Artquiltmaker Blog – Commentary about works in progress, design & creativity

New Backpack Challenge

After writing yesterday, I talked to my mom who was on her way to the ER again (she’s fine!) with a plastic bag to carry her stuff!!! I was horrified, but before I could speak, she said she was going to get a backpack for her stuff. Before I could think, I said I would make her a backpack.

I am not sure if I mentioned when writing about the Chickadee that I have never made a backpack before, at least one with real straps and buckles. The closest is the Flagler Backpack and the Scrap Lab Backpack. Neither of these are as structured or as complicated as the Chickadee.

I knew the Chickadee was in progress, obviously. That is for the Pink Project and I don’t know when it will be finished, so I decided to make the new backpack pattern from Sew Sweetness called the Urban Sea Backpack. I showed my mom and told her the size (finished Size: 12 inches long x 15 inches tall x 7 inches deep (30.5cm x 38cm x 18cm)) and she said that the Urban Sea would be perfect. So, now I am making another backpack. 😉

The next surprise was the fabric. I have used paint tube fabric for my mom for a long time. She really admired the bubble fabric in blues and pinks that Sara used on her test version. I showed her a picture of the Philip Jacobs Voluptuous fabric as a joke and she loved it! I might as well use it. I don’t have anything else slated for that fabric. I am going to pair it with the Disco Poms from Tula Pink. Same thing. I might as well use it.

The first step was to tape all of the pattern pieces together. I haven’t found any that are rectangular!!! I love the look of this backpack, so I don’t mind.

I was thrilled to find that the acrylic template for the Chickadee Backpack strap is the same exact piece as the straps in the the Urban Sea Backpack. Sara doesn’t sell acrylic templates any more, so this was awesome! I can use that template to cut out the several pieces (exterior, lining, foam, etc) I need for this backpack.

I spent about 4 hours on Sunday cutting out pieces for this project. I almost finished all the cutting, but that much standing was tiring after also standing a lot on Saturday. Even though I want to get to sewing, I am trying to be very Zen about the cutting as I found that each part of the process has its benefits.

More Chickadee Work

The Chickadee Backpack still has not been chosen as part of the UFO challenge, but I decided to work on it again. I worked on it a little last month so I could get a head start. I kind of wanted it to be chosen for the UFO challenge for August, but no dice. Maybe next month?

All the pieces are cut out and I ready to sew. I haven’t decided if I will start sewing yet. I would like to stick with the letter of the ‘law’ in the UFO project. I could cut out some of the other projects or continuing cutting them out as the case may be.

Finished EPP Ball #14

I finished this one about a month ago, but didn’t post about it, so here we are now.

I organized the colors on this one a little differently. Since the pieces are sewn together in two halves, I used black as the center of one half and white as the center of the other half. The photo shows the center that uses black. I am pretty pleased with that strategy.

I have wanted to make a black and white ball for awhile. I have a good supply of 5 inch squares so it wasn’t difficult to select 12 charm squares that would work.

This is a great project to work on in the evenings.

Finished EPP Ball #14 - side 5 — Finished EPP Ball #14 – side 5

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.

Finished Sun Hat #2

In 2024, I started it with great hope as a quick project after spending a very hot day in the Portland Rose Garden. I did finish one version, which was, as we say at work, MVP. It was a free pattern that I am sure worked great for the designer, though it didn’t work for me.

For the second version I used the Bardot Bucket Hat pattern from Sew Hungry Hippie. I can wear it. It is really big, so I definitely can’t wear it in a windstorm!

Sun Hat - lining side — Sun Hat – lining side

I like the directions in the Bardot pattern better than the free pattern. I was able to make the pattern with no problems.

I used the same fabric for the lining as for the exterior. If I can figure out the sizing, I may make another one with two fabrics.

The pattern has two or three brim sizes. I used the medium brim, however it seems very large. On the third one (see below), I’ll try a different brim size.

I also used Pellon 926, which I found at the Granary. Actually, Carrie found it and I thought it would be good for this hat and I am very pleased with how it looks and feels. The hat is not too stiff.

