Process – Artquiltmaker Blog

Finished: Floral Reef Cosquilla

Cosquilla - finished front — Cosquilla – finished front

Hooray! I finished the newest Cosquilla.

I know I said I was sewing this pouch quickly. I really was and I actually finished it on August 13. However, I had a lot of other stuff to post. I put this pouch straight into use then I didn’t post about it.

I am pleased with the other two Cosquilla pouches, but I think this one is my best so far. I was very calm and not in a hurry when I sewed it. I took my time and I think this is the reward.

I wanted to highlight the seahorse, but it’s head is hidden by the zipper placket on the pocket. 🙁 I also wanted to cut off the snake, but it’s head is still visible. Oh well. At least it is a pink and purple snake.

Cosquilla - seahorse surprise — Cosquilla – seahorse surprise

The seahorse is a pleasing surprise when the pocket is opened.

I used two different kinds of vinyl on this pouch. As mentioned, I thought putting the Floral Reef vinyl over the busy Floral Reef print would mean that I couldn’t see either clearly.

I considered different fabrics to use for the binding. Overall, I think the Tula Pink purple (Aster??) Tiny Dots works very well. The purple doesn’t quite match the zipper. They work together well anyway.

I had some clear vinyl, so I used that over the pocket and the Floral Reef vinyl for the side main panel. I still think the motifs on the fabric and the motifs on the vinyl interfere a little with each other, but it isn’t too bad. I’ll have to think about that when I consider buying other printed vinyls.

Cosquilla #3 - handle — Cosquilla #3 – handle

I think I probably should have put some SF101/ProFuse on the handle, but the handle won’t get much use, so I think it is ok.

I am so pleased with the binding. I used the HP2 foot again and sewed slowly. It was a little short, so I added a straight of grain piece, which was a little problematic when sewing. Otherwise, machine sewing the binding worked very well. I am not embarrassed with how it looks.

I think this was a good fabric combination to use for this pouch. I wasn’t sure how I would use the fabric once it arrived. Seeing it in use when I need a handbag zipper will make me smile.

Additional Pandora Charisma #2

The Pandora Charisma #2 has been on my mind. I worked on it a little last week and realized I was at the assembly point. Nearly all of the pieces are ready to be assembled into a bag. The sewing of this version has been a lot easier than the first time. And much less anxiety provoking.

The next step was to get the zipper gusset done, but I was anxious about the layers. The outside is made with the same pleather/Diamond Vinyl as Pandora Charisma #1. I took a breath, cut the pieces I needed and made a start. I had the good sense to install a leather needle and the HP2 foot*. I don’t know what HP stands for in the Elna world, but maybe I should call it my Harry Potter foot since it is really magical. 😉

There were about 5 layers of the Diamond Vinyl through which to sew. Once I was setup, I went for it. My machine sewed through them all like a champ. Granted I sewed very slowly, but it worked!! I was thrilled.

I had to do a lot of ripping over the weekend. It was one of those “it’ll be fine” moments and I should have taken heed sooner. Live and learn!!

I was able to rivet crucial points at Sew Day, thanks to MaryC.

Now I am on to final assembly.

*N.B. “Suitable for the dual feed narrow system, the HP2 foot combines the advantages of a slim ¼” foot with dual feed capability. Providing high visibility, it is ideal for precisely sewing curves and topstitching. In addition, it guides simultaneously the top and bottom layers of fabric for perfect results when quilting and matching patterns. It must be used together with the HP needle plate.” from Elna site

More Pandora Charisma #2

Pandora Charisma back panel sleeve pocket

The last time I worked on the Pandora Charisma #2 was back in July. I have been itching to work on it again, but hadn’t quite gotten to it lately. That changed on Sunday. I came back from viewing the amazing dahlias in Golden Gate Park and got to work.

Having all the pieces and parts in one project bag really helped.

First I made the tablet sleeve. I kind of wanted to make it from vinyl, so I could see the lovely Brocade Peony print I used for the main panel. I decided vinyl would look great, but not provide any protection for my tablet. I hunted around and found some of the Tula Poms and used them for the padded sleeve. When I stick my items into the bag, I’ll be able to see the flowers.

I did use vinyl for the lining zipper pocket. I decided to put the pocket on at an angle, but it ended up just looking a little wonky. I wanted it to be more accessible and thought that putting it at angle would help. Perhaps I need to think that through a little more for next time.

