pocket on the other side of the divider?
I don’t often use Velcro and this application went better than expected. I seem to remember sewing Velcro in the past and having it stick to the bed of the machine or the foot or something. I had no trouble sewing it this time, which was a relief. I think the design using the movable dividers, works very well.
Hildegarde Finished (open/interior)
I found a good place for my label, as well. It is not really hidden at all. I like the placement.
I also like how open this bag is. It is like an ‘open-wide/wide mouth bag. I am able to see everything inside.
Side note: when I went to get a label for this bag, I realized I only had two Wunderlabels left. Another thing for my To Do list.
Hildegarde Finished – front pocket – open
I was pleased with the way the front pocket came out. I think the elastic technique worked out very well. I haven’t tried using it for thin tools, but I will. One thing I was thinking about the design is that the tools stored in this pocket would be available without opening the main zipper. I think that would be a good thing.
I plan to use this bag for notions to take to Sew Day and Retreats. I plan to place it inside the Crafty Carrier . I am not sure how I will use this large open space with the movable dividers. I need a lot more space for long thin tools like pencils, tweezers, etc. Rotary cutters will go well in the mesh pockets, I think.
I know it seems like this bag is taking forever. It is sort of, but I have been diligently working on it a little at a time in between working and managing the house. This is turning out to be quite the complicated bag. In addition to all the pieces I had to cut there is a lot of other prep before I am able to start sewing the actual bag itself together. Oddly, I am not in rush to finish. Usually, I am, but for some reason I am ok with how long this project is taking.
I am sure it will be worth it.
Hildegarde interior detail
After all the cutting and interfacing, I had to make the dividers. These dividers were a little complicated and I wonder if they were unnecessarily complicated? I guess I’ll see once the whole bag is together.
I am pleased with the front section elastic. I thought the way Sara told makers to put this together was really clever. I am a bit confused about the top part – the ‘slots’ are larger – but I am sure it will work out. I have to wait and see.
This is a Sew Sweetness pattern. It is part of Minikins Season 4 bundle. You can see the various projects I have made from the Minikins patterns on the Minikins page.
I made a little progress at the last Sew Day on this bag. I mostly did prep, which needed to be done. I have to admit that I prefer to cut and do prep at Sew Day. It just means I have less to haul around. I was happy to make some progress, especially progress that was useful.
Hildegarde lid
When I got home I was able to get going on the lid.
I know that the trunk of the tree on the handle doesn’t exactly line up with the trunk of the tree on the top, I am still ridiculously pleased with how this came out. I am pleased with the pink and pleased with the fabric I chose.
Hildegarde lid complete
The next day, I worked on making the whole top/lid. Above is just the exterior.
In the photo, left, you can see the hinge and the zipper completely attached. I think this method of construction is the same one used for the Hackney bags.
Hildegarde mesh pocket
Again, I had some trouble with the mesh pocket. I am not sure why. It could be that I measured wrong somewhere. There was some ripping, but, in the end it came out ok. I really want to try another mesh pocket right away, but it will have to be for another type of bag as I am not ready to commit to another Hildegarde right away.
I know the mesh pocket looks a little wonky, but it really isn’t. I measured the binding on the top mesh carefully, so it would be even on both sides. It just looks a little weird in the photo.
Center Street Quilts has a video for her Stella pouch. I like the way she makes her zipper tabs and would like to try that method next time. I think that method would work for any type of zipper and give me some flexibility as to size. Of course, it would be helpful if I cut everything properly. I always think I do, but I have to explore the possibility that something was too small. Perhaps I’ll cut out the top of a Hackney and try this pocket again while my thoughts are fresh in my mind.
This is a Sew Sweetness pattern. It is part of Minikins Season 4 bundle. You can see the various projects I have made from the Minikins patterns on the Minikins page.
I spent a little time looking through my patterns to try and resolve my scrap organization problem. Once I found a few I decided to make the Desktop Cube from Minikins Season 1. As mentioned, if this doesn’t work, I’ll make a Faithwell Storage Bin and see if that works better. If neither of those work, I’ll rethink.
The Desktop Cube is a pretty easy project and I was able to make it in a few hours while I sewed with Tim. I am also thrilled to make another new-to-me Minikins pattern. It will beef up my Minikins page. ;P
Desktop Cube with scraps
I brought it home and immediately tossed my scraps in it. Of course, they overflowed even the large size I had made right away.
I am undaunted! I need to process the scraps I have now before I decide that the Desktop Cube won’t work.
Note that I used new fabric for the Desktop Cube! I bought that fabric at Boersma’s last month. 😉
This is Enigma #5. I do like this pattern! I like the way it looks and how functional it is.
You don’t get to see the all the steps, because I have so much to write about and so much to sew that I am just posting the completed bag now.
Paris Enigma Bag – bottom
Lil Sissy was admiring my Peony Enigma bag when she visited us in Portland. She didn’t ask for one, but I decided to make her one any way. Her birthday was July 26, so I had about a week to make it when I returned. I had a week or so in between everything else – niece’s wedding, YM visiting, etc.
I had to quilt the bottom and I am never happy about quilting, but I am pleased with how this quilting came out.
