It's That Time Again

 Only one more of these first day photos to go. Time moves so quickly!

Roll Up Pen Holder

 I mentioned before that Rugrat loves to collect ALL the colors of the markers and pens she loves. I recently noticed this little gem on one of the sewing groups I follow and thought it might be just the ticket.

It was fairly simple to make. Three rectangles of the same size make up the inside, outside, and pocket. The pocket piece can be the same fabric or a different one (which I think is cuter). Then it's a matter of what you want to use for the tie. In this case, I used a piece of skinny bias tape that I just sewed shut. I was afraid a ribbon might fray with too much use.

You also need some interfacing and a piece of batting. So the ingredient list is pretty small. And even the rectangles aren't too large. You could use a couple of fat quarters to make this. They usually have some really cute ones to choose from.

Rugrat carried it off as soon as she saw what it was. It isn't nearly big enough for all her pens and markers. But I did tell her it would work nicely for trips in the car or other times when she really shouldn't take all of them with her.

It was quick to make and fairly easy too. I didn't even change out the foot on my sewing machine for the 'quilting' part as I usually do.

This is the tutorial I used. I didn't remember how similar mine turned out to hers. LOL

If you make one, share a picture. I'd love to see how it turned out!

It's the Little Things...

 We are in the last week before we start school again so I haven't been posting much. But I've still been sewing.

Gotta finish up that Summer Sewing Series with a bang, right?

So what have I been up to?

Well, I made another zipper bag. I know, shocking!

I actually really like this fabric for it. I'm surprised I haven't used it for one before now.

It's fully lined with boxed corners and a tag/handle/loop... whatever you call that thing.

I don't honestly remember which tutorial I followed to make this one but they are all pretty similar so you could probably just pick out a video that looks good and whose host doesn't annoy you to use. I think that was what happened with this one.

Because I had just finished this Zola Pen Pouch and I was pretty annoyed with it.

I think I just don't jive with this pattern maker person very well. I tried another of her patterns and I didn't enjoy it either.

I may give up on her site. If you find that her patterns are the stuff of your dreams though, go for it. She has a lot of cute ones there.


You may remember that I made some pad holders too. Well, I decided to make another sample just for kicks and giggles.

I think this one is really cute. I wish I had tried this fabric for some of these sooner.

 In fact, I decided I might try another zipper pouch in it. Don't worry, I won't bore you with it yet. :)

This tutorial can be found here.

Finally, I got around to something I've been needing but putting off doing. 

The black cord there is kept in my car. I use it to plug my phone in for trips or using the Android Auto app. I have purchased multiple shorter cords but they seem to wear out very quickly -- or, at least, stop working. So, I end up going right back to this 6 foot (I think) cord for something that only needs about 9 inches. 

As a result, the cord ends up hanging over into the floor of the passenger side, getting stepped on, wrapped around feet and purses, and generally being bothersome.

But that hasn't happened since I finally sat down and took the few minutes to churn these out. I keep thinking "why did I not just go ahead and make these?"

These are another thing that take almost no fabric. I literally throw away pieces that are this size when I am cutting out fabric for another pattern.

The fastener is the biggest decision you have to make. There are several ways to do it. I saw patterns for velcro, snaps, and, of course, this button and elastic. There was even on that used a ponytail holder. It seems there might be a few others too.

There are also lots of ways to make these. A simple search can bring you tutorials for pocket type cord keepers or a roll up organizer for cords. You can find different styles and decorative ones too. I saw one that had a kitty head on it. 

Here's a tutorial similar to what I made. I can't remember which one I used before. If you'd like to try a different type of fastener or style, just google 'sew cord keeper' and you'll have enough options to make your head spin.

So, that's what has been keeping the sewing machine busy at our house. How about yours?

Another Fun Scrapbuster

 As I mentioned, I have been trying (pretty successfully, I think) to use up some of my small scraps this summer.

In looking for ideas, I have come across this little memory game project. The biggest issue with it is that you have to be able to get two of the same little picture out of your scrap pieces. But it is definitely possible.

You just cut out your squares that are pictures. I applied some light interfacing to them although I really think I could have and probably should have skipped that part. 

The backs are easier because they will all be the same. So I cut out strips of the right width and just trimmed them as I went.

Then sew one back to each front leaving a little space for turning.

And make sure the right sides are together. I wasn't paying attention on my first piece. Oops.

It's not a sewing project until you've gotten out the seam ripper, right? 

So, what was I saying? Oh yes, sew them together.

And this is kind of nice because you can just do them one right after the other and then clip your threads at the end.

Before you turn them, clip the corners. I decided I probably should have trimmed them a little more too.

 Then turn them and iron them flat.

And topstitch around the edges, catching the open space you used to turn them so that it is closed.

The sewing itself is pretty simple stuff. 

I found it difficult topstitching them though because I had a left a little too much bulk so some of my lines are not as straight as I would like them to be.

All that sewing really wore out my co-worker.

After that was done, I made this little drawstring bag to hold them. I boxed the bottom so it would sit flat. I think it turned out pretty cute.

And then it was done.

Guess I'll have to find someone who might want it seeing as how there aren't any littles around here that might play with it.

I found this tutorial for it that I used. I ended up having to make my pieces slightly larger (I think it was a half-inch larger) than hers. My pictures needed a little more space and I still ended up cutting off an edge here or there.

Happy Independence Day!

 Hope you're celebrating the Fourth with family and friends.

And remembering how truly blessed we are.

A Different Zipper Pouch

 I was having some issues getting my zipper pouches right. Don't worry. I'm still on the search for an easy, not persnickety one with a zipper on top.

However, this was a fun and different one.  My new favorite sewing video maker suggested that these might make good pass-it-outs. 

That's right. It is pyramid shaped. 

They're called triangle pouches. Perfect for a lip balm and some cash. Or any little thing you want to take along.

And they have a handy little tab that can connect to a carabiner or clip of some sort so it's easy to carry.

Mostly, they are just really cute and different. I could even see making them into an ornament for the tree to put a little gift in.

I used this video to make these although a simple search will give you tons of options to use if you don't like this one.

Let me know if you try it out.

On to the Next Scrap Buster

 One thing I've been interested in doing with my scraps is zipper pouches. I tried this one already 

(embarrassed because I thought I had already posted this project-- you can find directions here )

but I think I'd rather have a zipper on top. 

We use zipper pouches for everything. Rugrat alone has quite a collection. She loves pens and markers and highlighters of all types so she has pouches for all of those things -- not to mention other things like jewelry, etc. that she keeps in them.

Every time we pack to go somewhere, I feel like I'm searching for a zipper pouch to organize this or that. And I use them to hold and organize lots of things. So you can see why I might be interested in making them.

I decided to give this one a try next.

While it turned out quite cute, I am not a fan of the pattern. The boxed bottom did not come out even and my lining ended up having a pleat on the bottom because my pieces (that were cut from the same pattern piece) did not come out right. 

I have no problem taking the fault for that but I think the patten might be a little too persnickety for me.

If you'd like to try it out, you can find it here. And props to her for making it free. 

Let me know if it works for you.