Super Cute Paper Piecing ~ Colored Pencil Pouch

I am so excited to start sharing projects from my new book ~ "Super Cute Paper Piecing"!

Every week I will share a project from my book until the book releases in November.

All info about the book can be found on my blog [HERE]

This is the first project in the book.  This cute colored pencil is one pattern unit, so it is the perfect project to paper piece.

I love that the patchwork bottom panel has fussy cuts to take advantage of the cute prints!

The body of the pouch is Essex Linen in color Flax.  Essex Linen is a favorite of mine and you will see it used in half of the projects in the book.

The red polka dot is from Moda ~ Essential Dots.
Polka dots are another one of my favorite prints for fussy cut projects.

In the book you will find a "How To" section which will teach you to Paper Piece, and Fussy Cut.
Both skills are important to master to make this first project.

If you want to get a head start on your paper piecing skills, check out my paper piecing Crayon Tutorial [HERE]

You can also find a "Fussy Cutting" tutorial [HERE]

Happy Sewing
xo
Charise

~ January ~ The month in Review

I'm shocked it is already February!  January went by so fast.  I did have some fun creating a few new patterns and tutorials.

You can find my Free Crayon Paper Piecing Pattern ~HERE~  It is a perfect beginning pattern if you have always wanted to try paper piecing. 

Once you make the paper pieced pencil why not make the pencil pouch?  it is a perfect teacher gift or fun gift for a little one filled with crayons or colored pencils.

You can also find lots of tips in the Dec/Jan Issue of Sew it All magazine.  I designed a fun paper pieced sewing machine cover! You can find the paper piecing pattern ~HERE~
Click on "Download the Paper Piecing Guide" to get the pattern.

I finished my "Tea Time" pattern which is in my Etsy and Craftsy shops.

I had fun making my Lovely Gathered Clutch with suede trim and 

I also made one entirely out of suede.

If you'd like to try sewing with suede and leather head on over to find some tips and tricks ~HERE~

I made another short sleeve version of my Anna Blouse.  I love the Kokka camera print fabric.

Stay tuned for a long sleeve version made out of Cotton + Steel Frock Rayon!

xo

Charise

Pencil Pouch Tutorial

Hi!  So glad you stopped by. Today I am sharing a tutorial for a pencil pouch that uses my Paper Pieced Crayon Block.  
You can find the paper pieced crayon Pattern and Tutorial HERE.

This is a perfect gift and extra special filled with a set of colored pencils or crayons!
I made one for each of my kid's teachers for Christmas gifts.  Enjoy!

Supplies
~ Matching Thread
~ Contrast Thread
~ Sewing Machine zipper foot
~ 1 Paper Pieced Crayon Block - The tutorial and pattern link is HERE
~ F8 (9" x 22")  Linen fabric - I used Robert Kauffman Essex Yarn Dye Linen in color Flax
~ F8 (9" x 22")  Print Fabric
~ 1/4 yard Fusible Fleece
~ 1/4 yard light weight interfacing - I used Pellon SF101
~ 9" (or longer) coil Zipper to match Crayon
~ 2 1/2" length of decorative twill tape or ribbon (optional)

Cut
~ From the Linen:
2 - 2 3/4" x 10", 2 - 1 3/8" x 2 3/4", 10" x 5 3/4"

~Print Fabric
2 - 10" x 5 3/4" lining , 2 - 3" x 1 1/4" Zipper Tabs

~Fusible Fleece
2 - 10" x 5 3/4"

~Light Weight Interfacing
2 - 10" x 5 3/4"

Finished size:
9 1/4" x 5"


Step 1 ~ Prepare the outside and Lining panels

1. Stitch the 1 3/8" x 2 3/4" rectangles to each end of the crayon.
Stitch the 2 3/4" x 10" rectangles to the top and bottom of the crayon.  Trim to 10" x 5 3/4".

