Summer Break

It's that time of the year again when I want to be outside most of the time.  I don't have any works in progress and nothing is on my design wall.  The gardening season, going for walks, appreciating nature, and taking short trips is more appealing to me than being in my studio.

Don't get me wrong.  I am passionate about quilting and I have a glorious studio.  But, I also have other passions and the summer season is calling my name.

So, I'm taking my annual summer break and will post if I start another project or have something amusing to report.

Bags - Hello Pouches - by Kaitlyn Howell

I purchased a pattern called "Hello Pouches" that was designed by Kaitlyn Howell of Knot and Thread Design.  There are 4 bag sizes in the pattern that have fabric bottoms and clear tops.  I thought that they were very cute!

There are several sources for bag supplies in the Portland area and I found just what I needed at Sharon's Attic in Hillsboro, OR.  The list included Soft and Stable by Annie, 16 gauge vinyl, and a couple of double slide zippers.  I decided to make all 4 sizes to match the colors of the zippers that I purchased.

If you've ever sewn bags like these that might be Bags by Annie, you'll know that they are not the easiest things to make and there is a LOT OF BULK.  I broke a few sewing machine needles while sewing through some of the bulkier seams, and then had to hand turn the sewing machine wheel over those areas so that I would jam up the machine and break more needles.

Anyway, they are very cute and here they are all done.

The smallest one measures5" high x 6" wide at the top, and 4-1/2" wide at the bottom

The medium size measures 7" high x 8" wide at the top, and 5-1/2" wide at the bottom

The large size measures 8" high x 10" wide at the top, and 6-1/2" wide at the bottom

And the extra-large size measures 10" high x 12-1/2" wide at the top, and 7" wide at the bottom

I hope you like them!

Here is the link to the pattern: hello-pouches