Round Pincushion + Pop Open Pouches (Again)

In addition to playing with scraps and stripes lately, I've tried another new pattern and made a few gifts. The pattern was Happy Sew Lucky's new Round Pincushion, which offers several sizes and designs of cute little puck-shaped pincushions. The one I made has a Plus on top and measures 4" across by 2 1/2" tall. Can't say I really needed a new pincushion, but I love the shape, so had to try one.

Then, after my planned quilting retreat in California got canceled due to you know what, I decided to go ahead and finish the Pop Open Pouches I had cut out to make for my retreat buddies. I've enjoyed making this pattern by Aneela Hoey several times already, so I was more than happy to revisit it.

I made three, each (hopefully) suited to the recipient. I love using a cotton/linen blend for the exterior of this particular pattern, and considering they contain a layer of fusible fleece, the combo makes for a soft but sturdy pouch.

Dare say, I think picking out linings are half the fun.

Each was finished with a leather zipper tab, which I enjoy so much. I think it's a nice touch and seem to have much more consistent results than with fabric.

And of course, leather zipper pulls were also in order. They seem to be my go-to now.

Soooo, those got mailed off to my retreat friends, just a small reminder of how much I missed being able to be with them.

Redux

So I made another Pop Open Pouch over the weekend, and realized that though I mentioned making one in my holiday sewing recap, I didn't really tell you much about it.

The pattern is by Aneela Hoey, and it features pleats on the corners and a long zipper, that indeed let it "pop-open." I fully intend to make even more of these pouches. At 10" x 5"x 5", with that pop-open feature and extra-long zipper, they're more than a pouch you'd carry in your purse. And using just a fat-quarter for each the exterior, and interior, they are good stash-busters. I must have spent/wasted an hour just picking out fabric for this one. As one does, of course.

One detail I really love is how Aneela finishes off the boxed corners - something I had never seen before and plan to try to apply to other projects. Basically, after boxing the corners, she sews the lining and exterior corners together, which makes for a really wonderfully snug fit in the pouch's interior.

I finished this one off with a black leather zipper end tab and a length of suede lacing for a pull. Love those little details.

Oh, and for once I thought to add one of my leather labels. For the record, fabric was a Maker Maker cotton/linen blend (left over from my Traverse bag) with Spark in bright blue from Melody Miller for the lining, and a metal zip from Zipit. All stash finds, which is always perfect for a little project such as this, don't you think?