Zippy Pouches

Hello again!

I've been busy sewing up zippered pouches as gifts for expat friends who are returning to the US this summer. I have been experimenting with different fabrics and methods for creating the Radschlager, which is the symbol for the cartwheeling child seen all over Dusseldorf.

The incomparable Kristy of During Quiet Play was generous enough to help me with a pattern in EQ7. I have so much to learn about that program!

First up, I made a pale grey quilted pouch with red floral cartwheeler. My mega pile of charm packs was perfect for this paper pieced project. 

Zippy Pouch 1

The entire gift with red Dusseldorf skyline mini painting

Next up, a more pastel palette was in order for my friend Miss A.

"Paisley pouch"

Zippy Pouch 2 with white city skyline mini painting

For my 3rd attempt, I decided to try imitation leather. All these fabrics so far have been from my stash. Since fabric prices are sky high here in Deutschland, it makes it easy to shop around in my own stuff! This pouch is made from a cream and black print with pale yellow lining and zipper. The symbol and gift recipient's initial is maroon. The great thing about the imitation leather is that it doesn't fray, so I didn't need to reinforce it with quilting, or applique it on.

Zippy Pouch 3 with yellow city skyline mini painting

That concludes my going-away gift giving, but I am still experimenting. A few friends asked about purchasing pouches, so I decided to make a few extra while I have time. The final 2 were made assembly-line style, so they went a little more quickly. This time, I used red felt for the cartwheeler and a charcoal print from Madrona Road with red interiors and tiny zipper charms. There's even a little "dusseldorf" stitching at the bottom.

Zippy Pouches 4 & 5

This more than completes #5 on my FAL Q2 list!

FMT

Silk & Satin finish

Hello again!

A few months ago, a girlfriend came to me with some beautiful fabric she found on her recent trip to Dubai.  She mentioned that she'd read somewhere that a satin pillowcase will prevent wrinkles (not that she has any.) Although this picture isn't the best, the cream is a soft satin and the batik is a raw silk scarf - really pretty.

This fabric has been sitting on my sewing table ever since. Although I knew it wouldn't take long, I really wanted to get my doggie quilt finished first. I found a couple of great tutes here:

smashedpeasandcarrots.com

makeit-loveit.com

Using a quick combo of these methods yielded a pretty pillowcase. The main challenge was working with satin and silk. Once it is cut, it seems to immediately fray and the edges curve. I tried starching it lightly, but the only thing that seemed to work was lots of pins. I guess I have some practicing to do!

wavy wavy wavy edge

Final product - kinda dark out

I added a little edging detail on the hem

all done and ready to go! 

This is #1 from my FAL list. I'm on fire!

FMT