Now I am ready to put the whole thing together. I think I might have skipped making the gusset, but can easily sew one. I am finding that having made the first one means making this one is more understandable.

Everything But the Machine Bag

MaryC came to the last Sew Day with a new bag, the Everything But the Machine bag.

Those in her sewing gang were also industriously working on their own versions. Many others were interested so the guild is planning a Sew Day where everyone works on their own versions of these. I didn’t really want to make one, but as a good guild citizen (President), I signed up.

At first I thought I would make one for my mom, but she said very firmly last time I visited that she didn’t need any more bags (this was before the backpack conversation). I thought about others for whom I could make one and came up blank.

The week before the Sew Day was shaping up to be busy. It was a lot of ‘fun’ busy, but still busy and I was concerned I wouldn’t get the pieces cut out. I couldn’t get them cut out if I hadn’t picked fabric.

As the day got closer, I really needed to decide on fabric. I finally decided I would use some really nice fabric, some fabric I loved or that I had been ‘saving’. I also thought I would use some fun zipper pulls and make it for me. Someone else might like it, but I also thought of ways that I could use the bag. I think I realized that I often don’t make bags for myself, because I don’t know how I will use them.

I did want to finish cutting out the 1,000 pieces for the Urban Sea backpack, but once I did that, I looked through my fabrics and started cutting. I actually was able to cut everything out very quickly. When you are able to use a rotary cutter and ruler, the cutting goes quickly!

I am using Pristine Poppy from the old, old, old Notting Hill collection by Joel Dewberry. I made the Oxbow Tote out of another colorway from that line. Both lining and exterior are the same print in different colorways. I am using some of the zipper tape I bought by the yard at Sewlarium.

I still have to interface the pieces, but am pretty much ready to go.

Quickly Sewing Cosquilla #3

After I decided on the binding, this piece really started to go together quickly. Sewing the same pattern almost one after another means I can improve.

On this Floral Reef Cosquilla, I did something a little different with the quilting. The Bottom Panel needs to be quilted. I basted it again using MistyFuse and quilted it with the same stitch. This time, however, I lengthened the stitch even further. I wanted the wave to be longer. I also did more quilting. Last time I quilted only three lines of quilting down the length of the bottom panel. This time I sewed more. I don’t’ think I really needed to, but it was worth a try.

Cosquilla in process - back — Cosquilla in process – back

Then it was on to sewing the whole thing together.

Despite the large expanse of vinyl, I decided to use the HP2 foot again. I LOVE this foot. I am hoping that the machine sewing of the whole binding will look better.

I was concerned about the color of the binding, but I think it looks good. The pouch is more purple than expected, but not in an unpleasant way.

Next Cosquilla

I was a little disappointed that the Rose Cosquilla was not large enough for all of my handbag zippers. I probably should have been upset that I had so many handbag zippers!

A month or so ago, my Floral Reef order came in. i wasn’t sure what to do with it, but after finishing the Rose Cosquilla I decided I would use the fabrics to make another Cosquilla for the rest of the handbag zippers.

The fabrics and vinyl are really cool, but also hard to use, especially since I didn’t buy a lot of any one of them. I think this will be a good use of them, though I may use a clear vinyl for the front pocket since the lining fabric shows through. The motifs on the vinyl, as you can see from the photo, right, interfere with the motifs on the fabric. I can’t really see either if I chose all Floral Reef.

Another Metro Double Zip

I had it in mind to make another Metro Double Zip as a gift. I did it, but I didn’t give the gift as I wasn’t happy with how it came out.

It is perfectly serviceable, but I wanted it to look good if I was going to give it as a gift.

Metro Double Zip Pouch #3 - back — Metro Double Zip Pouch #3 – back

I was in a little bit of a rush and did things a little differently than I did on the second Metro Double Zip. That was a mistake, but I didn’t write down the parts that I made larger on the second one. Thus, I didn’t remember I kept some parts the same, which was part of the problem with the first one.

I love the strap technique!!!

As you can see, the back is quite boring without the waves. I could have fussy cut something, but was at Tim’s and didn’t have a lot of fabric choices. I really want to get this pattern to be more stuck in my brain. I have to make a few more and think of some different embellishments for the front.

