Mini Fabric Folder or Portfolio

I made myself a small fabric folder this weekend. I needed something to hold my pattern file cards since having them scattered throughout the sewing room wasn't working for me.

When I create a new design or pattern, I write down measurements along with small diagrams on basic file cards. I found that, for me, these were easier to keep track of than muslin or plasic templates.

To provide structure, I inserted pieces of cardboard behind the pocket sleeves...

I also used an iron on vinyl to laminate the outer fabric. While I like that it will be easy to wipe off and a bit more durable, I wasn't thrilled with the creasing that occured when it was time to turn the pieces right side out. You can kind of see what I mean in the photo below...

I'll have to play around with the vinyl and construction or maybe use the matte finish one that I have the next time. But, all in all, I like how it turned out and think it will be very useful. I didn't have time to put together a tutorial, but when I make my next one, I'll show you how I did it. :-)This project is also part of The Twice Remembered Cottage "Make Your Monday" link event. Click the link above to see all the fun things bloggers are making this week.

Let's Sew a Zippered Pouch ~ A Tutorial

After hearing several comments from readers that they had never sewn in a zipper before or were intimidated by the thought of installing a zipper, I decided to put together a little tutorial.
I should preface this 'How-to" by saying that it may not be the only way or even the best way to do it. I'm mostly a self-taught, learn by trial and error, kind of sewist, so precede at your own risk. LOL

Go and gather up your materials (list below) and we'll do a fun project together. Go on...I'll wait...

What you'll need:
*2 pieces of outer fabric fused with interfacing and 2 pieces lining fabric all cut to the same size. (I think mine are 9.5" x 6.5", but this method will work with any size, even a small change purse.)
*A zipper (with nylon? teeth, not metal). (As you can see in the pictures, my zipper is longer than my fabric, which is not a problem. But, ideally you want the full length of the zipper, including the tails, to be at least as wide as your fabric.) Helpful tip: A zipper is sized by the length of the teeth, so figure that a 7"zipper is really 8-8.5"L including the tails. A 9" zipper is 10-10.5"L including the tails, and so on.
*Pins
*A zipper foot and regular foot for your machine

Ok, is everyone ready? Start by layering your first side: a piece of lining face up, zipper face up, and outer fabric face down. Line up top edges and pin.

Using your zipper foot, sew across the top. When you near the end before the zipper pull, stop with your needle down in the fabric. Lift the presser foot and open the zipper so the pull is out of your way. Lower the foot and continue sewing to the end.
Now, fold back the fabrics and press. Next, layer the second side. Lining fabric face up, zipper face up, outer fabric face down.Line up top edges and pin. This time the zipper pull will be in your way right off the bat, so go ahead and open it up a bit before you start sewing.Again, when you get to the pull, stop with the needle down in the fabric, close it back up and continue sewing to the end. Fold back and press. This is what your piece should look like.At this point put the regular foot back on your machine and decide if you want to add a loop tab or label or if you want to top stitch. Usually if I'm using quilt weight fabrics I don't top stitch, but with heavier barkcloth or decorator fabric I will.

Optional top stitching, loop, and label: To top stitch, sew through the top and lining fabrics. With heavier or bulky fabrics this helps to keep them out of the way of the zipper.If you add loop tab or label, be sure to sew them to the outer fabric only.

Now, very important step...open the zipper to an inch or so from the edge of the fabric.

Pin the 2 outer fabrics right sides together and the 2 lining fabrics right sides together. The teeth of the zipper will be pointing toward the lining.
Sew around all 4 edges, leaving a small opening in the bottom of the lining. I also backstitch over the zipper on each side for added strength.Now you can clip the corners and trim off any excess zipper if yours was longer, like mine.
Reach inside the lining opening and turn right side out. Sew up the opening in the lining. Press and TaDa!...you've made a zippered pouch. :-)See, wasn't that easy?

This project is also part of The Twice Remembered Cottage "Make Your Monday" link event. Click the link above to see all the fun things bloggers are making this week.

Tailored Boho Chic Bag

This is the newest Boho Chic bag to come out of the sewing room. You may remember from this post the thought process that went into designing this bag. I wanted to incorporate the best of two worlds...Bohemian chic, with its generous size, richly textured vintage fabrics and saturated colors and Tailored Classic, highlighted by my love of linen and a more structured, clean line construction.
I've also included an interior zippered pocket on this one.
And a pretty velvet rose to accent the front.

This project is also part of The Twice Remembered Cottage "Make Your Monday" link event. Click the link above to see all the fun things bloggers are making this week.

I also wanted to pass along to the fans of Anna Maria Horner fabrics (gorgeous!) that Fabric.com has her Drawing Room line on sale right now for a great price! (Update- It looks like its all sold now. I hope you were able to get a yard or two.) Even though I already have a cupboard full of her fabric, I couldn't resist getting a few more yards. :-)

More Vintage Cut Velvet Chenille ~ Clutches

Yes, my obsession with this vintage cut velvet, sculpted chenille type upholstery fabric continues. :-)

After purchasing a piece of fabric earlier this month, the seller graciously included these fabric pieces. I immediately set out with my new purchased fabric and these fun freebies to find coordinating prints to use as linings.Mission accomplished! I found these two Japanese floral prints; the blue is from Joann's Kimono Collection and the orange is from a local quilt shop (didn't get the maker). They both have gold accents which help to tie in with the slight shimmer of the upholstery fabric.
I turned the lovely cerulean blue into a fold over clutch with magnetic snap closure.
And the orange became a small zippered hand clutch with a hidden back strap.

I have a couple of small home projects planned for later this week, so hopefully I'll be able to share them with you soon.

This project is part of The Twice Remembered Cottage "Make Your Monday" link event. Kim has a fun project oriented link event! Pop over to see all the fun things bloggers are making this week.

Linen Scarf

The grey skies and dreary weather have me spending more time at the sewing machine. This weekend I decided to make myself a scarf. I love linen and the bags I carry are usually made with linen, so it seemed like a good choice. I think it will also be useable in early spring and fall.
I made it double-sided. A natural linen on one side and a chartreuse-olive linen/rayon blend on the other. I played around with scrunchy ruffles and originally thought I might just leave the edges raw and frayed, but in the end decided on a slightly more finished application. And for some color, I added little posies made from gorgeous Patricia Bravo fabric (of Art Gallery Quilts).For my first scarf, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. :-)

This is also part of The Twice Remembered Cottage "Make Your Monday" link event. Kim
has started up her fun project oriented link event again! Click the link above to see all the fun things bloggers are making this week.