Patchwork Pop Open Pouch

Over the years, I figure I'm made Aneela Hoey's @aneelahoey Pop Open Pouch at least nine times. The result is always lovely, and though I still need to follow the pattern, the construction is very straight-forward. When I saw that Aneela came out with a patchwork supplement for her pattern, I knew it was time to make a new one for myself. 

So while on retreat recently, I managed to piece the two exterior panels starting with a mini charm pack of Artisan Cotton, along with squares cut from a Cotton Couture charm pack.

As you can see above, I used the fusible grid method to arrange my squares, and then sewed all the seams. 

Before continuing on, I trimmed the panels ever so slightly, and if I make this version again, I'll be more careful about trimming so the panels line up better on the final construction. Oops. But it's super cute, just the same.

After seeing the patchwork exterior pieces made up, I went with the purple zipper, and a black gingham lining. Due to using the fusible grid method for piecing the exteriors, I could omit the fusible fleece usually used in this pouch, so that was nice. 

I went with the leather zipper tab, as I usually do. I find that using a little of my glue pen to adhere the leather to the zipper end keeps things pretty secure while I do the top-stitching. Another trick, thanks to Aneela, is the way the pattern has you align and stitch the boxed ends together, so the lining stays nice and snug during use. It's an optional step, but one I find easy to do and makes for a neat finish. (Not shown, but trust me.)

I used a black 1/8" leather strip for the zipper pull, and ta da! I have a super cute finished pouch, which in my case, will get used for make up. So glad I decided to try this pop open pouch variation. I see that just today, Aneela has put out a pattern supplement to make a scrappy patchwork version of her Zip Up Tray Pouch pattern. I haven't tried that one, so it might be next!

It's the Little Things

Last year on International Scrap Sorting Day, I actually managed to sort my print scraps by color, though I chose not to press any of them or cut them into any particular sizes. And that's how things have remained, and it's been fine. Though I didn't really participate on the day this year, other than play with piecing scraps together, it was the impetus to make several small projects.

First up was a set of four orange and black potholders.

With two round 'corners,' and two square, they are my favorite potholder shape. I put the same backing on all of them, a favorite orange print from my stash, the same as some of the scraps on the front.

And then I actually used some charm squares to make a lined drawstring bag to hold my older granddaughter's birthday gift. After miscutting my lining fabric, I ended up with a combo of the Simple Patchwork Drawstring Bag + Mini Accent Drawstring Bag variations from the Lined Drawstring Bag Expansion Pattern by Jeni Baker @jenib320. Actually, I'm quite happy with it, and might make this combo again on purpose!

This last make wasn't actually made from scraps, per se, but it seemed to fit the 'Little Things' category. And it's a Pop Open Pouch made for my daughter-in-law, Lindsey @lindsjeske, who we happily got to celebrate with on her birthday this year. The pattern is one by Aneela Hoey @aneelahoey, and is actually one of my very favorite zipper pouch patterns to make and to use.

So all three of those projects were most enjoyable to make. Now back to finishing up a quilt back for my Like, Totally BOM quilt and this month's Block Studies Collective project, which I have yet to start. Onward.

Pop Open Pouch Repeat

It's been a while, but in making a gift for a friend this week, I revisited a pattern I'd made six times before - the Pop Open Pouch by Aneela Hoey. At 10" x 5"x 5", it's a very handy size, and it has a few really unique construction techniques that always give a great result. My favorite is how the bottom edges are aligned and sewn during construction. That detail makes for a beautifully snug lining once the bag is complete, which I really like.

I was super happy with the long-stashed fabric I found to use. The exterior print is Summersault Ping Pong in aqua by Erin McMorris. I could feel it was a little heavier than quilter's cotton, and with a little research, I realized it was home dec. The weight is actually quite nice for this particular pouch.

For the interior I used one of my very favorites ever - Metro Living Circles by Robert Kaufman. The lime was a perfect companion for the exterior, don't you think?

One of the fun details Aneela includes is suggesting leather for the zipper tab. I used just a little glue on the tabs ends to secure its placement before I machine-stitched it. The leather is actually quite easy to sew through.... just go a little slow.

So it was fun to revisit this pattern. Once pieces were cut and interfacing applied, it took just 90 minutes to construct. Not that I was counting (though I guess I was!) but it was great to be able to make this sweet bag in such a short time. Fingers crossed my friend loves it as much as I do.