Patchwork Folder & zippered pouch

You might have seen patchwork folder {w.i.p. photos} over the holiday break.  The patchwork folder and zippered pouch set just finished on Monday night as I was debating if I should add {something} to it. I made a belt for the folder and it turns out very satisfactory.

Every other two years, my family  purchase an electronic equipment for me. This year, I ask for a tablet. Since we travel often during the summer time and take long distance flights to visit family. The laptop has becoming a heavy belong for me and on top of that extra clothes and S' belongs.  It didn't feel like traveling when we get on our second flight, but felt like moving a load of truck with us. When the i-pad arrived, I set it by the Christmas tree for 2 hours. didn't wait till Christmas to open it.  I had to see what it looks like and how does it work. Many how questions still pops up and I am confused with new app. downloading and using i-tune..etc.

Then, my second action was start measuring the size of i-pad. I have to protect it, so it can really travel with me.  I used some small scraps from last few tote projects then patch them into small nine-patch blocks then play with block and white prints. Lately, black and white prints are speaking loudly to me. It seems catch my eye first before other colors.  It took a few days to decided on the closure design as I was hand-quilting. Originally, I plan use zipper, but when did the mock up look it didn't work as well as I like.  Something simple and easy access was what I after. Then I decided to make a simple patchwork style folder, so I can take the i-pad out as I need and insert it in when I put it away.

Then of course, a zippered pouch is needed for the charger and future ear phone { if there's one for i-pad}. Or other related products need to take along in the trip. The match set style is the first time I attempted. It is challenging and fun to come out different designs, but use similar fabric combo colors and consider how to give these scrap a new life.

 Metal zippers are my preference type of zipper!

The lining fabric was found at Jo-ann's. It is really cute! No interfacing for the lining or small pockets insert.  The roomy space is always nice!

 { i thought you might like to see the behind the scene photo.. this is how I photography}.

The belt! The patchwork folder was finished over the weekend and I take it with me from room to room, but knowing something is missing.  It feels like something needs to be added in order to secure the folder. So I measured around the folder and make a belt for it. Sewn Velcro for the nice closure.

 After I finished the belt. I saw {home} and though it is perfect as the gift was from home.

 { to prove the belt is sturdy}

Both patchwork pieces were hand-quilted. When I was hand-quilting these, I left out some other sewing project, so there are few packages still isn't completed to send out at this moment.  I felt eager to finish the patchwork folder and the zippered pouch, so I can take it with me when school starts. The laptop can stay home and my backpack will be lighter.

I think I've gone too far on this project, but it turns out very {Chase}.  I will be making another set, but in different patchwork style for my sister. I hope she will like them... {Sometimes, I can't read her mind :) }.

Lately, I have been sewing small patchwork pieces, but I have just start a new quilt. Have you read { Jolene aka Blue Elephant Stitches Post?} She starts her {Single Girl} and I decided to quilt along with her. There was a {quilt along group} a few years ago? I bought the pattern that time, but never make the quilt. It would be another great quilt to make and time for pulling fabric out and make a little mess.

Link up with {crazymomquilts: Finish up Friday}


xxc

Her Kin-cha-ku aka {drawstring bag}

 { Mr. Rocky paper piecing pattern}

 { S for Stella}

 { additional handle for s}

 { S kept telling me, the deer print is SO cute}

 { took longer time to make it}

 { she wants to take it window shopping}

{ her kin-cha-ku}

One of S' holiday present was {Mr. Rocky} kin-cha-ku aka {drawstring bag}. It took longer time to make, since she's in bed around 9a.m. Each night, I took about 30 minutes or longer for the hand-quilting then tuck it away.  It was hard to decided if I should personalized this bag for her, but I did! I used the her initial S in the back of the bag. When she open the box for few second she asked why not Stella, maybe next one, I replied.

After made four different kin-cha-ku, {here}, {here}, {here}, {here}. I knew I had to change something for S'.  She needs a handle to carry it! The only time she carries her purse is when she needs to buy something from the store. The messenger bag I made for her is getting smaller, but she still loves it.

With the new kin-cha-ku, I though she could put her wallet inside and maybe things that she needs.The closure is on the top, so that would leave extra room for her to use. Hand-quilting is perfect for it.

edit: thank you for email me about the large PDF files that you aren't able to access to.. I got both pattern resize and ready to go.. shouldn't have problem, but do let me know! Enjoy~

Another handmade holiday in 2012~

xxC 

Tutorial: Frech Seam Style Drawstring bag

 

My love of drawstring bags is growing over the years. It is great for wrapping gifts, use for traveling, sorting toys, and surprise someone a full bag of goodies at the office door.. so on.. It is really simple to make and I took many photos to show you the details.. Shall we  

Any sizes fabric piece in your preference would work! In this tutorial, I used a 1/2 of a fat quarter  instead of two separated pieces.

