Hi! I’m Emilie Daly from Emilie Daly Designs. I’m a mom first and I also love, love, LOVE to dream big. You too? Great! We are already BFFs. New friends rock!
My kids started school recently. We had the good fortune to go on a super fun vacation that ended 3 days before the beginning of school. While I LOVE when things are organized, I very rarely find myself in that situation. So I really shouldn’t have been that surprised by my little discovery.
I had gone to the store and purchased the essentials, or so I thought, from their supply lists. As I was looking over them the night before school started I realized I’d gotten everything my daughter needed to put in her pencil pouch, but I’d forgotten the pencil pouch!!!
ARGH!
Thankfully, this is where my big dreaming came in really handy. Let me explain. No, there is too much to explain. Let me sum up (bonus points if you can name that movie). 3 1/2 years ago, when I turned 30, I decided that every new decade I was going to have a scare-me-spitless-goal that would, in all likelihood, take me 10 years to achieve, if I even achieved it at all. This decade’s goal was to become a fabric designer. I had no prior experience in this field other than I knew I loved fabric. Like really loved it. That’s it. But I was determined to work hard and give it everything I had.
In October of 2012, after a LOT of hard work, that dream came true!
Modern Yardage, an innovative, new, USA based, digital fabric manufacturer approached me. They explained they were only going to print designer fabric on demand which meant they would never, ever run out of a design. Because they didn’t have to store a warehouse full of bolts of fabric, that may or may not sell, they wanted me to design every print in three sizes and in many, many colorways! They encouraged me to take risks. Not only that, but they print on wider fabric and use the margins for free patterns and designer information. WHAT?!?! So awesome! (check out their “Understand Our Product” tab for even more information)
Can you guess how fast I said, “Yes!”
Nope. Even faster.
So, when I realized I’d forgotten the pencil pouch, my stash of fabric I’d designed was a life saver. Plus, my daughter is in love with anything I make her especially if I also use fabric I’ve designed. Win/win!
I decided I’d use Burst in Sweet in the Medium size from my Personality line and Sea Party in Bright in medium and small sizes. FUN!
Because it was so last minute I had to use what I already had at home.
1 or 2 fat quarters
(I choose two…well really three because of the two different sizes of the Sea Party print… because I wanted the contrast, but this can be made with just one)
9 inch zipper
Iron on interfacing
vinyl bag
That’s it!
The super cool thing about only being able to use what you already have in your home is you start to think really creatively. I saw this vinyl bag, which is a lot like the bags new bedding comes in. You know the ones. They are see through and have this great zipper and you are SURE you could use them for something cool, but you can never think of just the right thing? Yes, those ones. Well, now you have a really good excuse for keeping them! Hooray!
You’ll want to cut off any seams the bag already has and the zipper.
Cut a 9 x8 in piece out of the vinyl. Then, from the piece you just cut, cut a 1.5 x 9 strip off the long side so you’ll now have two pieces of vinyl. One that is 9 x 6.5 inches and the other that is 1.5 x 9.
Cut a 17 x 11 inch piece out of your back fabric
For the front pieces, this is where I used my contrasting fabric,
Cut two pieces 8.5 x 3 inches
and cut one piece 11 x 3 inches
Cut interface pieces with the same dimensions as all the fabric pieces.
You should end up with this.
The great thing about Modern Yardage fabric is it all comes PREWASHED!
No. I am not lying. So even though I wouldn’t wash my fabric for this project, it was never even a thought in my mind because it came to me with that part done! You’ll notice the different scale of the design on the blue fabric. One is small and the other is medium. SO fun to be able to mix and match different scales with the same design!
Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of your fabric. Follow the interfacing heating instructions.
Let it cool and peel off the paper. This is the part where I apologize that iron board cover, while cute, totally matches the fabric I chose. *blush* Let’s still be friend okay?
Fold the back fabric piece wrong side together so the short ends match up. Hamburger fold not hot dog fold. Iron.
Fold the front pieces so the long sides match up, wrong sides together, the hot dog way, and iron.
So you’ll end up with one back piece that is 8.5 x 11 inches.
and three front pieces one 11 x 1.5 and two 8.5 x 1.5
Set those aside.
Take the smallest vinyl piece and fold one of the long sides under 1/4 inch. Press it with your fingers as best you can. It won’t stay, but it will put a little crease that will help when you are sewing.
With the front of the zipper facing up and your zipper foot on, zip the zipper open a bit and place the folded over side of the vinyl next to the zipper teeth. Keep the small fold under, not on top of the vinyl.