While I was looking for something I found a similar pouch I received as a gift from BAM. I thought it might be an Aneela Hoey pattern, but I didn’t see it on her website or in her book. There are a million pouch patterns out there and it could be modified from a completely different pattern or made up.

Rose Cosquilla Finished

I finished the new Cosquilla last week and it is in use. I made this so I would have something other than disintegrating plastic bags in which to store my handbag zippers.

It is kind of weird to call this the Rose Cosquilla, because of the charcoal background. I fussy cut a big rose to show off the vinyl so the name is appropriate, but still feels strange.

I need to make another one! I have quite a few handbag zippers. 😉

I don’t have any more of the Anna Maria fabric so can’t make a matching set. I bought some Philip Jacobs fabric (Voluptuous, I think)

I am pretty pleased with the binding. It wasn’t easy and isn’t perfect, but I did it slowly by machine using my HP2 foot. This foot totally TOTALLY makes the purchase of the new machine worth the money. If you have a Janome or an Elna and this foot and needle plate are compatible with your machine, you need this. I didn’t buy the machine because of this combo, but it was a factor. I use this foot and needle plate so much now.

The cool part about this bag the vinyl side. Not only does it allow me to see inside my bag, but it also provides information on how to add this type of side to other bags.

Flower #6

I visited Cyndi for another Sew Day on Tuesday. Beforehand I prepped Flower #6 to work on there.

Having done all the cutting, etc. I was able to finish the block while I was there.

This is a good project for me to work on when I go sew with Cyndi. I can still talk and chat while I pay attention to piecing. The block takes a long time to piece which means that I don’t have to bring 12 projects to make sure I have enough to do.

Six blocks down, six to go. Progress!!!

More Metro Double Zip Fun and Games

After my adventures with waves the other day, I tried again and this version is great. I still wouldn’t put a driver’s license or credit card in the wave pockets, but some receipts or a photo would be ok.

I think the non-pocket side of this pouch is a little boring, though I guess it wouldn’t be if I fussy cut some cool fabric for that side. I think extra pockets is better, though.

Metro Double Zip #2 with wave pockets - back — Metro Double Zip #2 with wave pockets – back

I made the vertical measurement of the pouch a half inch taller as well, because I thought everything at the top was a little squished. I am pleased with the way this version came out. I plan to make a few more of these. I had one special request for it, so I’ll see what I can do.

BTW, the way Sara told me to make the strap is genius! I didn’t understand the directions at first, but when I got it, it was one of those AHA moments I wish I had known years ago.

Back to Making Flowers

In planning to go over to Cyndi’s house for a Sew Day, I decided to get back to the Sad Quilt / Country Revival. I thought I could sew one block and then I wouldn’t have to haul a ton of stuff over to Cyndi’s It has also been awhile since I worked on it.

Since it has been so long, I had to remind myself how to everything. I made some cutting errors and had to re-cut, but the piece is ready to sew.

Finished: Old Town

I finished Old Town a few months ago, but never posted about it. I think my quilt holders have been busy or out of town. After winning Second place at the Fair, I realized it and knew I needed to get it done.

Old Town is finished! Yay! LOL!

Old Town is the 2024 Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt. I played along and sewed many of the blocks together at the BAM Retreat, then finished it up at home.

Colleen quilted it for me and here we are. I was really pleased to get second place since the category in which I entered it (quilted by another) is packed. This was a much easier quilt to quilt than Patchwork Palooza since once I decided how to quilt a block, I just had Colleen quilt all the blocks the same.

Hello Pythagoras

Do you know that feeling when you step into a hole and everything tilts. That happened to me, without the sprained ankle, when I asked DH a simple question.

I was working on the Open Wide pouches I talked about the other day. Anna from Noodlehead has makers line up the corner seams, sewing then cutting off a bit to box the corners. I prefer to cut out a box and then do the lining up.

I asked him how to find the number to cut out the box from the “lining up the seams and cutting off a bit” number.

DH said “Pythagorean theorem”.

Holy smokes!

That &*^%$ math! He showed me the theorem. We talked through it and I understood a bit more about how it worked. Am I an expert? No. No, I am not.

I am really annoyed, though. If I had been shown how to make a pouch, then given this problem I would have understood the concept. Instead math teachers throughout my education wrote lines of numbers and letters on a chalkboard that all looked like gobbledy gook to me. Now I get it. Years too late to do more than squeak by in every math class I ever took after 3rd grade. Sigh.

