Itty Bitty Poochie Gift Bags

In general, I find that the smaller you make something, the cuter it gets. Such is the case with Happy Zombie’s Poochie Bags. Last year, I made the larger version, and liked it well enough. This week, when I needed a few little bags to wrap gift cards, the Itty Bitty Poochie Bag came to mind. On a deadline, I grabbed a fat quarter that had been an impulse buy, dug up some ribbon that didn’t work out for a different bag, and set to work. Optimizing for speed, I omitted the pockets and poochie corners, and in about an hour and a half, I had three identical gift bags ready to go. Let me tell you, I love how they turned out. I very nearly squealed with glee. This pattern is definitely going on my list of go-to projects.

 

 

Wordless Work in Progress Wednesday: April 24, 2013

 

Wordless Work in Progress Wednesday: April 17, 2013

Laurel Shirt: Attempt the First

After sewing three versions of the Wiksten tank, I was eager to try another pattern. I looked for something more fitted, but still easy. The Laurel shirt by Colette Patterns seemed to fit the bill. I wanted to sew my stash, so I cut into some Pearl Bracelets by Lizzy House and a coordinating white-on-white dot I had on hand. While the end result is wearable, it didn’t quite turn out like I had envisioned.

 

The Good:

• The physical pattern booklet is beautiful and pleasing to work from. I really enjoyed using a pre-printed pattern instead of printing and taping together the pattern myself.
• The instructions were well written and easy to follow. Sarai’s writing style is that of a wise and patient friend guiding you along.
• I learned about staystitching, darts and sleeves!

 

The Disappointing:

• Where the sleeves meet the shirt is too tight. I can still move, but only self-consciously.
• For the size I sewed, it turned out much shorter than I anticipated, and the sleeves are an awkward length for my arms.
• I don’t actually want to wear it in public (because of the previous two items). I didn’t intend for it to be a wearable muslin, but I guess that’s what it is.

Next Time:

• I’ll try the sleeve adjustment suggested on the Flickr group.
• I’ll shorten the sleeves and lengthen the top.
• I might try using one of the recommended fabrics instead of quilting cotton. Perhaps that would make it fit better.

 

I’ll definitely tackle this pattern again at some point. Right now I’m contemplating what garment to sew next: a Wiksten tank with sleeves, or a modified Laurel shirt. Wish me luck!

 

Seattle Modern Quilt Guild Sew-In: April 14, 2013

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a Seattle Modern Quilt Guild Sew-In at Quiltworks Northwest. It was a rare treat to sit and sew uninterrupted for a few hours. I’ve participated in Seattle MQG events in the past, but the group is now “official” and there are more and more events coming up all the time. If you’re in the greater Seattle area and like modern quilting, be sure to check it out!

Spring Sewalongs

I don’t know about you, but I am super excited about the Zakka 2.0 Sewalong led by A Quilter’s Table and LRStitched this June! I have followed Ayumi Takahashi’s blog for years, and am thrilled that she has written a book: Patchwork, Please! Her unique style always inspires me to step away from the computer and start sewing.
 

 

Also, from March 1 to April 19, Made by Rae is hosting a Spring Top Sewalong. Since I’ve been bitten by the garment sewing bug, I’m also super excited about this.

 

So much to sew, so little time!

Fresh Sewing Day: March 2013

March was an incredibly satisfying month for sewing, with two long-standing WIPs finished, and two Wiksten tanks made.