Streamliner Pouches

I was looking for a simple zippy bag to make as pencil pouches for Operation Christmas Child when I came across the streamline pouch by Elnora. She has a free downloadable pdf pattern which includes a a neat trick with the zipper installation that avoids the little indentations you can sometimes get at each end of the zipper. These pouches can open completely from end to end, so you can fit even the longest pencil in with room to spare.

I made mine with solid scraps. Because I sewed quilt-as-you-go style onto batting, there was no need to use interfacing - perfect when you don't have any at home.

Hexie Zip Bag

English paper piecing is probably my favorite type of hand sewing. It's just so portable, perfect for scraps, and cute. Of course it stops being portable when you try to make something large, so the two panels necessary for this sweet zip bag were just right to my way of thinking.

The pattern I used to make the bag is the Perfect Zip Bag by Elizabeth Hartman. You can make it with a pieced panel or without. It is my go-to pattern for zip bags because of the method she uses for inserting the zipper and covering the zipper ends. Perfect every time.

I was trying to decide who would appreciate this sort of gift, and I think it has to be a quilter, don't you? I'm going to surprise a special woman via post this week.

Shibori Zip Pouch

Remember the beautiful shibori hand dyed fabrics I got to make last year in an indigo dying workshop with Kim Eichler-Messmer? I hardly do either; it's been so long. Well, I finally found a project to use one of the panels I made. 

I chose one of my favorite shibori pieces, called arashi, which is made by wrapping the fabric around a large tube, looping string around it repeatedly, very tightly, and dunking the whole thing in indigo dye. It was hard to cut into this fabric, to be honest, but I did it to make the extra large size of the Essential Pouch, a pattern by Sotak Handmade.

I love the text fabric lining and the mustard zipper. The base is peppered cotton in charcoal - all of my favorite things in one little bag.

Rectangular Wonky Stars

 

This tiny block was an experiment with making a rectangular wonky star block.  Instead of beginning with squares, as in regular wonky stars, which are a super fun block to make, I began with itty bitty rectangles.  They work out just the same, except you have to be careful to which side of the rectangle you add the star points.  I put an adorable Japanese fabric fussy cut in the center of the rectangle.  The block finishes at 1 7/8 x 2 1/4 inches.

 

I set my miniature block into the front of a Perfect Zip Bag (pattern by Elizabeth Hartman) via reverse applique and added some hand stitched details.  The outside of the bag is black yarn dyed essex which has incredible texture and at the same time is super soft.  Thanks to Rachel for sending me some!  I hope I can find more somewhere soon.  Love this stuff.

 The lining of the bag is oval elements in a great dark purple and plum.

I enjoyed making my first block so much I made another.  This on is slightly bigger and pieced into the front of a cell phone case.  I think I prefer the reverse applique setting, but this one is sweet too.

 They make a cute pair; I think I'll keep them.

Dumplings

Just a few last minute gifts. 

These little zipper pouches, called dumplings, are made from a free tutorial from Keyka Lou, and as always, her instructions are easy to follow with great step by step photos.  I love how they are finished inside - no exposed seams or raw edges.  I've made several more since, and they have already been gifted to friends.  

Good luck with your last minute sewing!