OK, so here it is. Remember, I am not an expert, so your mileage my vary.

The key number is the number Anna said to cut off after lining up the points. It was 4.5 inches.

The triangle has to be a right triangle, which means that one corner is 90 degrees. Your formula works like this:

a² + b² = c²

a=b

a² + a² = c²

2a² = c²

c=4.5 inches

In numbers this formula looks like:

4.5² =2a²

some math using the calculator

20.25 =2a²

10 1/8 =2a²

3.28=a

I looked at the number given in the small and medium sized Open Wide pouches and did the match. I came up with 4 (medium) and 3.5 (small). 3.28 isn’t a great number for quiltmaking or bagmaking, so I rounded. I found the Open Wides came out a bit of a weird shape. Still useful, but a little odd. I’ll have to play with the formula bit and I think rounding down might be the way to go.

Working on the Sheffield

The Sheffield is a joy to work on! I can’t tell you how much easier it is to work on a bag when I don’t have to fight with my machine. I didn’t even realize, really, that I was fighting with my machine.

To make this bag, I changed feet and needle plates pretty frequently, but it really helps use different feet.

I used the Bi-level foot to stitch the top stitching on the frame case and that was a breeze. I never used the Bi-level foot before, but now it is one that seems to be coming out of the box often. I am not sure why I didn’t use one before. Maybe I didn’t have one?

Anyway, I was amazed and pleased with how straight the stitching was using this foot. There are a lot of layers the machine is punching through in the photo above and I got good stitch quality, no broken needles or stuttering. Of course, I wasn’t being the demon speed sewist either. I sewed pretty slowly on this section.

I decided to add an internal zipper pocket, which is not part of the pattern.I didn’t have any trouble making it. I learned a bit from the second interior zipper pocket on the Pandora Charisma and that experience helped.

I also wanted to turn the bag through that zipper pocket, which is a technique that Tim taught me. I had to think about it for awhile, because I wasn’t sure if any bag could be turned that way. I didn’t come to any conclusion, so I just went for it. It worked out fine. I like this method, because it means that nobody can see where the bag was turned unless someone digs into the pocket.

I am not sure why I wanted a zipper pocket, but I did. I also added a leash, which I do for all of my bags.

Finally, my next step is anchoring the lining to the exterior. I have started but need to finish.

Almost there!

Making the Zip It Up

As mentioned, I decided to make this bag instead of the Aneela Hooey bag when visiting Mary.

I got quite a lot done, but I had enough fabric to sew this one and one other. I had gathered enough of the selected fabrics to make three Book and Tool Folios. I had enough of some, but not all to make the second Zip It Up. I want the recipients to enjoy the fabrics. I found that I needed two full half yards to make the case body. Though I had enough fabric to start the third one, I decided I would make one and, assuming all went well, make the second two in assembly line fashion.

I looked at Mary’s version and chose to make this bag with two vinyl pockets instead of a mesh pocket and a vinyl pocket. I thought they were more useful for non-sewing activities than one mesh pocket and one vinyl pocket.

I cut the first vinyl pieces out wrong, so those will become the new windows for future I Spy pouches. I am glad I brought a brand new roll of glitter vinyl. Mary has a lifetime supply of clear vinyl, which was a good backup in case I ran out.

I made good progress despite the need to quilt the fabric. 🙁 As I progressed on the project, I decided I wanted to cover the top of the vinyl pockets below the zipper with ribbon, so I brought the pieces home. Since I was ready to assemble the bag, I needed to stop, add the ribbon and then proceed. Another project to finish at home. Sigh.

Eleanor Jackson on Most Recent BAM BOMWednesday, September 9, 2026
Very cool! Thanks for sharing this. BTW I completed by Birds in the Air! So far it is the best…
JayeL on Flower #8Saturday, September 5, 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We missed you at Sew Day.
Eleanor Jackson on Flower #8Friday, September 4, 2026
WOW, You made my day. What a knock out showing of this new flower. Thanks for sharing. You and your…
JayeL on 26 Projects August 2026 #8Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Thank YOU for reading. It is great to gather everything I have been doing together and see that, yes, I…
JayeL on Everything But the Machine BagWednesday, September 2, 2026
I am sure you'll get through the project quickly once you get started.

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