comfortstitching

side saddle pouch

I finally have a new pattern release.  The Side Saddle Pouch is a pattern I've been slowly working on and finessing over the past two years.  I've made multiple versions in that time and wanted to make sure the instructions and illustrations were as good as I could get them.  I like to create with purpose and only put out patterns that are well thought through and will stand the test of time.  Both in terms of making and using.  Although I could have rushed this one out about 18 months ago, I know for certain that the pattern has matured well over that time.  

The Side Saddle Pouch has many attractions - It is sturdy with a spacious box shaped interior.  The zipper allows it to open into a wide basket shape when the pouch is in use.  There are two zippered pockets - one each side of the pouch that will hold a multiple of additional tools/pens etc.

I made up these samples using fabrics from my newest collection for Moda Fabrics called Meander.  I put a lot of thought into the prints for this group - I wanted designs that would mix and match well for making projects like this one.  Meander is in shops now (or will be soon depending where you live).

It's going to be another long wait until the next pattern arrives (if ever).  I'm hoping this one keeps you busy until then.

You can find the pattern here.

Meander projects

As soon as I had handed in the artwork for the Meander collection, I began planning and dreaming up all the projects I could make from it.  As you might imagine, the list was long and time has been in short supply but I've still managed to make a sizeable dent in the sew-it-right-now list.

Top of the list was more Pop Open Pouches.  I cannot get enough of this pattern!  Love making it and using these for everything from sewing tools and projects to toiletries, pens, sock knitting and more.

It's a generously size pouch that open wide and best of all has a very minimal list of requirements - Two fat quarters, interfacing, fleece and zipper.

My Flip Pocket Folio has already become one of my most used pouches for storing materials together.  It's best described as several pouches as one and is especially excellent for keeping small items together neatly.

Inside there a six vinyl pockets.  The top pocket layers flip up to reveal the contents of those beneath - making everything easily visible and accessible.

The cover is the perfect way to use a fabric you really want to showcase - I used my horses print in the orange colour way from Meander.

The final project for now is my Boxy Clear Pouch.  This one is a three dimensional clear pouch that works perfectly for organising sewing tools and notions with the added bonus that you can see what's inside.  Again, it also works well for all kinds of other storage scenarios too.

I hope this post starts up your imagination to visualising what you can make from this collection of prints.  If you're stuck for ideas there are plenty more projects to entice you here.

Meander

This month finally sees the release of yardage for my new fabric line - Meander.  It's been a 15 month long wait since I handed in the artwork for this group.  I'm more than a little excited to see the line arrive in fabric stores at long last.

As a starting point for this collection - I returned to a few of my very favourite prints from past collections.  You may recognise the foxes, horses and story prints from their previous incarnations.  These are now available in a new range of colours from relaxed denims to brilliantly burnt oranges, the prettiest pinks and palest greys.

Into these I've mixed some highly useable basic and blender prints.  My favourite of these is the Field print - which takes the form of a series of hatched lines forming irregular shapes that interlock into each other.  It started out as a random doodle I found myself making on a regular basis.  One day I scanned a doodle onto my computer, opened it up in Photoshop and immediately became obsessed with making it into a continuous design.  I hadn't really thought much about it as a scribbly little doodle but as a design, on fabric, it's probably one of my most favourites ever.  Look out for it in almost every project I've made so far from this line.

Other blenders include picnic checks and simple dots as well as a smaller variation of my classic square dot print (you may remember that one from my Sherbet Pips and Make Time lines).  All the prints and colours together make the prettiest classic rainbow of loveliness you ever did see.  I love the richness in tone and variation within each colour.

I had a lot of fun taking these photos and planning future projects.  High on my list is making a quilt inspired by the photo above.  All I need now is time.

As you might expect, I've been busy sewing up projects to show you in future blog posts.  I look forward to sharing those soon.

I hope you have fun thinking and dreaming up plans from this group.  I can't wait to see what you make!

Meander fabric precuts

This month sees the arrival of precuts from my newest collection - Meander in shops.  Yardage will follow in February but if you are eager to start piecing your next quilt and have a precut friendly pattern in mind - why not start now?

I've kept the colours for this line classic but contemporary - from easy going navy, through denim-y blue hues, linen greys, pale pinks, sunset oranges to a rich earthy tan.  The colours blend and contrast so well with each other - you'll want to make everything and more with them.

If you definitely want to start a quilt - Jelly rolls are an unquestionable favourite to begin with.  Not only are there countless make-me-now jelly roll patterns around.  While you choose one, your jelly roll will sit perfectly prettily on your shelf until commitment strikes.

Other options include buying one of everything.  

Although it may sound excessive in the short term, you'll find yourself covered for all possible future inspiration. 

If you're looking for a precut that offers the greatest degree of project versatility - the fat quarter bundle is the one you are looking for.  This option will work for making bags, pouches and other small projects as well as quilts.  

Charm packs and layer cakes are other options you may wish to consider for quilt making.  If you do go the charm pack route - make sure to buy several if you wish to make a decent size of quilt.

I'll be sharing more about the collection as well as projects I've made in future posts - for now I hope I've at least inspired you to get thinking about making something.