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.

Make Time Projects

Yardage for my newest fabric line - Make Time - is now shipping and has started to arrive in stores. I wanted to share some of the projects I've made with Make Time fabric so far. Unsurprisingly there have been a good number of pouches made (and there will be more to come). I created the samples here to both showcase the fabrics AND to use for organising my future projects. 

I design all of my patterns to be used either on their own or in combination with each other. My Zip Up Tray Pouch and Make And Go Pouch work well solo or as a duo.

I keep my pouches packed and ready to go for whenever I get some minutes to dive back into something.

I use my small size of Booklet Pouch for organising threads. The large size works effectively for projects - each page can be used to store different tools, threads and project parts.

My Inside Outside Pouch is one of my most used. Tools and threads can be kept in the vinyl pockets - there's one at the front and another at the back. The project can be housed in the main pouch. If that hasn't convinced you, it also has a nice sturdy base.

Here is an aerial view of the Inside Outside pouch (right) to get a clearer view of the pocket situation.

I used my Sampler print in Bluebell for the cover of this Make And Go Pouch sample. This is already one of my favourite and most used prints from this line. I created all of the little cross stitch images in Illustrator by lining up rows of crosses in a block. I then removed crosses one by one until I got the image I was after. The process was laborious but also strangely thrilling - like seeing a photo slowly develop and reveal itself.

The needle book on the left is also available with this line - look for it in your favourite quilt shop. There are two different sizes and various image options from Make Time available on the needlebooks.

All pouches in this post were made using Make Time fabric. See photo below for a closer look at the prints.

Ask for Make Time at your favourite fabric shop. I hope this post has inspired you to make something with the line.

You can find all pouch patterns here.

In A Flap Pouch

These past few weeks I've found myself wanting to sew more soothing projects that are quick, easy and mindless to put together.  As I learn more about my making style, I find I'm not good at working on things that are only nice to look at.  Crucial to any project I put together is that it has to be useful and should work well for its intended purpose.

These In A Flap Pouches have worked perfectly to fit this need.  I'm quite happy sitting at my machine producing them at semi-industrial pace.  The most taxing thing about them is which fabric combination to use.  All the ones I've made so far have 100% been put together from my scrap bins which does help to narrow the choices a little.

The Project is super fast to sew and can be made in 4 sizes.  There are no templates involved and if you use the leather strap option it speeds things up even more.  I've been using mine for holding sewing/knitting supplies and also to keep my headphones in.  

I hope you enjoy sewing up some of these.  

You can find the pattern here.

4 pocket case

I have a new pattern to share today, the 4 Pocket Case.  This one works perfectly for most kinds of hand projects such as paper piecing, appliqué or embroidery.  The  design has 2 zippered vinyl pockets to keep threads and other supplies in AND 2 slip pockets.

There are instructions included to make 2 sizes of case.  The large size easily accommodates letter size/A4 sheets making it perfect for storing pattern sheets or your favourite craft book in the slip pockets along with supplies in the zippered vinyl pockets.  The small size can be used to store pattern booklets, templates or folded pattern sheets in the slip pockets.

I used some of the new CF Collection by Carolyn Friedlander to make the samples for this one along with some Essex yarn dyed linen.  The metal zippers are by Zipit on Etsy.

I hope you enjoy making the pattern.  You can find it here.

kit supply tote

I released a new sewing pattern today, this one is called the Kit Supply Tote. As the name suggests it's perfectly sized for keeping together supplies whether you enjoy knitting or sewing.  The zipper opens wide so you can see everything easily and there are internal pockets on both sides of the lining; Handy for keeping tools organised and easy to reach.

The pattern has two size options - the small size will work well for keeping a project you are working on.  I think of this one as a great in-between size - larger than the average pouch but smaller than a regular tote. 

The larger size will be ideal for taking supplies along to a guild meeting, retreat or class.  You can fit several of my other pouches in this size with ease including the large size Booklet Pouch and the Flip Pocket Folio.

