Retro carton pouch

 I had an idea ages ago to make a zip pouch that looks like a milk carton from my childhood. With a bit of working out and the inspiration of a strawberry themed swap, I had the spark to do it. 

The first one I made was back in August for a friend’s knitting so I had to go large! Since our swap was strawberry themed, I went for a milkshake with a hand drawn appliqué strawberry.

It was wonderfully received and I was encouraged to make a pattern. As I like to add value for my patterns I wanted to make a second size. I had gone large for this cute pouch, I thought I’d better go small, so I went pint sized. 

I actually combined the pattern with a little challenge I had set myself to use up my unused Ruby star society mask panels I had leftover from covid. The main strawberry fabric is using the mask panels I had and I have an orange one I’m desperate to make too. 

This size is great to make from scraps and even pre cuts but still a very useful size to use.

To make sure the pattern was easy to follow and the best it can be, I got some pattern testers.

First was Lucy @charmaboutyou over on instagram, she was a fabulous version of the large size with the strawberry appliqué and some recycled denim. Such a wonderful pouch with cute details.

Then was the @qyiltingtwins who also made the large size. They went for a fun orange juice carton and did some felt appliqué and juicy fabrics.

Who said this style pouch was just for drink cartons but also houses. Zena @mycreativelypottylife chose to make a gingerbread house inspired pint sized version, which is so fun for the holiday season.

She also went wild and made a second pint sized pouch, this time with milk and cookie FPP. So cute festive milk pouch, I love it. 

Marja also made two pint sized pouches. This time with strawberry FPP and then a bright rainbow pouch. I love the fun fabric selections. 

Since marja was the person I made the original pouch for I was thrilled when she also wanted to test. She shared a lovely photo of mine and hers together and you can really see the size difference.

I am in love with this pouch and even though it was a long time to get the pattern ready for release, I am so glad I did. I can’t wait to see what other people make with it. I am going to do a sew along over on instagram in the new year so keep an eye on my instagram @craftylilmouse for details!

Mx