17 October, 2019

Hello, Pouch!

I bought the pattern for the "Hello Pouches" (knot and thread design) and was eager to make some up, I thought that they were cute, functional and a nice alternative to the paper gift bag for small Christmas gifts. I made one up yesterday as a trial. I'm happy to report that it's a well-written pattern with easy to follow instructions and access to online video tutorials. I made the "large" size (7.5" X 6.75" X 4.25") only because that's how much clear vinyl I happened to have in the house. I learned a few things along the way, if you want to make some let me pass along these tips:
Use a "Jeans" needle. The one that I used was 100/16. There are lots of bulky bound seams to sew through and the heavier needle is most valuable here, sew slowly too! I love Wonder Tape and I used a good bit of it on this bag.
As you can see in this photograph there are narrow, turned, top-stitched bindings; the Wonder Tape, when applied along the folded edge before turning, ensures those narrow hems will remain straight and smooth. I have not had any problems with the product gumming up my needle, it delivers nice results. Every bit of this bag has finished, bound edges, even along the zipper tape; those straight, flat hems are pretty and I can't get results like that when I use pins and am stopping and starting to remove them. Since the bag is see-through (the beauty of the pouch to begin with!) you want your finished seams to look extra-nice.
The zipper is made from one half of a handbag zipper-- the two sides are separated, the pull removed, and then threaded back on both ends of the zipper tape which has been folded in half. One thirty inch, double slide, zipper will make two bags. There's a trick to finessing the pull back on, (and a video that I watched three times!) that takes a bit of practice, but I got it. I added a fabric tie and attached it to the zipper pull to make opening easier. All in all, this is a nice bag and I will make more;  I can see lots of practical uses for this one. One down; a bunch to go!! 

And just in case you thought that I was running out of projects(!), I made a quick trip with friends to the Pineapple Warehouse sale today; they were selling fabric by the POUND, it is a great deal!
Warehouse shopping going on-- fabric by the pound!
I ended up bringing home lots of pieces (pounds!!) for quilt backs as well as this fabric for these two quilts (below)-- a table topper for Christmas and a wall quilt for our youngest granddaughter for her birthday next January (backings on the bottom of the stacks). These will be projects to keep me busy at two upcoming retreats scheduled for next month--perfect timing! I hope your day is a pieceful one!

Life is Good!

4 comments:

cityquilter grace said...

lovely pouches and tips always welcome...you must be back in NH then right?

Lindah said...

I so agree with your opening comments. Many years ago, my father explained that sort of language by saying that it was due to speaker's lack of education/limited vocabulary that he/she was unable to adequately express him/herself in proper English. Because the problem exists across every social line today --60 years later-- I believe the root cause is deeper.

Your bag is lovely; so professionally done. What a find with your fabrics by the pound. Happy sewing!

Charleen said...

These bags are perfect for gift giving! I know my grandchildren will love them! I made zip pouches with vinyl fronts a few years ago. I cut strips of tissue paper to keep the seam moving through easily. Wonder tape would be a vast improvement ;-) Thanks for the tips!!

jude's page said...

Love the bag, great finish, and sounds like you had some great purchases. Not heard of buying fabric by the pound before, but did find that fabric in the US to be much less costly than here in Australia. Most shops sell at $24 - $26 per metre.