Starting about 18 months ago, I've been working on a stitch sampler/soon-to-be notions case. To recap, I upsized the design area a bit on the sampler, started stitching, then things stalled. In January of this year, my embroidery guild challenged folks to stitch something--even one stitch--every day for 100 days to move stalled projects forward. I made it my goal to finish the stitching on this project by Mid-April.
Mission accomplished.
Now, I'm working, slowly but surely, on assembling the pieces to finish the pouch.
Last week, I lamented that some of the stitches that will be on the outside of the pouch may snag. I got quite a few good ideas to solve the issue, but haven't decided on a final plan. I still may end up making a simple zip pouch to protect the pouch when it's not in use. We'll see.
Meanwhile, I'm forging ahead with the rest of the construction. This week, the focus is on the lining pockets.
The pouch exterior and lining each measure 12-1/2" from side to side, and 11-1/2" from top to bottom. Eventually the whole thing will be folded in half, book style and will measure about 6x11".
I want to add a pocket to each short end of the lining that measures about 4x11-1/2". I started by sewing one line of stitchery on two pieces of leftover stitchery fabric from the main panel. Then I added borders of the main fabric print using the Stitchery Crossover technique. Next, I trimmed the top edge of each pocket panel 3/4" away from the top edge of the stitched area.
I placed the pocket lining fabric (dark blue), backed with Face-it Soft for added body, right sides together with the trimmed pocket exterior.
Then, I aligned the top edge of the pocket exterior and lining, and sewed a 1/4" seam.
I switched my stitch plate from the straight stitch needle plate to the 'regular' needle plate.
I almost always have my straight stitch needle plate installed on my machine for more even stitches in seams and quilting. Since my next step involves a zigzag stitch, I want to accommodate the needle for the decorative stitch. . . . or else I'll break a needle - not fun!
When I trimmed the stitched pocket panel, I trimmed off the stabilizing stitching that was keeping the fabric edge from fraying.
Since I don't want the loose weave of the stitchery fabric to work its way out during use, I'm adding a machine zig-zag along the very edge of the seam. It's kinda like serging when you don't have a serger.
I then folded the pocket lining (dark blue) to the back leaving a finished folded edge that kinda looks like binding (below left).
And since the stitchery is only roughly centered on the oversized pocket pieces, I then trimmed the pocket panels and centered the stitched section (below right) so one pocket is now 3-1/2x11-1/2" and the other is 4x11-1/2". There is no science to either one of these measurements, I'm not following a pattern, and going entirely by instinct.
The scrappy fall out from the pocket trim.
You can see the fruits of my labor. . . Sorta . . it's hard to see with the squiggly lined print (the fabric line is Fusions II by QT Fabrics and goes perfectly with my blue/brown stitchy theme).
If you look closely, the two pockets (with about 1/4" of blue faux binding showing) laid on top of each edge of the pouch lining.
Next, using a walking foot since I'm working with a few layers now, I basted the pockets to the lining with a straight stitch and followed up with a zig zag since each trim exposed the loose-weave stitching fabric edge.
The pouch lining is now done. I added a couple lines of stitching to divide one of the pockets into smaller sections.
What's left in this notions pouch adventure, you might ask?
- A two-pocket zipper/vinyl panel to be sewn in the middle, book style.
- Some way to close the pouch - perhaps a loop and button, or strap and velcro, or some sort of tie.
- Sew it all together
Feels like I'm getting there!
I think this little project will be cool when it's done, but making bag-type projects isn't totally my jam, especially when I'm not following a pattern. The next step with the zippers and vinyl will be a big challenge for me.
I welcome the challenge, but I'll be glad when it's done!
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
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