Addicted to Zipper Pouches

I'm hooked!

Sometimes I just need to make something that I can accomplish quickly. Little zipper pouches can be done in all kinds of shapes and sizes and are a great stash buster.

Over the past couple of weeks, I made these using lots of different patterns and fabric scraps. I used interfacing and lined all of them because I like for the bags to have a little stiffness. The zippers are getting easier with each one that I finish.

My Mom confiscated this one for a make-up bag. Using fabric protection spray makes it washable.



These are a good size for phones, and other small electronics. 

 
Thread, bobbins, seam rippers and other small tools fit nicely to carry to classes.

This one is a favorite! It is just the right size to hold your rotary cutter.

What a cute way to organize all of my stuff!

A Little Spring in the Middle of a Blizzard

Here comes another Pennsylvania winter.

I've been stuck in the house for days!!!!

Yea, I have time to work on a couple of UFOs. I finished another Just Right Bag. The floral fabric came from Yankee Pride Quilts in Essex Junction, VT. The ladies there were warm, friendly and helpful. I was a visitor to the area but I think they have made a regular customer out of my Vermonter Uncle I hope to get back there for the Vermont Shop Hop 2015.

The colors did a great job of cheering me up in the middle of this cold, blustery, dreary weather. The fabric is bright and the pattern is practical. It has lots of pockets sewn on the inside as well as a zipper pocket on the outside of the front and an adjustable strap.The first two of these that I completed had snaps on the top and I realized that a zipper would be better when I dumped mine out all over the car, lol.

As if this bag wasn't girly enough, I added an adorable little silver high heeled shoe to the zipper pull. 

The recipient of this bag is a favorite Aunt who did a great job of passing on her obsession with beautiful shoes. Just Right is perfectly Aunt Bernie.  Which brings me back to the point, the past two days were spent working on this sunny, happy project for Aunt Bernie even though the freezing wind howled and the snow just keeps coming and coming and coming.

It's a Ghastlie Friday!

My Ghastlie Swap package was a truly special and appreciated end to this week!

 My Ghastlie swap partner is Jennifer Wellbord from Arizona.

I am at a loss for words, (which is rare for me).

Jennifer did an amazing job. This is a very generous, creative and fun swap gift.

The first thing I saw in this very full box was an adorable little pouch that is a perfect size for carrying around little supplies or even a fun reminder of my real life when carrying small items when I have to travel for business.

Next were some fun stickers, tape, mustaches (yes! mustaches) and two adorable pairs of socks.

These will really come in handy for our company Halloween party.

Finally is this GORGEOUS quilt.

I just LOVE it!

The center block is a good example of why so many of us went nuts over this fabric line. The quilt is backed by a coordinating fabric from this year's release. 

I am a Halloween fanatic and this quilt will now be a treasured part of my decorating.

 I am consistently amazed by this fun, cool, helpful, educational and most of all, friendly world of modern quilters. 

Thank you so much Kathy for hosting this swap and Thank You Jennifer!



Hi to all the Sister Thing Swap Sisters!

This was my second bag, ever!

I made it for Bea at www.beaquilter@blogspot.com in the:

I have to admit that I was a little intimidated about my sister having so much more quilting experience than I do but I soon got past it.

I have been a follower of Bea's blog for quite a while.
This is what I came up with for her.

I really enjoyed making this bag.

The pattern is "The Just Right Bag" by Sue Pritt.

It is "fallish" fabrics, with pockets inside and out. The handle is adjustable. The outside pocket has the first zipper that I have put in since a tayloring class in high school. The top closes with a magnetic snap. I will definitely do this one again for myself.

I sent a few other goodies, like a Christmas charm pack and a very special tea that I was introduced to on my recent Alaska vacation.
Thank you Bea for patiently waiting until I got back from vacation.

I really hope we do this again! (Michele?)

New Secret Swap Sisters!

Meet my new Secret Swap Sisters!

First is Wendy, from www.why-knot-kwilt.blogspot.com. I am so crazy about her gift that I put it up right away!  This wall hanging is perfect in my kitchen. I have been pondering new paint in the kitchen and this piece will definitely help with inspiration.

Wendy has been so sweet, sending little notes along the way that really did make my day more than once.

 She basically showed me "how it's done".

Second is Julianne, from www.quiltingwithcalicos.blogspot.com. I stalked her blog and had lots of fun figuring out what she likes.

My little tease pre-swap qift was a happy stoke of luck!

 Who knew that she collected antique Singer machines? 

 When I read that Julianne loves tote bags, it was the perfect excuse for me to try my FIRST one! Monster Bash is a favorite of mine and it was a good time to do something for Fall. I think it came out adorable so, I sent it off with another little surprise, a fall table runner very similar to ones that I made for my own living room out of Bernatex Bittersweet. You can see pictures of them on the First Trys post, May 2013.

 Thank you again ladies, including my own Sister Dear, Michele,  for a few more firsts. I hope everyone had a blast like I did. I can't wait to do it again!