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
