Key Chains

Surfing around for a new (and small) project to add to items I'm making, I've come upon key chains. They're simple, durable, fabric-focused and quick to make. I had hoped to use the scraps from other projects to make a bunch, but I'm finding that the scale of the pattern on the fabric matters. Most of what I buy is medium to large-scale, but smaller-scale patterns seem most coherent. I'm interfacing the fabric before sewing it to the colored webbing, so these key chains should be pretty and practical for a long time.

Simply Messing

I have lately been reading the first few chapters of The Wind In the Willows with my son's Junior Great Books group at school. In the first chapter Mole, very inexperienced in the world, meets Rat who lives the high life on the river. He tells Mole, "Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing--absolutely nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing....messing--about--in--boats; messing---"
The fourth graders find this section very funny, and can completely picture the complete joy and distraction some people find with that one special passion. I am thoroughly entertained by fabric. Simply messing around in my sewing room is endlessly entertaining and almost always very satisfying.

Tote Bag

L is looking for a canvas bag to replace a handy and long-lasting canvas tote bag. She wanted the splashy Japanese floral fabric worked into the design. I used black canvas for the body of the bag to maximize durability. Encased seams mean there are no raw edges inside or out. A zippered pocket hangs from the top edge inside the bag. All-in-all, I'm pleased with the project. There may come a time soon when I'll need to redo my grocery tote bags in colored canvas with fancy fabric accent pockets. Nothing is too good for my sale crackers and store brand dish soap.

Party Favors

My niece was recently baptized, and the party that followed needed favors. Starting with the colors of the party, I made pouches with a silk-screened message to mark the big day. I think personalizing the pouches makes them more fun, and I hope the party guests will find treasures to store inside their gift.

Essentials Bag

This flat-bottomed zippered pouch is large enough to hold a range of collections. It measures 9 inches wide by 5 inches tall and is 2 1/2 inches deep at the base. It can stand on its own to corral bedside whatnots, small craft items, or desk supplies. I put a pocket on one side of the bag. I'm thinking this pouch would also be pretty made with one side of natural linen and one of a patterned Japanese linen fabric. Because of a different stabilizer and heavier-weight lining fabric, this new bag is beefier than the smaller flat pouches I am so fond of making. But, there is still plenty of room for combining fabric and beads. Perhaps I'll sew a whole bunch for this summer's farmers' market.