Travel Sewing Kit

I decided to try some fabrics from Connecting Threads. I get their emails regularly but had never ordered from them. I have recently discovered the fun in collecting charm packs and then searching the internet for fun, creative projects to use them for. I bought Bits and Bobbins charm packs which were only $2.22 for these 24 charms. I also bought  the Bits and Bobbins Take Along Sewing Kit.

I love Zakka-style projects which combine linen and patchwork. I decided to use my Bits and Bobbins charms to try this Travel Case from Rashida Coleman-Hale's book, I Love Patchwork. 

What is your favorite charm pack project?

Wristlet Purse for Sarah

I found this great tutorial on Noodlehead's blog for a gathered clutch purse. Since Sarah has really enjoyed using her Scrappy Loyalty Wallet that I made for her birthday, I decided to make a wristlet to go with it. Sometimes she just doesn't want to carry a large, heavy purse. I had enough assorted fabrics left from the wallet to mix and match a wristlet.

I became a little concerned that my choice of fabrics made it look like a cosmetic bag so I added a fun flower to the band on the front.

Instead of the two horizontal pockets that the tutorial suggested I divided the pocket section into 3 vertical pockets. I didn't add the center divider. Since the front has extra body with the gathers and band, I added the interfaced pockets to the back lining to balance things out. The front and back outer sections are also interfaced.

I love the zipper end covers. I will definitely use this technique again.

Sarah doesn't know that I made this wristlet for her. I guess I will find out if she is reading my blog if I hear from her soon!

Market Bag and Coupon Holder

While browsing at Joann Fabrics recently, I ran across some really inexpensive 100% olefin fabric for shopping bags. It came in nice prints so I thought I would try making my own shopping bags. I patterned the bag after a "store-bought" bag which I use often because I like the size and shape. The instructions for the coupon holder are available at Joann.com.  The fabric was easy to sew and I like the finished product. I haven't used it yet so I don't know if it will hold up for heavy items but certainly will for cereal, bread, etc.

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I used bias binding to encase the raw edges. It added a nice finishing detail and made the bag more sturdy.