Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Holiday Stitching

I've enjoyed a little Easter holiday stitching!

Whilst at the Australasian Quilt Convention I spent quite some time browsing around the Nicole Mallalieu Design stall. Such pretty bags, pouches and hats, so many patterns, bag/pouch hardware, and different interfacing materials.  So tempting to branch out, but where to start?


Well, with the simplest of all, an easy (but not too small and fiddly) pouch.  I purchased the Make-up Purse Kit  which came together with 4 zippers and a detailed pattern including step by step instructions, diagrams and photos.  Nicole provided much needed assistance in choosing the appropriate interfacing.  (Nicole also has loads of information on her website regarding WHEN, WHERE and WHAT TYPE of interfacing to use on her blog:  click here).
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My first attempt at following this pattern was the blue pouch (on the right) with interfacing, but I chose to omit the lining. It eventually came together beautifully, although not without having to use my seam ripper on a number of occasions!  I also realized that a pouch without lining isn't all that pretty on the inside.
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And so on my second attempt, and together with some patchwork piecing on the front and back of the pouch, I followed all of the patterns instructions including the lining ~ a pretty Katie Jump Rope fabric print in green.

In the process of making these pouches I've practised my zip sewing technique, changed the presser foot more often than in any other project,  snapped two sewing machine needles (because I'd forgotten to change the presser foot) and spent time with the seam ripper, but I've learned so much.

Handy references:
Nicole's Blog:  http:  http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/  
Nicole Mallalieu Design website: http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/
Nicole's Sewing Tips and Tutorial : http://www.nicolemdesign.com.au/tips/index.html ~ and I wish I had read some of these before I started making these pouches.
Tips on applying interfacing: http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2008/10/few-hints-for-using-interfacing.html

Stepping outside of my comfort zone was a little intimidating.  Now back to making more quilts ...

Edited to add:  the blue/white floral fabric (as seen in the pouch without any patchwork piecing) is a linen/cotton blend print by Cosmo.

22 comments:

  1. I would say that it's a very nice view outside your comfort zone! Great job and beautiful fabrics!

    Hugs from Norway

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  2. I always break needles when I change feet .....
    Your pouches look great ...Whats next ???

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  3. particularly like your patchwork version!

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  4. I am too intimidated to try a zipper, but I'vwe bought supplies to also make a little zip-pouch. You've inspired me - I will take a crack at it over teh weekend! I only hope my results are as nice as yours. My seam-ripper is ready!

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  5. Good for you to try something new!

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  6. These are so sweet! I really love the patchwork pouch.

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  7. sometimes it's nice to step outside of what we normally make! both bags are very cute!

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  8. Gorgeous!!! Love the patchwork :)

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  9. way to go, stepping out of your comfort zone like that! good for you! I too want to try a pouch but just haven't bitten yet--maybe you have inspired me to just go for it!

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  10. I bought some zippers a few weeks ago just to have handy and try some pouches but I haven't had the chance yet. Your's look great!

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  11. Love the pouches - I've been trying to work up the nerve to try one myself. Are the side seams of the lining hidden, or exposed and zig-zagged or serged? ~Karen

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  12. They are lovely, -really like your second attempt with the patchworked piece. x

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  13. I can so feel the frustration with broken needles and the unpicker. Still, you have bravely gone there and Thanks for the lead and the info. I wonder where my zipper foot is??

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  14. I really like that blue and white fabric Rita. What is it?

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  15. thank you so much for the links. I always get intimidated by the interfacing part...

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  16. I made the same purses as my first project from Nicole's incredible array of choices and I probably had the same amount of discomfort making them. In the end, although I thought my attempts were just okay, a friend came over and happily snapped one up for herself. Love your fabric choices.

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  17. The bag with the patchwork row is looking so fresh and crisp. Stepping outside one's comfort zone definitively paid off!

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  18. Broken needles... blech. Thanks for the reminder as I'll be sewing my first zip pouch in a bit. They're quite cute, Rita!

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  19. They're adorable! And I love the green lining on your patchwork pouch. Great job!

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  20. Ok I must apologize I did have a little giggle as I read your post, it is something about breaking needles that I find amusing. Well done for going out of your comfort zone they look fabulous.

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  21. Many thanks for all the links!! Keep practising with those zippers! It get's easier as you go along (..and I tend to sew the whole thing up with my zipper foot).

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