Double Pocket Pouch

There's a new and exciting pattern out by Aneela Hoey called the Double Pocket Pouch.  When I saw the pictures start to pop up on Instagram earlier this week, I knew I had to make one straight away. I managed to get started on the cutting last night, and I finished the pouch this morning.

The finished size of the pouch is about 5.5" x 9" when it's closed and 11" x 9" open. It's perfect for travel sewing, cosmetics, etc.

The fabric & notion requirements are all fairly straight forward. I actually had everything on hand in my workshop. I love the interfacing she suggests (Shape-Flex by Pellon, and Fusible Fleece). I use those two for most of my bag and pouch projects.

There was one section of the pattern with which I struggled. She describes an interesting way to make the bias binding. It looks really amazing in the illustration, but I just could not figure it out! Perhaps it was because I was trying to get everything cut & prepped at 11 pm. I ended up cutting and prepping my binding in the traditional manner, but I'm hoping to give Aneela's way another go for a 2nd pouch - ideally at a more reasonable time of the day.

Overall, I thought this was a really cute project. It would make a great gift for any sewist or gal pal who travels.

Crafty Traveler Blog Hop

Welcome to my stop on the Crafty Traveler Blog Hop!!







I'm reviewing an awesome Noodlehead pattern: The Sidekick Tote. I love the way Anna writes all of her patterns. They are well illustrated, easy to understand, and the construction process makes sense (to me at least). If you haven't tried any of her patterns, you are missing out. There is a reason why they are so very popular.







The Sidekick Tote is an excellent size for everyday use, and I love the front pocket for quick phone access. There is also a pocket on the inside.

This pattern taught me how to do that wonderful recessed zipper closure at the top that doesn't have any holes on the side. I love this closure!! Does anyone else have that fear of dropping your bag and watching 15 tubes of lipgloss, approximately 8 bucks worth of loose change and other ladies' unmentionables tumbling out onto the floor at the grocery store? …maybe it's just me.
Anyway, this awesome zipper closure relieves my fear - and it's not as intimidating to install as it looks.

Anna's pattern includes instructions for an adjustable strap, but I opted not to do that. Now I'm regretting it of course, so I suggest taking the time to make that cool strap.

I used fabrics from the Boho line by Urban Chiks for Moda (except for the solid lining). The interfacing that Anna suggests in her pattern provides a really nice stability for this bag, but it is still soft and comfy.

Thanks for stopping by to see my Sidekick Tote! Click here to get the pattern at Noodle-head.com. Don't forget to link up your own handmade travel accessory for a chance to win an awesome prize from Jennifer's Crafty Traveler Contest. And check out all the other cool pattern reviews along the Hop. See details below.

Crafty Traveler Blog Hop: Feb 3- March 12

Link-up your travel handmade project March 6-12 for a chance to win one of three great prizes! (US only) 

Info: 

Prizes: 

#1: Free Spirit Fabric, Crafty Traveler Tote supplies and Dritz rotary cutter. 

#2: Box of 50 Coats Threads

#3: Pellon Prize Pack (Interfacing & Batting) 

To enter to win simply link up your project at ellisonlane.com on March 6. Please link from a new blog post but your project can be anything you've made to travel handmade within the last 6 months. 

You may also link from Flickr or Threadbias. 

Blog Hop Schedule

2/3: Patchwork Posse & Fabric Mutt

2/6: Random Thoughts Do or Di

2/10: Golden Willow Quilts

2/13: Between Quilts & The Sewing Chick

2/17: May Chappell & Modern Handcraft

2/20: Bryan House Quilts & Love By Hand 

2/24: Petit Lyons & Sew Many Possibilities 

2/27: Owen’s Olivia

3/3: Old Red Barn Co.  & Go Go Kim 

3/13: Winner's announced! 

Thank you Jennifer at Ellison Lane for hosting this fabulous series!

Thank you to the generous Crafty Traveler sponsors!!

Pillow Cover with Zipper Tutorial

Here is the (long over-due) pillow cover with easy zipper tutorial that I promised would follow my pillow form tutorial. I hope this helps at least one person get over his/her fear of zippers!!

© 2014 Trina Peterson

To view/print this tutorial in PDF format, please click here.

This is home-dec fabric from Ikea. Cheap and fun!

Tools & Supplies:

• Fabric (measuring & cutting instructions in Step 1)
• One Zipper - at least as long as your pillow form (no metal teeth, as you will be sewing across them)
• Sewing Machine with all-purpose foot and zipper foot
• Thread & Marking Pen
• Scissors & Tape Measure (or Rotary Cutter, Mat & Gridded Ruler)
• Iron & Board
• Optional: Pinking Shears or Serger

Seam Allowances are identified within pattern.

Step 1: Measure across the fullest part of the pillow from side seam to side seam, and then from top seam to bottom seam. Add 1" to each of these measurements. These are the measurements for your two main panels: cut 2 of these. Also cut 2 zipper tabs: 2" x 3" (regardless of pillow size).

Step 2 (Optional): Serge, Zigzag, or Pink all raw edges of fabric.

Step 3: Place zipper alongside bottom edge of one main panel. Measure in 1.5" from each side of panel and make a mark on the zipper tape. Cut off zipper at mark. Be sure not to cut off the pull!

Step 4: Fold zipper tab (right sides together) over end of zipper, lining up edges of tab and end of zipper to make a sandwich (zipper tab is 2" x 1.5" folded). Sew 1/4" seam from edge. Turn tab right sides out and press. Repeat with other tab and zipper end.

Step 5: Lay one panel right side and bottom up (if you want zipper to be at the bottom of pillow). Pin zipper unit with pull facing down (right sides together) to panel, lining up edges of tabs with panel. The zipper tape should be approximately 1/4" below panel edge.

Step 6: With zipper foot, sew from edge to edge, close to zipper, stopping to move zipper pull out of the way. Backstitch at both ends.

Step 7: Turn and press panel away from zipper. Topstitch close to seam.

Repeat Steps 5-7 with second panel and other edge of zipper.

Step 8: Open zipper before continuing!

Step 9: Place panels right sides together, lining up the three remaining edges and pinning. Sew 1/2" seam all the way around the three edges. Backstitch at both ends.

Step 10: Clip corners, turn right sides out, and press.

You are finished. HOORAY! Cover your pillow form and admire. :)