This year I promised myself that I would do more “slowdown sewing.” It’s a loose term I’m using to define projects that . . .
a. have no deadline
b. probably involve some handwork
c. possibly require me to learn a new technique or try a new product
d. most likely can be done in a comfy chair while watching TV with the hubby or while travelling
That might sound like a silly definition. But in my mind, it makes perfect sense. And since I’m the boss, I can refine this definition as I go along. I have to tell you, I’m feeling completely rejuvenated by this whole idea!
I have planned my first Slowdown Sewing Project, but I’m not going to share that with you quite yet. I got so excited by the thought of my first project that I had to make a quick pouch to store my supplies. Quilting friends, this was a totally fun sewing project.
I\’ve made several zipped pouches in the past couple of years. This time I followed a wonderful video tutorial available from Fat Quarter Shop and Sherri McConnell: the Simple Zipper Bag. This webpage link also provides a supply list and several photos showing size options. I made their large bag (10\” x 10 1/2\”), but mine is actually 1\” taller as I wanted a taller band of text fabric at the top. It\’s very easy to customize this bag to suit your needs!
You could break open a new mini charm pack for this project, or use what you have on hand. I pulled some Fig Tree & Company favorites from my stash. Once I had the patchwork pieced, I quilted it using Aurifil 50 wt 2021 (natural white) and added a bit of crocheted trim and a button. The fun is in the details, isn\’t it?
You could break open a new mini charm pack for this project, or use what you have on hand. I pulled some Fig Tree & Company favorites from my stash. Once I had the patchwork pieced, I quilted it using Aurifil 50 wt 2021 (natural white) and added a bit of crocheted trim and a button. The fun is in the details, isn\’t it?
You can see in the next picture that I\’ve used a soft tan dot for my lining. Perhaps my favorite thing about the construction of this bag is that we bind it like a small quilt. It creates both a pretty and firm finished edge!
Since this bag will store my Aurifil 80 wt. hand applique thread for my first Slowdown Sewing Project (hint, hint), I decided to also make a needle book. The text print from Fig Tree\’s Chestnut Street collection is just perfect for a needle book!
My needle book is very simple. It doesn’t have any fancy compartments or doo-dads, but I think she’s pretty cute and will serve her purpose.
I encourage you to check out this tutorial by the Fat Quarter Shop, and I hope you’ll stop by again when I share my first Slowdown Sewing Project.
Maybe you’ll even been inspired to sew along! 🙂
~Taunja
Very lovely and inspiring things 🙂 here and all over your blog… Pastel colour palette is very much to my liking…Thank you for sharing
Thank you for your kind words Lily! 🙂
I had to come over to your blog to see it up close! It's just so pretty! And I love the concept of slowdown sewing! I think I need to incorporate some of that into my goals!
Cute, cute, cute!
Thank you for stopping by! I'm sure you have deadlines galore. Hope you do find time for a little slowdown sewing . . . and I hope I stick to it as well! 😉
Hey thanks Barbara!
This is so sweet and I think a lot simpler than gusseted pouches, your style is lovely as always.I too love to just sew for pleasure but at the moment only wee projects sneak in amongst the must do's.Glenis
Your little zippy pouch and needle case is beautiful.
I've been wanting to make one of these zipper pouches and a needle book! Yours are so sweet! I'm inspired!
Thanks so much Glenis! This was a really fun and easy project. I should probably set aside some time to make some as gifts. I think the pencil case size would be really nice! Have a great weekend!
Thanks so much Leanne . . . in our Figgy favorites! 🙂
Oh I hope you will . . . it is a really fun and easy tutorial. And so easy to customize to the size or even shape that you want! Thanks for stopping by to check it out! 🙂
I love the idea of \”slow down sewing\”! I just walked away from trying to finish up 2 items for gifts to give this weekend. Even though I'm very pleased with how they are turning out, it's stressful. Your bag is beautiful! I've got the tutorial bookmarked but haven't made anything yet. Just like so many other things. Thanks for the idea – I think you gave a good hint as to what will be involved in your first project 🙂
Beautiful fabric and bag with extra embellishments! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I'm going to have to try this.
Looked so pretty on Instagram that I wanted to see more pics here. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!
Isn't that the truth. Sometimes we get ourselves so stressed out over the deadlines, but I suppose especially with gifts it's because we are so excited to give and make someone else happy. This was a really fun and easy make. I definitely want to make one again in pencil case size I think!
Thank you Monica! It is really fun and I hope you do give it a whirl. I know I will make another someday. Great project!
Hello! Thanks for zipping over here from IG! 🙂 That's so nice! It sure was a fun project. I love using my favorite scraps!
I actually went and looked through Jolly Jabber tutorials and had so much fun watching….. I've seen this project before but you reminded and 're-inspired'… 🙂 So nice to see different versions. but not at all easy to decide on what one's own should be…
That is sure the truth! So many cute and fun things to make that it becomes hard to decide! 🙂 I know I want to make a pencil sized bag some day!
The needle book is sooooo cute! Anything Fig Tree is a winner winner, especially those low volume prints!! *swoon* And dare I say the pouch is on that never ending to-do list of things I want to make!! I love visiting your blog. It sure has made my rainy day a lot less gloomy today!!
Well I am sure glad to lift someone else's gloom . . . I am so thankful for people who do that for me. I agree! Anything Fig Tree is a winner in my book! Thanks for visiting Tuki!
Oh so pretty Taunja. You picked the perfect fabric! I have not been at my machine in months. The holidays came and with it the severe illness and death of one of my beloved dogs. Then it was back up to the vet several hours away to have her brother checked and he has the same thing she has but currently is at a mild stage. So I am busy at my job and try to spend time with all of my pets because now I see that dogs do not live long like cats. I am collecting fabric now though mostly civil war reproduction but I adore Fig Tree. The colors are so soft. Enjoying all that you sew!Karen in NC
Hi Karen! I have noticed your absence and am so sorry for your loss! It is so hard when we lose a pet. We still miss our dog Sandy, and she has been gone many years now. I hope you will find time to get that sewing machine whirring again! Have a lovely weekend! 🙂
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