I made two of these at the same time. You will see the other one later. Making the same bag multiple times makes them go together faster, but also means I can pay attention to the details. I was able to select which side panel would work for the top and which would be better for the front without a lot of drama. Since I knew what to expect, I could think about the finer details.
Paris Enigma Bag – zipper end
I also found a good place for my label and was able to add it in the course of making the inside pocket.
The zipper end was a pain, but ending up coming out well.
I cut out the Hildegarde Notions Trunk at the MARCH Sew Day, then I didn’t touch it again. I still haven’t, but I wanted to look at it so I took a photo.
Obviously, the project bag is not a picture of the pieces, but I am really thrilled that I am using the project bag even though I think the large size (according to the pattern) is more of a medium size. I need a larger project bag for the Hildegarde, but it is working for the moment.
Hildegarde Trunk pieces
I used some Tula Pink Pink Neon Dots for the lining, which I love even more now that I see them again. I am definitely in pink mode right now and I am embracing that. I also used a Heather Bailey pink called Aflutter that I didn’t have quite enough of to be really comfortable. I asked Amy if she had some, but she didn’t so I just thought I would have to make do, but I found some online. I don’t need more fabric, but I like the idea of making this a really great bag. I might want some of this fabric to do that or make another one.
I am still seeking the perfect bag in which to take my tools to sew days and retreats. I’ll give this one away if it doesn’t work for me.
In case you can’t tell this is a Sew Sweetness pattern. It is part of Minikins Season 4 bundle. You can see the various projects I have made from the Minikins patterns on the Minikins page.
I forgot to post this I Spy back in March. As I have said before, I love making these I Spy pouches. I like both the fabrics I used, but together they are a bit much. ;-).
It is still useful and is now keeping acrylic pattern templates together.
I finally took some time on Mother’s Day to finish this pouch. It has been laying around for a few weeks. It was the perfect project for Mother’s Day. I got to sew AND I finished something.
Palomino Pouch – end
This is the second one of this pattern I have made. It is a fairly easy project, though the turns on the curved end are tight. Again, I did some fussy cutting, which I think looks nice.
I know this isn’t exactly pink; it’s more peachy, but it does show the range of pinks. I am definitely in the “give me bright pink” like the Bluestem Pouch camp. Still, this is a nice soft look
I was also pleased that the gluing together part worked for me this time. I had a better idea of how to do it and I am sure that helped.
The other thing I did was to sew down the quarter marking areas. I did a few steps over the quarter marking to tack the various pieces in place, then I went around the whole pieces. That worked pretty well, though those curves are tight for my machine.
Palomino Pouch interior
The inside looks like an inside.
I used a leftover zipper and one of the zipper pulls from Sew Hungry Hippie. I also forgot to put a label inside. Oh well.
I started another Palomino Pouch as part of the Pink Project. I wanted to try and succeed at the gluing step that closes up the sides.
I have everything cut out, but have to find a zipper that matches. The fabric is definitely pink, but more of a peachy pink than the Pink Dot Bluestem or the Pink Piebald and I am not sure I have one that will match. I might have to use white or some other contrasting color. I do like it when the zippers look like they belong on the pouch.
The Palomino is finished! I am going to make another one right away. This pouch has only a few pieces and with the way the side panels and zipper are inserted, it is very easy to put together.
This is a gift for a friend and the fussy cutting is important.
Palomino Pouch-lining Finished
It really went together pretty well, in general. I had some trouble inserting the lining. It does have the same glue closure as the Piebald. Not so great as I missed the instruction to stop at the 1/4 inch mark when sewing the lining together, so the edges shredded a bit (Moda fabric) when I ripped out some of the stitching. It would be really helpful to have a free arm when making this pouch. Now I know, so I’ll do better next time.
No drop-in lining or binding: perfect.
Palomino Pouch-top Finished
The zipper I used is one of the set I bought from Sew Hungry Hippie. I wonder if Natalie of SHH collaborates with Tula on the colors? The green matched the butterfly fabric exactly.
I thought it might be a little big, but the pattern called for a handbag zipper. I tried two zipper pulls, but it didn’t work with this pouch design so I took one off.
Palomino Pouch-side Finished
Palomino Pouch-side Finished
I took the opportunity to fussy cut the side panels as well. I can’t help that these motifs run into the partial motifs on the main panels, but I still think the side panels look good.
This is another pattern from Minikins Season 3. For some reason, it struck my fancy and I decided to make it.
One of the things I already like about the pattern is that you sew the zipper to the side panel as one of the first steps. That means that when I sew the zipper to the main panels, I will sew the side pieces as well.
I did some fussy cutting of the Tula butterfly fabric, as you can see.
I had some trouble cutting this out with a rotary cutter, because the side panels have an interior 90 degree angle, which doesn’t work withe a rotary cutter. I ended up drawing lines around the template and cutting it out with scissors. I used WonderClips** to keep the fold in place while I cut the pieces out.
Palomino pouch inside
This picture (right) shows getting ready to sew the zipper and the side panels to the main panels. I used some Frankenfoam and hope that works out. I used some quite small pieces. Apparently, I can’t throw anything out! Pouches are a good use for Frankenfoam, however.
Palomino pouch in process
This is the same picture as above, but from the top. Stay tuned for the finishing.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this blog.
