Just keep zipping: another pouch and a free pattern

After loving my last zippy bag, I realized I should probably make one for myself. I need a pouch to keep my knitting/crochet notions in to replace the ziploc bag currently in use. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, but isn't it funny how us crafty people make nice things for others, but neglect ourselves?

Nice and big for all my knitting needs

I decided to treat myself. I wanted to feature a Tula Pink raccoon on one side, but I couldn't find a pattern that worked to keep the whole animal intact (who wants to cut off a raccoon's tail?!). So I made one! This was my first attempt to design a foundation paper pieced pattern, and after lots of false starts, and some drawing in the steam on the shower door, I figured out what I wanted to do. 

I love that little face!

Then I chose fabrics that coordinated, and set to work sewing. When I finished, I was so proud that it worked!

It's perfect!

With the front side done, it was time to think about the other side. I was thinking originally to do another postcard, but this bag is larger, so the stamps looked dwarfed on the page. I decided instead to use a print from the Brambleberry Ridge line, paired with a cream solid on which to do some embroidery. I embroidered my name, and appliquéd a little Lizzy House cat. 

It has my name on it.... I guess I get to keep it!

Then: I installed the zipper, but forget to top stitch over the zipper.  I sewed up the outside shell and liner before realizing I had missed a step.  I debated just running with it, but I really think that top stitch is the difference between a professional final product and an amateur final project.  So I had to rip stitches (and fabric-oops!), repair fabric holes, top stitch over zipper, re-sew up outside shell and liner, turn right side out, stitch closed hole, and then... Voila! Done!

This couldn't have come together better

And of course, when in doubt, put a bird on it!

An adorable zipper pull

I've very happy with this bag, and just keep petting it. The little details just make it so special to me. 

Hand embroidered name

Applique cat (my favourite!)

Look at that precision!

If you like the pattern for the raccoon side, good news! I am sharing it with you! Click here for a printable template with dimensions. If you use the pattern, please tag me in a picture on Instagram (@_LT_Smash), comment below, or direct me to your blog! Id love to see what you make with it!

My first quilt project - Briar Rose for Briar Rose

When I saw Heather Ross' Briar Rose line of fabric from Windham Fabrics, I knew I wanted to make a quilt for my niece, Briar Rose. Since I had never attempted quilting before, I decided to make a simple patchwork front, featuring all the different patterns in the line. I included solid squares of purple, light yellow, and white as well, to provide some visual contrast with all the patterns. Cutting all the squares took forever!

 The raw materials

I fiddled with a random layout of the squares, making sure that no patches of the same colour or pattern family were touching. When I sewed all the squares together, I did it in rows, then sewed the rows together.... Looking back, it would have been better to make smaller blocks and then sew the blocks together- my squares don't line up exactly... I added a border of white with mitred corners, and called the front done!

The front

For the back, I wanted to feature a fabric with writing on it, preferably one that had a storybook feel to it, as Heather Ross is a picture book illustrator. I found the perfect fit with Heartfelt from the Littlest collection from Art Gallery Fabrics. It includes phrases like "love you to the moon and back", "the littlest things take up the most room in our hearts", "ready for an adventure" and "life is better with you". So sweet! I also wanted to include some of the Briar Rose fabrics arranged in a loose colour gradient. I decided to make a cross out of the small squares, and where they cross over, include a personalized quilt label I made from an iron-on transfer kit.

Personalized quilt label

I did a much better job getting my seams to line up on the back! 

The back

I used a thin cotton batting for the middle, and quilted it with some free motion vines and leaves.

Quilted vine and leaf details

Quilted rose details

I stitched some roses into all four corners, and hand bound the whole thing with the same purple I included in the front. What a fun project, I have enjoyed every step along the way and definitely want to make more quilts!

The finish product (front)

The finished product (back)

All rolled up and ready to gift!