For my next project I made a small zippered pouch. I thought that it would be ideal for storing my sewing or knitting bits and pieces. My inspiration was from the Strippy Charm Purse on the Moda Bake Shop site. I tweaked the proportions to suit me and decided to put the spotty strip at top instead of the bottom. Instead of a charm pack I used some 5 inch squares from my scrap box. I also left out the wrist strap.
I was fairly happy with the way that it turned out, however there were a couple of niggles. These mainly concerned the zip. I didn't feel that the finish on the zip ends was neat enough and I think that my top stitching could have been neater.
I have found a tutorial on adding zipper tabs to create a neater finish on the Flossie Teacakes site. I am resolved to try again and to do a better job next time.
My pincushion in the picture above is made from a small bone china vase that I found in Green Park Station Market in Bath when we visited last year. It only cost £1.50 but as soon as I saw it I realised that it would make a perfect sewing accessory. I cut out a circle from some vintage fabric (bought at a local antiques fair) and ran a gathering thread around the edge. I then pulled up the gathering thread and stuffed the shape before gluing it into the vase with some PVA.
It is hard to tell from the photograph but it is quite small, only 8cm high (approx 3 inches). Just the right size to keep next to my sewing machine. The added bonus is every time I look at it I am reminded of a lovely day spent with my Other Half.
Finally this week I started to cut up some more fabric scraps for English Paper Piecing. I am in need of something soothing to do at the moment. When I need relaxation I normally turn to knitting, knitting socks in particular. However that is not possible at the moment. Three months ago I was diagnosed with calcific tendonitis in my left shoulder. I am having treatment for the condition and I am told that it will eventually go away. But knitting is far too painful at the moment. Just 5 minutes with my knitting needles brings on intense pain.
Hand piecing is supposed to be as soothing as knitting. So I am going to give it a try. So far I have cut out lots of hexagons using a handy acrylic template I got free with an issue of Quilt Now magazine, last year.
The next step is to tack the hexagons onto paper foundations before sewing them all together. I will let you know how I get on in my next post.
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