2 colour boxed zipper pouch

Following on from the boxed base zipper pouch, I created a 2 colour variation. This involves an extra stage of joining fabrics together to create a different look. For the one shown here, I have used two Michael Miller cotton printed fabrics - 'pineapple palm' and 'migration', with shower curtain fabric for lining. For this particular pouch, I also scaled up my original pattern to be used as a wash bag which will fit an average full size shower gel in. For this size, you will need a 12" zip to coordinate with your chosen fabrics.

To begin, cut rectangles from each of your fabrics following the dimensions below. Be aware, if your fabric has a directional pattern, the long edge will be the length of the bag.

• 2 x fabric A (pineapples) measuring 5 1/2" x 11 1/2"
• 2 x fabric B (chevron) measuring 4" x 11 1/2"
• 2 x lining (shower curtain with interfacing bonded prior to cutting) measuring 9" x 11 1/2"

Now, you need to join your outer fabrics together to create 2 side panels. Pin fabric A to fabric B right sides together, along the longest edge, (if using directional fabric, make sure that you are pinning the bottom edge of fabric A to the top edge of fabric B). Sew along the seam using a 1/4" seam allowance. Open out the fabric and press the seam down towards fabric B. Top stitch to ensure the seam is laying flat and secured in place for a professional looking finish. Repeat with the other fabric A and B pieces. Then, take each of the outer fabrics (fabric A & B) and the lining pieces and trim into a 'T' shape by cutting a 1 1/2" square from both bottom corners on the long edge (see diagram below).

 Once you have reached this stage, you can treat your joined pattern pieces as you would the single pieces of outer fabric on the original pattern found here. Simply follow these step by step instructions to construct the pouch. Just take extra care to match up the joining seams between the two fabrics when sewing the outer pieces together.

As always, you can adjust the dimensions of the pattern to create your own version. You can also play around with different fabric choices as this design works well with combinations of patterned, plain or even varied textures of fabrics, such as a faux leather base and cotton top ... it's up to you! Have fun making and please share the results, you can tag me in your photos on instagram @craftylilmouse or comment below with link to your pictures.

Mx

fruity!!

I have been making some tea towels using indian wooden block printing.  I bought plain white cotton tea towels and used this very cool fruit design block to decorate them. I used kiwi, mustard and orange fabric paints, which you heat set to become permanent.  

Mx

very strawberry...

I made this strawberry keyring using panels of red felt. I added yellow French knots all over the panels to represent the seeds. I blanket stitched the panels together to form a cone shape, I then stuffed it before closing up the gap completely. I used green felt and cut out a pointy flower shape to make the leaves. I back stitched all the way around the edge and attached it in the centre, to the strawberry.  instead of using ribbon for this keyring, I made my own loop at the top.

Mx

i carried a watermelon...

 

a friend requested a watermelon, after seeing my previous  keyring's. I cut a circle of green felt, a slightly smaller one in white and a slight smaller one again out of pink. I used coloured embroidery floss/ thread to add some details and secure the layers together. I folded my circle in half to find the centre and stitched a ribbon loop on the back. I cut out another circle of green felt, to the same size. I folded this in half, then trimmed either side down to make an elipse. I blanket stitched along one side attaching the front to the back, I then stuffed the watermelon. I made sure the shape was right and made any adjustments, by just trimming the felt a little. when I was happy with the shape I blanket stitched it all together, I added a bit more stuffing before I closed up the gap completely. I added on my metal keyring hoop to finish.

Mx

an apple a day...

 

to make this cute keyring i simply cut my felt out using my hand drawn template as a guide. i layered the felt pieces together, using backstitch then added satin stitched pips for detail. i cut out two leaf shapes glued these together and used a back stitch to secure them. i attached a ribbon loop and the leaf onto the back panel of the apple. i used a blanket stitch to secure the front to the back, leaving a gap for stuffing. once stuffed I stitched up the gap and add a metal keyring to finish!!

Mx