CHARM ABOUT YOU

I've been doing so much hand quilting recently that I definitely needed a little escape and I've spent some time at my machine whizzing up some quick makes. I'd come across this pattern 'Double Zippers Pouch' and thought I would give it a go. I needed a little bag and a larger one so I changed the dimensions from those given in the tutorial. I got it a little off with the first small bag and the lining is actually too big really but since it's stuffed inside and no one can see I didn't bother to fix it!! It is now home to my wonder clips and basting pins - those two separate zipped compartments are really useful.

The lining worked out better for the bigger bag (I guesstimated after making the outer part! I also didn't use wadding just interfacing) and I adore the cute woodland print. I got the fabrics awhile ago from Pink Castle Fabrics and they are so perfect for this pattern.

I've picked out some of my favourite prints that would work really well for a double zip bag because the prints run in different directions, of course there's lots of cute florals that would work well too but I can't help my love for the sweet cartoon kawaii prints:

Alice in Cream, Minny Muu by Lecien; Little Red Scene, Little Heroines by Lecien; Little Nico Town, Nico Nico Land by Lecien; Minny Muu Ladybug, Minny Muu by Lecien; Retro Cute Cats by Lecien; Bows and Sweets Double Gauze by Cosmo Textile

Pink Castle Fabrics has the best selection of Kawaii fabrics, they even have a Kawaii fabric club so you can get a monthly bundle of cuteness!

I've been making good progress with my Le Challenge 'mix' make (link up opens 15th October) and when I finished cutting I had some scraps that I couldn't part with. So I sat and looked at them and, as I was at my sewing machine, I realised I kept looking at the ugliest plastic bag that holds my extra machine feet and that just won't do! So I started folding and sewing and before I knew it I had made this little handy bag:

Complete with pretty Rashida Coleman-Hale, Cotton and Steel selvedge:

Now my machine bits look a little more loved!

Finally I will leave you with this pretty Autumnal picture of my youngest with pockets full of conkers - we literally have a house full since she collects them on our morning walk back from the school run!