Some quick and easy sewing

Since my maternity leave ended and I went back to work three weeks ago, my sewing time has been greatly reduced (obviously!).  Because I only have short its of time here and there, I've made a few quick projects so I could finish something.

First, I had a vision of a small pouch in linen with some Liberty and lace trim.  I decided to use the Inset Zip pouch pattern from Michelle Patterns.  I've made this pattern before and it is fabulous.

After searching through my stash, I decided on a grey Moda Crossweave (linen-like but not linen!), some blue/purple Liberty, and some sweet crocheted trim I picked up at Joann's.



I LOVE how this turned out!  The strips of Liberty on the front, with the crocheted lace peeking out, are just perfect in my mind.

I used a navy zipper to match.



And used one of my VERY precious larger pieces of Liberty that I got in my Purl Soho rainbow bundle for the lining.  The piece I had was 9"x12" and was JUST big enough to cut out the two lining pieces for this smaller pattern size.  The lining matches perfectly!!



I also added a small strap to the pouch, to make it a wristlet.  This isn't part of the original pattern but I added in following instructions from another of my Michelle Patterns.

Well, this first project started the ball rolling.  Next up was an Easy Grocery Bag.

I've got so many half yards of fabric, and a half yard is the perfect size for both the outside and lining of the largest size in the pattern. (Although the pattern says you need a larger piece, you can get away with 1/2 yards for both outside and lining if you use a third fabric for the handles).



I used Alexander Henry Farmdale for this one.  These are the larger scale apples.  How perfect is that for a market bag?



The lining is the matching crosshatch from the same line.

And I didn't stop there!  I decided to make a little matching pouch, following Michelle's dumpling tutorial.



So cute! I only had a 12" zipper, so I had to make the smaller "harder" size.  But it wasn't hard at all.  The tutorial was very clear and so easy, and I finished this up in about an hour or two.



Isn't it cute and tiny? I can't wait to make more of these!  Perfect for all those fat quarters you've got sitting around.  I just realized this post sounds like an ad for Michelle Patterns--but I just love them! They're so clear and easy to follow and I've loved everything I've made.

It's so nice to have some quick finishes! I've actually finished one more zip pouch, from a Noodlehead tutorial, but don't have any pics yet.  I seem to be on a zipper kick. I'm about ready to place an order from Zipit on Etsy so I can make more! :)