2. Fuse the Fleece to the back of the crayon block.  Stitch in the ditch around the perimeter of the crayon.

3. Fuse the 10" x 5 3/4" fleece to the back of the 10" x 5 3/4" linen piece.
Fuse the 10" x 5 3/4" light weight interfacing to the back of the 10" x 5 3/4" lining pieces.

Step 2 ~ Attach the Zipper

4.  Measure the zipper and trim to 10” including the zipper tape.

5. Fold the under the ends ¼” of the 3” x 1 ¼” pieces on the 1 ¼” side towards the wrong side.  Press.  Press in half.

6. Butt the end of the zipper to the fold on the tab.  Pin in place.  
Stich the folded edge with an edgestitch.
Repeat for the other side.

Cut the folded edge and trim the zipper to ¼” beyond the edge stitching. Repeat for the other  side.  

7.  Place zipper face down on the right side of the Pouch Panel.  Place the long edge of the zipper tape matching the top edge of the Pouch Panel and Pin in place. 

8.  Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine.   Stitch 1/4” away from the raw edge, starting and stopping 3/8” from edge, back tacking at ends. 

9.  Place the lining right sides with the right side of the clutch panel.  The zipper will be sandwiched in between the Pouch Panel and the Lining.  Pin lining in place along top edge.
With the outside panel, wrong side, facing you, stitch, follow the stitching that attaches the zipper to the outside panel.

10. Turn the lining over the zipper. The wrong side of the Pouch Panel will be facing the wrong side of the Lining. Press both panels away from the zipper.  Top stitch along the top edge, ¼” away from the top edge stopping and starting 3/8” from side edge, back tacking at ends.
  
11. Repeat  steps #8-10 for the other side.

12. Fold the twill tape right sides together and position 1/4" below seam at top on the left front side.  Baste in place. (see picture above)

Step 3 ~ Finish the Pouch

13.  Separate the lining from the Clutch Panels.  Place the Clutch Panels right sides together matching the top seams and raw edges.  
Mark the bottom corners with a gentle curve.  You can use a mug or cup to trace the curve.
Fold the lining out of the way toward the center of the panel and pin.  
MAKE SURE THE ZIPPER IS OPEN so you can turn right side out at the end.
Stitch 3/8” from edge starting at the top folded edge of the zipper end. Clip small triangles on curved corners being careful not to clip into the stitching.
Press seam open. 

14.  Unpin the lining panels at each end of the zipper. Place the lining right sides together, matching raw edges.   
Mark the bottom corners with a gentle curve.
Pin around perimeter.  Starting just below the zipper coils, stitch 3/8” from edge,
leaving a 4” opening at the bottom for turning. Clip small triangles on curved corners being careful not to clip into the stitching.
 Press seam open.  

15. Turn right side out and press.  Slip stitch or machine edge stitch the opening in the lining closed.

You have completed your Pencil Pouch.  Enjoy!

xo

Charise

Learn to Paper Piece with me in Issue #9 of Sew It All!

Fabrics used: Robert Kaufmann Essex yard dyed linen in Flax, Blue Polka Dot Spot On by Robert Kaufmann, Blue Floral print from Moda Boho by Urban Chiks, Pink Text print from Riley Blake "Vintage Happy" by Lori Holt. 

Hello and Happy Monday!  I am so happy to be in the new issue of Sew it All.

I have written a paper piecing article for the magazine and it covers all the basics you need to master the technique of foundation paper piecing.  I share the supplies you need, and my tips and tricks for creating a successful paper pieced block.

You can download the paper pieced sewing machine pattern for free for a limited time HERE.
You can find the digital version of the magazine HERE which has the information to make the sewing machine cover.

There is also a fun project to make - a paper pieced sewing machine cover.

The sewing machine cover is a simple project as well.

It is finished with bias tape and has pockets on the back to store your current sewing project, patterns or notions!

Be sure to check back on Friday, January 9th, when I share a
new pattern and beginning foundation paper piecing tutorial!
If you can't wait, I've listed the pattern which includes the complete paper piecing tutorial on Craftsy HERE  : )

xo
Charise