I was feeling in need of a little instant gratification today after spending a lot of time trimming HSTs for the Fresh Pinwheels quilt. I have 112 squares to trim. That's a lot of trimming! I did all the yellow ones...so 56 done, 56 to go. I cut the original squares slightly bigger than recommended to make up for any wonky seams and so I could trim them back to a perfect 4.5" square and am so glad I did, they are all so accurate now when I have them trimmed.
After those 56 squares, I felt in need of a little pick-me-up, After being
Plus, everything is in a jumble in my sewing basket and I wanted some pouches for storing zips, elastic and stuff like that to stop it all getting mixed up.
I didn't want to do anything too complicated and wanted to practise my zip ends, as I am never totally happy with how they turn out. So off I went to the stash box and picked two nice not-typically-me fabrics for the exteriors. No patchwork, no piecing, just fabric and interfacing.
The first was this apple fabric which I really like but haven't managed to make anything with yet. This was a smallish one, about 6.5" x 4.75". I used lovely yellow Hideaway fabric on the inside and for the tabs. Perfect for my zips.
The second was this lovely Tanya Whelan fabric. Again, one I have in the stash because it was on sale and it was pretty, but never found a real use for it. I can't tell you how much I LOVE this pouch made up. The fabric makes me think of water, I don't know why! It is longer at 9.5" x 4.75", perfect for a pencil case. Although my scissors and rotary cutter seem to have found their way into it! Its lined with some 1001 Peeps orange, same as the tabs.
I was really pleased with my tabbed ends. They work out very nicely. I used Kelly's tutorial which I have used before for doing them and I really like the neatness of the ends.
Not quite as happy with the interior lining seams, so maybe I will need to do some more practice! All in all, a very productive afternoon. Hope your weekend was good!
I am hoping that this week, after getting the majority of the introductory tutorials for {Sew} Get Started written and posted, I can get back to reading and commenting on blogs - I have been so busy behind the scenes with all the writing, I just haven't had time. I feel like I missed so much this past few weeks and miss all my lovely bloggy mates :-( So, hopefully this is the week I get back visiting my fave blogs again.
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Very lovely, Sarah. Sometimes we need those quick little projects, don't we? And it's even better when they turn out as cute as your little pouches did.
ReplyDeleteOh yes a just reward for all those HSTs! You are ready then and raring to go! I succumbed to that second fabric too...haven't used mine as I think I had it in mind for a patchwork summer skirt which I didn't get around to starting last year!
ReplyDeletelove those pouches! I am also in the process of practising, but didn;t get as far as the zips: its all ready to go though
ReplyDeleteLove the pouches! I really need to practice my zippers, so should pull my finger out and get cracking :)
ReplyDeleteI think there is something wrong with me, I love HSTs and zips so much now!!
ReplyDeleteThese all look great - a zippy for the zippers - I'm going to make one now! (Well not this instant but I want to copy you!).
As for 'press-ganged'! You were begging to join and you know it!! xxx
great zippy pouches! Most definitely more fulfilling than trimming HSTs, but your right, its so nice when they are all the exact same perfect size :-)
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to try a pouch. Not to make all those HST's though!
ReplyDeleteThe pouches look great, I love the Tanya Whelan one too! I need to get practicing for the swap too.
ReplyDeleteThose are lovely pouches, good idea to practice, I might just do that too.
ReplyDeleteThey look so good! nice and straight. Perfect!!
ReplyDeletevery cute zippy pouches!
ReplyDeleteVery good ends indeed! must check out that tute cos mine are nowhere near that perfect! x
ReplyDeletegreat pouches - love them
ReplyDeleteI do HST's the same way. I always make them an eighth of an inch longer and trim to size. Like you said, tedious, but so worth it. And good going on the zipper practice! I have yet to even try one.
ReplyDeleteUgh. HSTs. I have a love-hate relationship with them. Hate the trimming, but love the look.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of love. Your pouches - gorgeous!! Anyone would be delighted to receive those in your swap!
Perfect zip ends.
ReplyDeleteLovely zippered ends! Jxo
ReplyDeletePerfectly gorgeous. Zips are so scary! You are a brave woman :-D
ReplyDeleteO_oooo, I love tabbed ends on your zippy pouches, thanks for the link to the tutorial, great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat little zip bags! Some times simple, quick projects are just what you need.
ReplyDelete112 blocks to square? o.O You're a far better woman than I trying to tackle that in a oner!
ReplyDelete(ps, thanks for sorting the comments, even if I didn't get this far up the list in the work madness today!)
The pouches are great - good luck with the rest of the HSTs!
ReplyDeleteThe pouches are totally gorgeous!! Love them both :)
ReplyDeleteGreat zips! Oh Hideaway...sitting on a stash of that for a project someday. Thank you for the link to the zip tutorial - I've been needing to work on my tab ends too. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Zippers in the zippy pouch. I laughed out loud! Just me? ok ;-)
ReplyDeleteI totally see what you mean about the pencil case fabric looking like water. To me, it looks like part of a Japanese garden and water, whether real or raked decoratively into gravel, is always a part of a Japanese garden. Both zippys are great!
ReplyDeleteLove the cute fabric in both of your zippy pouches Sarah. Wow! 112 in one sitting? You are amazing :)
ReplyDeleteHey Sarah! I announced your series today on SewHappyGeek Feature Friday where I also featured you link! :)
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