A Pouch with a Music Theme

Another recent finish that I haven't mentioned before, has been an open wide pouch for my boys' piano teacher.

At the end of a year of lessons I try to show my appreciation by giving a small gift. This year I decided that a pouch would probably be appreciated. The free pattern of the open wide zipper pouch is by Noodlehead and can be found HERE. I have made several before, and I love making them!

And what better present to make for a music teacher than using music themed fabric for a pouch... 

I added a small loop near the front of the zipper, and included extra strips in a pale blue. I love little details like that.

The lining is the same light blue, and I added a label on the inside, too.

As a finishing touch, I made a zipper pull, of course themed to fit the pouch as well!

I can see more of these in my future. In fact, I have received an order for a similar one...

Sandra

Quarter Two Finishalong - another finish off my list

It is time for another round-up of finishes! I have again managed to only finish one project from my Finishalong list this quarter, but it is one that cheers me no end.

I'll be linking it up with the finishalong HERE, don't forget to link up your finishes at any of the hosts. For more details about the finishalong, see my Finishalong PAGE.

For this notebook cover, I used these Radiance fabrics from Beth Studley that I got in a lovely giveaway:

I made a notebook cover before, but changed the method a little this time. I did not want any hand stitching or top stitching to close the last gap between the lining and the outer, so I found this solution for a neat finish:
I cut both lining and outer to the same size, but stitched a small hem in the sides of the lining. Placing the lining in the centre of the outer fabric, with the flaps in between, the layers were stitched together all around.

As you can see, the lining was stitched down on the top and bottom only, which left gaps to turn. You can see the flaps in between:

I caught two ribbons in the top seam of the book cover, too, to use as book marks.

And there it is, my notebook cover. I use this for my work notebook, and starting work feels cheerful whenever I pull it out!

Sandra

Using small scraps

Those of you who know my work probably know that I have a preference for using print fabrics. Not necessary large or overly bold prints (though sometimes that, too), but I mostly use small prints, or mottled, swirly, dotted or otherwise unevenly coloured fabrics in my quilts. However, I love the look of rainbow projects and I find it very hard to achieve a rainbow combination with my print fabrics.
- though I may have to try that again one day soon, too... -

Anyway, when Cindy of Fluffy Sheep fame had a scrap bundle of solids to give away last month for the cost of postage, I thought it would be worth obtaining some of her small pieces of solids to finally make a rainbow project - thank you, Cindy! -

The scrap bundle that arrived from Fluffy Sheep Quilting's Cindy

The bag had a varied assortment, but I quickly decided on my rainbow colours and I found some solid white fabric on my shelves to go with them.

a rainbow of scraps

Soon I was laying out my friendship stars in a circular pattern.

After sewing it seemed quite uneven (smaller at one end than at the other). I must have been slightly increasing (or decreasing?) my seam allowances as I sewed row after row...

However, after some judicious pressing and blocking it ended up square, and with wonderfully nesting intersections. The perfectionist in me likes that!

Below the end result, and have a look at the scale (my mat marks the inches):

In the mean time I have transformed this panel into a finished item, but since I made it as a surprise for someone I will show that after it has been received.

*edit: Now it has been received in Amsterdam, I can show you what I made:

Even though these scraps were not originally my own, playing with them has given me lots of ideas of what to do with my own as well. For now I am happily linking up for the first time (I think) with Scraptastic Tuesday:

Sandra