I thought it would be fun to make my daughter-in-law and granddaughter each a zippered pouch for our upcoming trip to London. For me this was the obvious fabric choice for Jen's pouch. I quilted vertical lines about 1/2" apart then added a contrasting band of fabric across the front. The I Love London was cut from the fabric above and then fused and top stitched on like a patch.
I found the perfect ribbon in my stash (love when that happens).
I like the way Jen's turned out so much I made one for me with a handle. You can find the handle instructions here.
This was my inspiration for Sarah's pouch.
I quilted straight horizontal lines on muslin using blue thread then did a couple of vertical lines in red. I tried Soft and Stable batting for the first time on these bags and LOVE it. It's just firm enough to give them some shape and body, but doesn't make the finished bags too stiff. I'm not a big fan of iron on interfacing so this is the perfect product for my taste.
The "pictures" are cut from the fabric I used on Jen's pouch then fused and sewn to the front of the pouch. I glued on a charm and Bon Voyage button for interest and texture.
Love the Union Jack lining.
As I was making Sarah's bag I was planning this one. You might remember the fabric from this post. You know what they say, Little zippered bags are like potato chips - you can't make just one.
I used the tutorial found here for the basic construction except I tried a new technique for inserting the zipper. I think it looks so much better than the way I originally did the zipper.
See that little strip of black and white dot fabric there on the end of the zipper? Besides giving the bag a touch more style it helps the zipper lay flat in the seams. I'll never do zippers the old way again. Here's how I did it:
Cut a piece of contrasting fabric that measures 1 1/4" x 4"
Fold it in half lenghtwise with wrong sides together and press.
Open and press both sides to the center crease.
Refold center crease and press well again.
Using a nylon zipper (mine was 16" long) stitch across the zipper just to the inside of the bottom stop.
Trim about 1/8" away from the stitches.
Wrap the folded fabric strip around the cut end and stitch, then trim.
Measure zipper and cut 1" shorter than top of bag.
Unzip zipper a bit and stay stitch ends together.
Wrap end with fabric strip and sew. Trim.
Center zipper on bag and attach using instructions found here.
I've been shopping for British themed goodies to put inside. I was thrilled to find wonderful things at World Market and Pier One.
I hope my girls like them. They sure were fun to do.
Encourage one another,