The sewing is called French Seam and this is what I found for the definition of it  {{In a French seam, the raw edges of the fabric are fully enclosed for a neat finish. The seam is first sewn with wrong sides together, then the seam allowances are trimmed and pressed. A second seam is sewn with right sides together, enclosing the raw edges of the original seam {wikipedia}}}.

Fold the fabric wrong side together in half { in lengthwise}

Make a 2" mark down from the top

{pencil, b-gone pen works}

{ Set your seam allowance to 1/8"}

-Sew the edge: start from the 2" mark all the way down { repeat on the other side}

{Backstitch the beginning and at the end}

 {Both side of the edge would look like above image}

- trim both bottom corners

{less bulky when you flip}

- turn the sewn piece outside in

 - adjust the corner

 {both corners should look like above image; clean corners}

 -press both side seams and corners with iron

 -set your seam allowance to 1/4"

-sew both edges
 {second seam is sewn with right sides together, enclosing the raw edges of the original seam}

this is how: sew along the edge with 1/4" seam allowance

Stop on the 2" mark you made; move your bag side way and sew/ close the 1/4 seam.

 

 To close the edge,  you would make a L sewing

 - Finish both 1/4" seam sewing 

-Flip the bag

 -Check your both side of the top edges

Press seams flat on the top edges
{ the first raw edge is 1/8" which is shorter then the second edge fold}

There are total four sewing action for this

 Sew on the first raw inner edge and second inner edge together.

Repeat for 4 times in total

{ When four edges are done, the bag will look like above photo}

{Now creating channels for looping strings}

 Open the top

- fold 1/4" first, press with iron

- then fold 3/4" to the edge of top closure, press with iron

 - sew on the both edges of the folded piece

 {After finish, the bag should look like above photo}

On the both side of the bag, you've just created two channels for loop strings.

 {for string}

There are many strings that you can choose from 

The left is 100% cotton and the right is 100% cotton, but thicker and fancier. 

I found them at our local craft stores. 

For the traveling/ sorting toys purpose, I would recommended use thicker strings.

 {Measure your string}
needed two same length of strings.
Take your string and fold it in half 

Needed 2" longer than the cross width of the bag

 Use a pin to loop

- make a loose tie on the pin then loop it through the both side channel you created
 Repeat for another side

 Tie the string ends together

 {After loop the strings, the bag will look like above photo}

 Now! you have a {french seam style drawstring bag}

Please let me know if there's any step is not clear. I'd be happy to answer and if you make one base on this tutorial. Please join me and other friends at { made with 1/4" mark flickr pool} 

xxC

Random: Sew Fresh

 {  scrappy patchwork}

 {before 2013}

 {fun}

 { from old to new}

 { the station}

 { new year cards, from xo S}

 {for stamp quilt}

 {prints from the past}

 { do you have stashes like this around?}

 { like this, but different corner?}

 {maybe a box of thread}

{ pin board 2013}

Like every year, I stay up for the night to welcome the new year to arrive.  The sound from furnace running, sewing machine clunking, movie playing, S breathing from her gentle sleep, and iron steaming.... It really was the kind of night that I get to simmer through my new year incoming events in my head; calm and still.

Before 2013 arrived, I cut more 1.5"x1.5" fabric and added to the Stamp Quilt box and it is full!  It is time to start this project. I started this Stamp Quilt box over two years ago, when I saw {Katy's scrap vomit} { she also has a tutorial}.  I truly love the way she plays with her scraps. Few weeks back, {Amanda Jean aka crazymomquilts} has her finished up. I am in love with these quilts and of course, I need to make one myself. So, I shall have first of 2013 quilt in progress.  The plan for me is make a few blocks a week and enjoy each simple process. 

As a stash hoarder builder, I would like to add purples, oranges, browns, and greens into the stash. It is hard to find the ones that feel right and bravely order them. It will be a good challenging for me.

The {pin board} is clear last night. A space for these scrap patchwork is needed. As I look at them, they are fairly small! Each patchwork piece is finished at 7.5"x7.5" and BIG quilt is what I have in mind.

The first day of 2013, we are busy sewing and reading. Hope you have a sew fresh 2013 to start with your first day of 2013.

xxC