Monday, December 3, 2007

Hotch-Potch Zipperred Pouches

I sewed! I sewed! Finally I got a chance to work on these zippered pouches I've been wanting to make for Christmas gifts. It felt so good to finally have a block of time to sew and create.
Ken is a big believer in a handmade Christmas, and I've been complaining about not having time to make these gifts like I've been wanting to, so he offered to take the little boys to the zoo on Saturday so I could work.
They are the zippered pouches from this tutorial. I call them "hotch-potch" because I used three different fabrics for each--two on the front plus a contrasting fabric on the back. It was very fun choosing and combining the fabrics for each pouch--it's a challenge for me, I'm not a natural with color or patterns, but each one was so satisfying.

These are going to go to the daycare ladies--4 at Rainer's daycare and one at Dieter's, plus probably my health clerk that I work with. I'd love to make more if I get another block of time, but we'll have to see. Part of my eternal problem is that I don't have a craft space I can leave set up, so if I do get a block of 20 or 30 minutes here or there (in the evening, or during a weekend nap) I can't work (because it takes almost that long to set everything up). Still, I have a million ideas of holiday oriented projects I'd still like to make, so we'll see. I'm an optimist.
My favorite part about these pouches is that when you open them you see the contrasting fabric on the back. I love the way they are put together-each piece is lined with itself--there are no raw edges--and the topstitching lends them such a nice crispness--almost an "envelope" quality.

So that's it--it's off to work again on this Monday morning. Faith's dance concert is this week, so she'll be tied up with rehearsals every afternoon, plus I have to stop at Costco on my way home from work soon--we're almost out of diapers. And next weekend we'll get our Christmas tree! It's shaping up to be a busy week. Happy Monday!

13 comments:

Roxanne said...

LOVE these pouches!!! And I think you have a great eye for putting together the fabrics-they look great.

Kate said...

so cute! I had a chance to sew this weekend for the first time in awhile too. it truly did feel good to just sit down and sew. I finished several Christmas gifts and then also made a "neck warmer" for myself and for etsy (check my blog tonight for more details on this one, so fun!!) and then I started a fabric teddy bear, which is so cool, but since I was up til 1am last night working on it I guess it makes sense that I accidentally sewed the head on sideways! :)

jessica said...

I love these! So cute and a little different from your normal pouch! And I love your fabric choices - so cute!

Sarah said...

How sweet of him to take the boys to the zoo so you could sew! You have such great taste in fabric.

Mama Said Sew said...

Those pouches are so cute! I might attempt a few for Christmas gifts too. Thanks for sharing the tutorial link. :)

amanda said...

Those are so cute!! I love the flatness of them, they look so crisp, like you said. And you have an awsome fabric stash by the way. *yum* to those pears.

Suzanne said...

Those came out so pretty! I love the fabrics, I think I recognize some from my stash of Superbuzzy:-)
I agree handmade gifts are so much more thoughtful.

taisa said...

These are terrific- I think you are natural at the fabric combinations! I hear you on the frustration of not being about to make stuff without a space. Glad you got a minute to break our the sewing goodies!

Melissa! said...

Neat pouches! I like contrasting fabrics that blend well together - it makes me happy :)
Handmade gifts are the best, they come from the heart. Beautiful work!

Kimberly said...

Oh those are just amazing my dear!!

I have the same problem with crafting..bits and bobs get on my nerves..I need a good long time to really focus.

Love to you and yours.

Gift of Green said...

Beautiful work, Mama! And love your advent calendar. Where has December gone already!?

mom go green said...

those are great. so cute! and i'm envious that you had time to be creative and productive. i am just gearing up to re-learn how to sew. where do you find your fabrics? your combinations are really nice.

Florence Knapp (Flossie Teacakes) said...

These pouches are gorgeous - I love the lining detail too! I also love your choice of fabrics (and am now feeling like I must place a Superbuzzy order in the new year!)

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I'm desperate to spend longer browsing your lovely blog, but with grandparents about to arrive for Christmas I know I had better get on with making beds up instead! I have bookmarked you and look forward to returning after Christmas.

Best wishes for a lovely break,
Florence x