Poppy Pouch

It is summer swap season and I'm so happy that I've completed my first commitment 3 weeks early! Go, me! The Pretty Little Pouch Swap is a lot of fun and you cannot believe the incredible amount of inspiration in one flickr group. If you are at all interested in creating sewn pouches, check it out - everything from pencil cases to snap frame change purses, hoop pouches and little key fob cases to boxy cosmetic cases. Here are a few great project photos that I included in the inspiration mosaic for my partner.

click on the photo for links to each pic

I got a great secret partner for the swap and once I'd received her mosaic and sign up info, I was immediately inspired and got busy making this for her:

I can't give too much away or it might become obvious who this is for, but I'll tell you that it's fully lined with a pretty Central Park laminate, the outside base is Moda Crossweave and the scraps are MoMo's It's a Hoot line. It's my first real laminate project. In order to keep the lining as useful as possible (i.e. continuously seamed laminate), I left the turning opening on the side seam of the outer bag, in lieu of the normal lining hole. I had to carefully stitch that up from the right side using a ladder stitch.

It's got a side handle and is a great size of about 8" x 9 1/2". It'll be perfect for cosmetics, or anything else requiring a bit of spill-resistance! The outer bag is quilted with insul-brite.....you know, in case something has to stay cool or warm.

I spent last Sunday printing fabric with my poppy seed pods (stay tuned for poppyprint fabric on offer!) and took the opportunity to decorate the back of the pouch with some groovy prints.

I've made several zip pouches and I have to say that every single time, it's a total mystery as to how well the ends of the zip are going to turn out. I've read countless tutes on how to reduce zipper bulk, but I've got a long way to go perfecting this element of zippy pouch construction!

I think my partner will like it - I'm feelin' good about this swap!

If you're looking to stock your stash with some luscious hand-dyed fabric, scroll down for your chance in my birthday month giveaway #3!