X and + Zip Pouch finish

 

Today I finished off the X and + zip pouch I have been working on for my partner in Mouthy Stitches. 

    

I used a hot pink zip in the pack as a feature, and inserted a lined zipped pocket into the outside of the pouch. I love how the zip looks against the linen and the green lining fabric.                                          

 

I also added a strip pieced from squares of fabric used on the front, and hand quilted along either side with perle cotton.

  

The lining is some Amy Butler fabric I have in my stash a long time, and it was just right for this project, adding a bit of zing to the inside of the pouch. 

I boxed the ends to give a flat bottom, and this pouch at approx 9" x 9.5" is perfect for holding handsewing supplies, a little hoop etc, it is nice and roomy. 

Despite all the things I love about it, I was disappointed with how my main zip turned out. I worked really hard to try and get the zip ends perfect, but with the fusible fleece and the extra layer for the pocket, it was really bulky and practically impossible to sew through (I broke a needle and bent another before trying a size 16!!). I ripped it back and redid it 4 times trying to get the zip ends just right but it wasn't to be, so I just finished it off. They look all squishy, not nice and neat and crisp like they should be. 

 

The question really is now whether its good enough to send off to a partner. I hate sending something not right. And yet there is lots to love about this pouch, and I never really notice the zip ends on a pouch when it is something I have in use. I'm torn really. If I don't send it, I have plenty I can use it for here so its not wasted. But its a shame to do everything right up to the very end and feel like you fell at the last hurdle. What do you think? Honest opinions please!!

P.S. If you're here for the Modern Mini Blog Hop, you'll find my mini quilt here