Pouch Family

I have in mind to redesign parts of my commercial web site. Instead of a colorful banner of my sewing supplies across the top of the web page, some grid of product photos would serve as both a graphic welcome and a preview of items available. I often sew multiple items made of the same fabric at the same time to maximize the thread color in the sewing machine. Recently, this blue and black geometric fabric was calling to me, so I made pouches of all descriptions out of it and a key fob to boot.

iCozy

My friend K wants a pouch to keep her new iPhone from knocking around in her purse and potentially getting scratched. She sent me the link to the gadget's measurements, and since I do not own an iPhone, I sent Matt to the garage to make a faux device. Yes, I could just measure a pouch I make for a specific object to verify that the item will fit, but it's much more satisfying to finish sewing and slide the thing into its new home. Here is K's pouch and the stunt double phone.

Wrote Down the Directions

I have made another canvas tote bag with fabric accent pockets and an interior zippered pocket. This time around I made note of the measurements and most efficient fabric cutting hints. The bag is a birthday present for someone who likes trees. I purchased the green mottled tree fabric for a wall hanging that is largely done. Now I'm reminded of how well the project was coming along. It really should be finished. I even know where it is. One more simple border, a little machine quilting, the right binding (maybe even made from the tree fabric), and I'll be in possession of another blog posting.

Another Bag

A fresh messenger bag for spring combines the ideas I like (fabric on the flap, inside zippered pocket, back-of-bag accent fabric stripe) and eliminates awkward steps. Wide webbing off the bolt makes a sturdy and quick handle without the work of pressing 45-plus inches of fabric to make my own handle. I would be willing to put the handle construction effort into making my own binding for the lid of the purse. Then I could have one more patterned accent on the project. I have a marvelous set of bias tape makers through which I can feed strips of fabric while ironing completed binding. For me, the way to go is to to cut an entire yard of fabric into bias strips, make binding and then use it on multiple projects. Now, to find a neutral, but exciting pattern to use.

Nice Niece

My niece, E, is turning 4 soon. She loves to cart her favorite toys around the house; this protects them from little siblings. I scaled down the dimensions of the larger canvas tote bag to make one for lugging toys. The birthday party has a princess theme, so the princess side pockets will tie right in.