This month, the Island Batik Ambassadors have been creating projects with patterns from byannie.com.
We were asked to choose the pattern which we'd like to sew and the new release fabrics which we wanted to use. After much time spent deciding which pattern I'd like to try (I'm not a confident bag sewer), I decided on the Clam Up zippered pouch pattern. I've always loved the look of these pouches and the fact that the pattern comes with 5 size options was a winner in my book.
The fabric which I received for this blog hop is called Victorian and is a signature collection by Kathy Engle for Carol Moellers or Carol Moellers Designs.
I signed up for the add-on videos which came with the pattern and watched all of the steps including lots of tips in making these pouches. I have to say that the videos are excellent and broken up in sections which make it easy to go back and rewatch a section about a specific process.
I was honestly surprised by how easily these zippered pouches came together. It was my first time using byannie's Soft and Stable and I absolutely love it. What an excellent product.
I received a couple of coordinating byannie's bag zippers to use in the challenge. These zippers have quite wide tape on either side and were nice and long which made the construction process smooth.
The first pouch I made was the XL one. After copying the template sheet and putting it together, I went back and forth to the detailed instructions and video, wanting to ensure that the pouch was 'just right'.
It worked out brilliantly. After a little break in the middle of the day, I decided to make another one - this time the Large size pouch. As I'd used the Victorian fabric in my project last month, I had leftover fabrics from the range, so chose a different outer print.
This pouch went together much more quickly and within an hour, it was finished.
I caught up with a couple of my school friends for dinner last night and decided that I'd give them each a gift. I filled up the pouches with chocolates and gave them one each. They were delighted.
Thank you to Island Batik for once again taking me out of my comfort zone. I absolutely enjoyed making this pouch and I'd probably never have tried it if it wasn't for your challenge.
Thank you to industry partners who also supplied product to the Island Batik ambassador program.
Patterns by Annie for the supplies. What a great project! I will definitely be making more of these to give my friends this Christmas.
Aurifil thread was used to create the pouches. 50wt cotton thread in #2460 in burgundy and #6722 in cream (my favourite piecing and quilting colour by Aurifil).
Schmetz Microtex 90/14 needles which sailed through the multiple layers smoothly and effortlessly.
I had a lot of fun creating these pouches and I know for a fact that the other Island Batik ambassadors have enjoyed their experiences and produced some absolutely stunning bags. Click through to see what everyone has made in the "It's in the Bag" October challenge.
I have never been good at making bags yours looks pretty darn good to me!
ReplyDeleteYour bags look so nice. I like the size of them. You sweet to gift them to friends, happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteYour Clam up bags look yummy. Great finishes.
ReplyDeleteWell done! I have often looked at the clam purses, but not been game to try one. Yours are really lovely, and what blessed friends you have. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job on this challenge... well done xox
ReplyDeleteWhat pretty clam pouches. Island Batiks look great for them too.
ReplyDeleteLucky friends.
ReplyDeleteVery clever! They look better than bought ones.
ReplyDeleteYour bags came out beautifully! I have this pattern, but have never tried it. After seeing yours and hearing how quickly they sew up, I may make some for Christmas gifts, too. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteThese are just adorable, Anorina! Love the fabric!!
ReplyDeletemight need to have a crack at one of those clams one day.......see if I can find it while away.......lucky friends.......
ReplyDelete