You can find a copy of the pattern here.

I hope you enjoy making one!

flip pocket folio

Today I released a new sewing pattern called the Flip Pocket Folio.  It comes in a portfolio style and opens up to reveal 6 stacked pockets, making it nice and easy to see all the contents at once.  It's going to be a useful one for keeping projects together particularly when you're working on something that requires lots of small objects to be kept at hand.

I can see this one appealing to anyone who loves to paper piece, appliqué or embroider. It would also be perfect for kids to keep pens or small toys in.  

I hope you try making one.  You can find the pattern here.

twice as nice pouch

Today I'm releasing my new Twice As Nice Pouch pattern.  I've been a little bit obsessed with making quick and easy projects lately and this one definitely ticks both those boxes.  A fast finish is not only rewarding but done before I know it.

This one works brilliantly as a basic with a twist that you can return to again and again.  As well as a main zippered compartment, I've included a front vinyl pocket.  Easy to see and grab what you need quickly and easily.

Along with making these for sewing or knitting tools, they are going to be perfect for pens, make-up and more.

For this pouch sample I used some of the new Darlings and Grid fabrics.  Both are by Kimberly Kight for Ruby Star Society.  The zippers are from Zipit on Etsy.

I hope you have fun making this one!  Pattern can be found here.

pop open pouch

I have a new pattern release to share today, the Pop Open Pouch.  I've been slowly making and developing this pattern idea over the past couple of years.  Like all my patterns, the design is formed out of the function/purpose of the bag since I like my pouches to be as user friendly as possible.  This is another one that opens out wide to give a full view of the contents while zipping up securely when not in use.  A few benefits to this design are that it goes together quickly and easily in a couple of hours.  There are no templates involved and only a few pattern pieces to cut.  As a bonus - there is no binding involved.

I used some of the new Darlings fabric by Ruby Star Society for my samples.  The colours in these prints are the best I've seen on fabric for a long time.  If you think it looks good on screen, trust me it's only better in person.

All in all, its my new favourite pouch basic.  

I hope you try one (or several - they are perfect for swaps or gifts).

You can find the pattern here.

 

make and go pouch

I recently decided to add a few new more basic pouch designs to my repertoire.  I feel like I have lots of options for more advanced pouches but sometimes I just want to sew something fast and useful using materials I have on hand.  The idea is to make things that complement and work well with the patterns I already have.  They will also be perfect for those of you who can make a basic pouch but want to work on building up your skill level.

I made up a couple of samples that I think fit this bill perfectly.  The Make And Go Pouch is a simple design which has three zippered pockets.  Two of these are clear vinyl for maximum visibility of contents.  There are also a handy pincushion and needle pages attached.  I decided to keep all pockets zippered because although slip pockets look useful on this type of pouch, in practice they don't keep contents secure when opening and closing.  Items can fly out easily and when those items are seam rippers and scissors, you don't really want that happening.

I wanted a relaxed easy going style for this one and decided on a simple wraparound tie feature to close the pouch.  This is nice and easy to make with no additional hardware required but also works perfectly whether your pouch is empty or full.

With summer on the way, I'm hoping that this will be the perfect pouch to take with you whilst out and about.  It will also work very nicely for when you need to make a quick gift.  If you want to use it as a non sewing pouch, just leave out the pincushion and felt and you have a handy travel pouch.  Kids would also love one for pens and small toys too.

I used up some of the new Ruby Star Society fabric lines for these samples.  For the top one (with the bird pincushion) I used a mix of Social and Spark by Melody Miller, Speckled by Rashida Coleman Hale and Add It Up by Alexia Marcelle Abegg.  I used all Anagram and Grid fabrics by Kimberly Kight for the bottom one.

I get asked a lot about where I buy my zippers.  The ones in these pouches are all from Zipit on Etsy which is where I purchase almost all of mine.  The metal ones at the top are the ones with donut shaped pulls.

You can find the pattern for the Make And Go Pouch here.  

I hope you make one and use it all summer (and beyond).