Saturday 8 December 2012

Hexagon Shell Pouch


Hi Everyone! I would like to share with you another pouch that I've made for the Happy Pouch Blog Hop hosted by Emily of Mommy's Naptime and Elaine of Dashasel Sews for week 2.


 
 
I've found the tutorial link for making this pouch here but I've made mine slightly bigger.   Since I love EPP, I thought making 1/2" hexagons for the exterior would be fun - these hexies are the smallest I've done thus far!   Here are pictures of the pouch making process...
 
 
I've used fabric scraps to make the 1/2" hexies.   Started this project 3 weeks ago and it took me a week to finish piecing them together.
 

I love pockets thus I've added pockets on either side of the lining.


Then I've  hand quilted straight lines on a diagonal using quilter's tape as guide.   Since it is a small piece, I finished hand quilting it within two days - doing it when I have any free moment to spare.
 
Trimmed quilted piece


Then I've pieced a 1 1/4" binding strip around the top edges by machine and hand sewn the strip to the back.

 
Below are the pouch assembling stages I'd like to share with you...


Handstitched about 3 1/2" on each folded sides ( stitched till where the zipper begins on one side and ends on the other )   I've used a 12" metal zipper for this pouch, then I've boxed the corners and this pouch has a depth of 2".   Then on to the zippers...


Above is the zipper pouch process - I've hand stitched just under the edge of the binding seam to attach the zipper.  I've added x's at the edge of the zipper to give it a neat finish.   It may take longer to sew the zipper on using this method but I've enjoyed the process.

Here you can see the stitches just below the binding seam where I've attached the zipper to the pouch.
 
And ta-da!! The finished pouch!

  
 

I've also made a needlebook last week!

I've used my AMH Lou Lou Thi scraps  and  pieced the exterior using the qayg method.   I've added pockets, made a cloth button and a charm string to wrap around the button for closure. This mini needlebook measures at 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" closed.  


 
My finished pouch measures at 6 1/2" height x 9" wide x 2" depth.   To sum it up, I've enjoyed the whole pouch making process - it may take longer to finish since there's alot of handstitching involved but it was totally worth it for me!   Hope you'll check out the tutorial, ( it is in Chinese but the pictures are self explanatory ) and maybe make one for yourself!?
 
I'll be linking up to the Happy Pouch Hop Flickr group and hope you'll visit to see all the other lovely pouches made during the Hop!
 
 
 
 
On another note, my family and I will be leaving for a 2 weeks holiday next week!   So, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my season greetings to those who'll be celebrating Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!!  Hope the new year brings good health, happiness and success to all of you!   Thanks for visiting!
 
 



Saturday 1 December 2012

Open Wide Zipper Pouch and a Needlebook


Happy Little Pouch Hop has begun!!   Thanks to Emily of Mommy's Nap Time  and Elaine of Dashasel Sews for hosting and planning this!

I've decided to join in the fun and made a sewing pouch using Anna's (Noodlehead) fantastic tutorial!   This pouch has been on my 'must make' list for a while now and after seeing Emily's, Katie's and Elaine's pouches on the Hop, I've finally got to work!   Truth be told, based on my previous zipper experience, I was abit intimidated by it.   But with Anna's great tip - basting the zipper first before sewing, it help alot!

Anna has provided three different pouch sizes and here's my small sized open wide zippered pouch version!






I've made two patchwork strips using mostly prints from Suzuko Koseki then pieced them with Taupe Essex Linen/Cotton for the exterior.   I've also done some handstitching along the patchwork edges using Ecru Pearl Cotton No. 8 before assembling the pieces together.

 
I've used a textured Japanese cotton fabric for the lining.   The zipper pull tab is made from canvas label - I've pieced two labels together and handstitched the tab to the end of the zipper.
 
I've also made a mini needlebook using the same prints from Suzuko Koseki to go along with the pouch.  The needlebook inspiration came from Chase's version here.



front


back




I've added pockets for the interior to store my thread cutter and stitch picker.   This mini needlebook measures at 3" width x 3 1/4" height (closed)




I ♥ my new sewing pouch and needlebook and can't wait to start using them for my EPP project on the go!

You can find the link to all the other great tutorials on the Happy Little Pouch Hop here.   And if you've made one during the Hop, you can add your's to the Flickr Group for a chance to win great prizes each week!   Hope you'll join in the fun!






Linking up with Wendy's Handmade Habour - Handmade Monday :





Have a lovely week and thanks for visiting!