I did start a third one using another size in the pattern. I don’t have enough of the flowery fabric for the lining, so I am contemplating coordinating fabrics.

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.

Strap Test

I saw a short IG video on a method for making straps. The question persists: how do people think of these things? OR are the techniques known methods that sewing influencers (former tailors) are sending out into the world one by one? Inquiring minds…

Test strap technique - front — Test strap technique – front

I had a small piece of pleather leftover from the Pandora Charisma, so I tried it out. It was a thick piece and I had to choose between the HP2 foot and the Ultraglide foot when I wanted to use both.

I had yellow thread in the machine and decided to use that since I would be able to see the stitches.

First, I think the piece was too small. Lengthwise, it was probably fine as a test, but width-wise, I think it needed to be wider, maybe 3 inches cut?

Second, I am not sure this is the best use of this particular substrate. It was just too thick, though if I cut the strap wider, then it might work. I plan to try it again with a thinner vinyl. I am thinking of trying to match a lavender that I plan to use for the exterior of the Pandora Allure and I don’t want to use nylon webbing for the straps. I am liking cotton for straps, but want to use materials I have if I can.

Test strap technique - back — Test strap technique – back

The back looks ok, but I am not sure I want the back to look like this. I could embellish the back with a piece of ribbon, but I am not sure it would wear well.

Before I test on the lavender vinyl, I need to see how long of a piece I need for the straps in the Pandora Allure project. I don’t want to cut off 3 inches for a test only to find the roll is 3 inches short!

I can feel myself drifting towards starting the Pandora Allure when I really need to finish the second Pandora Charisma.

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.

Another Hippie Specs

I made another Hippie Specs case the correct way this time. My mistake on the previous one still makes a cool pouch. However, I still wanted to make it as intended.

I did not add a clip this time as I hadn’t quite worked through the steps when using vinyl.

I used the same flowery vinyl as I used on the previous one. Now my niece has three small items using this flowery vinyl. I guess it is her fabric.

Hippie Specs #4 - open — Hippie Specs #4 – open

I didn’t use a lining for this one, but I did cover the seam at the bottom with foldover elastic. The cut out piece sat around for awhile, but it was very quick to make once I got started.

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.

Sun Hat Back on the Schedule

The Sun Hat, which I feel should have been done YEARS ago, is on the agenda. It was selected as the guild’s August UFO project. I really could have used it last weekend when we went to a Pool Party. C’est la vie!

Yes, I did finish one, but it was an MVP and I want to make another one that will work better for me.

I got some Pellon 926 at a local quilt shop. I had never seen it before, but I thought it would work well for this project.

This time I am using the Bardot Bucket Hat pattern from Sew Hungry Hippie. The pieces of the pattern are essentially the same as the previous free version, but I am hoping the sizing will be better so the hat goes together better. I didn’t buy the acrylic templates when I bought this pattern. I am not sure I will make this pattern again, but we will see.

So, some progress.

New Cosquilla

Rose Cosquilla before assembly - pockets — Rose Cosquilla before assembly – pockets

I went for a Sew Day at Tim’s house on Monday (yes, lots of connections this week). I started sewing the Cosquilla that I cut out a week or so ago. For a change, I am making this pouch for myself! I will use it for my handbag zippers, which are currently housed in two disintegrating zipper bags. 🙁 The fabric is an Anna Maria fabric of which I had a small piece.

I had a lot of fun talking with Tim, but I missed my new machine when putting this pouch together. I also need to replenish my supply of DST** in my “Go Bag”, because the zippers would have been a lot easier with it.

Still the bag is coming out ok. The picture above is what I did in a few hours.

**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 website.

Finished: Fish Hackney

Fish Hackney - front — Fish Hackney – front

I was pleased to finish the Fish Hackney in time for DH’s birthday. It has been awhile since I started this project. I am not sure when, but I bought this fabric in October of 2024. I didn’t make a note of cutting out the pieces, but it was sometime after that. I am glad to cross it off the list as it has been on my mind. I am also happy that DH seemed pleased with it. He was planning how he would use it, however, and thinking it would be good for storing reels, because the thickness of the pouch would protect them.

