Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I"ve Gotten Carried Away

There are advantages and disadvantages to having a scientific background.  For me, the biggest disadvantage is that when thinking about a project, I envision all the permutations and variations.
I can't help myself.  It's very hard to constrain myself.  I work very hard to FOCUS - sometimes.
 
I made this zippered pouch before I left for Key West using the tutorial for easy zippy pouches on a blog called dog under my desk. The directions are wonderful and if you have ever struggled to insert a zipper into a pouch, Erin shows you the easiest way ever.
 
The directions are for a pretty small pouch.  It was too small for my purposes.  I enlarged the directions and made this pouch to carry my key, money, credit cards and phone when I rode my bike.
 
I knew I wanted to make more and brought fabric with me for this purpose.  It was supposed to be one fun day while working on my Bailey quilt.  One day turned into 3 days, because I just kept imagining all the possibilities.  I ended up with 12 zippy pouches and a handbag!
 
 A trio from my new favorite color combination- orange and pink!
It's a batik.  I really like choosing a contrasting zipper color.
 This bag was cut as 10"x13".  I added a gusset.  they are very easy to do.
These smaller pouches were made 2 at a time.
 I quilted a 10"x10" square and then cut it in half to 5"x10".
These long pouches can be use as pencil cases or for brushes or for a rotary cutter.
They are both made from fabric treated with vinyl  The starting dimension was 9"x11".
I put a piece of batting inside of the bicycle one.
 I do love this bicycle fabric.  I started with 1/2yd that I bought on a visit to The City Quilter in NYC. I see more zippered pouches in its future.
 Not so successful use of a photo printed on fabric. 
Not enough contrast and the stitching was too distracting.
 Successful use of a photo on fabric.  A gift for a friend.

 So then I thought, why couldn't a make a shoulder bag using this zippered pouch technique.
At first I was going to choose a nice conservative black fabric, but decided to use a WOW! fabric.
Looking at it finished I realized that it is not really that wow,
 so maybe next time I will choose a show stopper.

 
This started with a sandwich measuring 10"x 18". 
After quilting it, I added an inside pocket.
I sewed a bottom seam and then I stitched down the middle.
I like a place where it is easy to find my phone and camera.
This is the hardware that I used.  There are not a lot of places to shop for sewing supplies here, but I found the clips at Ben Franklin. The plastic for the strap handle, I 'borrowed" from the back strap of an inexpensive backpack. 
I think it will make a great, lightweight travel purse.
It fits across my body - and it's adjustable.
 
Now that I have had a play day that turned into 3 days, it's time to get back to the Bailey quilt.

5 comments:

  1. I think I need more of a math brain, directions and measurements mess me up, lol. I like the plastic snap hooks, those are nice for camera pouches and seems like an easy way to make handles for fun pouches.

    Debbie

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  2. The Orange & Pink combo just makes me smile. They were my favorite colors (preferrably together) when I was a little girl. Of course, the last time they were popular together was when I was a little girl (late 60's, early 70's)

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  3. Well done! These are terrific. How was the vinyl coated fabric to work with? Interesting use for it. The variety of sizes make these perfect for just about any use. I like the idea of one to take on bike rides.

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  4. what FUN! I ♥ the wow purse colors! so plum-y (in my head) and delish!!

    thanks for the link to the tutorial - I always struggle with zips - mine often come out a little wonky or short on one side seam or the other. :( I'm going to print it off & take it into my sewing room - right NOW.

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  5. Wow! Busy girl! I hope you made one for me!

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