He did notice the issues that I had such as the weird handle placement.

I also had some trouble with the placement of the turning hole. I had forgotten that I needed to turn the lid as well as the bottom separately.

Fish Hackney - mesh pocket — Fish Hackney – mesh pocket

I went with the standard mesh pocket this time as I wanted to just get it done and not think about different options.

I made a note on the pattern to match the zipper tabs to the zipper and the foldover elastic/binding rather than the lining fabric. I think my zipper tabs look fine. They would have been less noticeable if I had used grey fabric.

Fish Hackney - interior bottom — Fish Hackney – interior bottom

I didn’t have quite enough of the lining fabric for the lining gusset. The stripe looks cheerful.

This is the one pattern I can think of that includes information about anchoring the lining. I did that on the front and back. The lining is still a little saggy baggy, but ok.

Fish Hackney - smooth top — Fish Hackney – smooth top

I also used the Frankenfoam I made at Sew Day a few weeks ago. I covered it with ProFuse and I couldn’t see the seams in the foam.

Of course, now I have used up some big pieces of the Frankenfoam, I am going to have to sew more small pieces together again.

I like this pattern a lot and am sad it has been such a long time since I made one. So many patterns! So little time!

Another Zipper Tab Technique

I am not sure whether this is a tutorial or not, but I will put it on that page later, so we all can find it again.

I have two other zipper tab information pages, which you can find on the Tutorials page. For the moment, this new technique is my favorite because it reduces more bulk int he zipper tab area than the other techniques.

Instagram has been showing me zipper techniques lately. I found one that I decided to try a few months ago. The other day when I was working on an Enigma pouch, I decided to try it again. Then I had to go hunting for the video.

In many of the Sew Sweetness and other patterns, I have to fold a strip into a zipper tab, which adds bulk to the edge and is a little hard through which to sew. This technique adds less bulk and there aren’t bits from the folds sticking out and making the project look unprofessional.

Supplies

Zipper
Zipper tab fabric – the tabs look better if they match your zipper pocket fabric
BSK
Bag pattern
Sewing machine
Thread

Directions

First, cut some zipper tabs. I often use the exact size indicated in the pattern, which is why I am not giving you sizes. The zipper tab should be long enough to go past the cut end of the zipper on both sides when folded back and wide enough to match the width of the zipper, at least.

Fold both fabric zipper tabs in half and press them so the crease is firm.

Clip the fabric stripof the zipper — Clip the fabric strip

Clip the fabric strip in half to cover one end of the zipper. You’ll need to do both.

Using a quarter inch seam allowance, sew across each end of the zipper.

Press the zipper tabs back wrong sides together.

Topstitch using a eighth inch seam allowance.

Sew the exterior according to the directions on your pattern. In this case, my exterior and lining fabrics are the same.

Sew lining with the zipper sandwiched in between.

Press fabric away from zipper.

Get ready to trim zipper tabs even with the top of the zipper and the sizes of the fabric.

Trimmed zipper tabs.

Now finish your bag or pouch according to the directions.

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!!!

JayeL on More Chickadee WorkThursday, August 20, 2026
It definitely is a good distraction to work a little on the various projects, even if they have been picked.…
JayeL on More Chickadee WorkThursday, August 20, 2026
Exactly! I plan to work on the other few projects as I never know which will be picked next.
JulieZS on More Chickadee WorkWednesday, August 19, 2026
Erin is right about the odds going up! Also, I think you can definitely work on any of the UFO…
Erin M on More Chickadee WorkWednesday, August 19, 2026
Each month that passes the odds go up that this project will be picked! It's inevitable that it will get…
JayeL on Finished Sun Hat #2Monday, August 17, 2026
Yep! I want to get the size and brim right. There's always more fabric, right?

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30	31