Sew as close to the teeth as you can. Pins and vinyl don’t go well together so you have to go slow and refold and hold as you go. Then move over a 1/8 inch toward the outside edge and do a second row of stitching. It should look like this.
Take the larger piece of vinyl and fold 1/4 under on one of the long sides.
With the zipper right side up, complete the other side of the zipper the same way you did the first side.
Take one of the short front fabric pieces and with the folded side toward the middle of the pouch, and the open end on the outside, overlap the long side of the side of the fabric piece 1/4 inch over the short end of the vinyl/zipper piece. Match the short fabric end with the top of the vinyl.
I put my fabric piece under my vinyl/zipper piece so I could make sure I was sewing on the vinyl. Sewing as close to the folded edge of the fabric piece sew the two pieces together. Scoot the needle over 1/8 inch toward the outside of the pouch and sew another row of stitches.
When you flip it over it should look like this on the front
Repeat for the other side with the other short fabric piece. Make sure the folded side of the fabric piece is toward the center of the pouch.Trim the bottom of the fabric pieces to match the bottom of the vinyl.
Take the long front piece and place at bottom of the pouch with the folded side toward the center of the pouch.
Sew in the same way as the side pieces matching one of the ends with one of the edges of a side piece.
After it is sewn on, trim the other end of the bottom piece to match the edge of the other side piece.
Yippie! You’ve just finished your top piece!!
Take your back piece and place the folded edge on the top. Take your completed top piece and place it right side down on top of your back piece with the small vinyl piece matching with the folded edge of the back piece. Pin along the sides and bottom. Do not put any pins through the vinyl.
MAKE SURE YOUR ZIPPER IS ALL THE WAY OPEN
Sewing a 1/4 inch seam, start in the middle on the bottom edge and sew completely around the pouch.
Clip the corners without cutting any stitching.
Turn the pouch right side out through the zipper. This takes a some time. Just go slow and use something pointy to pop those corners out. I used a small crochet hook and it worked wonders!
If you want, once it’s turned right side out you can iron, on the back side, just the very edges of the pouch avoiding heating any of the vinyl. DO NOT iron more than 3 seconds on the top edge, even from the back.
And you are done!
Look it fits ALL this stuff! The stuff I actually did remember to buy before school. Go me!
I hope you have fun sewing these up! Don’t forget to stop by the “Meet the Designers” page on Modern Yardage to find my website and come say hi to me on my Facebook page. I LOVE new friends!
Guess what?!?!?
I’m so excited to let you know that Modern Yardage has agreed to help you get your own pencil pouches started by giving TWO lucky people the chance to choose $50 worth of Modern Yardage fabric! That’s $100 in prizes.YAY!
To enter, leave a comment about why you sew, or want to learn to sew, or are so glad other people like to sew ;). Then keep your fingers and toes crossed that you are the winner and start dreaming about which fabrics you’ll choose. Happy sewing!
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Lyndi Daly says
I loved this post! let me tell you why. I am always looking for projects that use materials found around the house. I am a mom of three beautiful little girls, but taking them all out shopping, for my project material, can be a challenge. my sewing projects are kept simple so I can get back to being a mom as quick as I can!
I love sewing to make unique things for my daughter’s. I recently finished making dresses with matching bags. The girls love stuffing their toys in the purses everywhere they go.
Thank you for another fun project I can add on my to do list!
Bonnnie says
I like sewing because I am able to create things that I want instead of what someone else has decided. I am more controlling than that. j/k, I love being able to pick out my own fabric for curtains and pillows and etc.
Danica Francom says
Great tutorial! You are so crafty and I love your fabric! Sewing is my way of relaxing. It is fun to spend time doing what I love.
Nicki says
Em this was AMAZING! You inspire me with your ability to just throw things together at the last min. Someday, when I have “spare” time, I am going to buy some of your fabric to make pillows or curtains for my front room…someday when I have time to sew again!
Bethany Martini says
I just started sewing a few months ago, I took a sewing class in 8th grade but never did it after. I wanted to make a quilt for my dorm room in college (I will be a freshman this year), so I fired up our sewing machine and have been hooked since! Thanks for the chance!
Christine Sherman says
I love to sew because I love fabric and quilts. I also love making small projects like this, thanks so much for sharing! Awesome giveaway, I have been wanting to try Modern Yardage, fingers and toes are crossed!!
Patricia says
I love to sew flags and uniforms for marching units. Last year I made flags that had a huge vinyl window in the middle. Now I’m left with a huge amount of vinyl scraps (because we know sewers can’t throw scraps away), thanks for the project to help use up the scraps!!!!
Terri says
I love to sew. I love fabrics. I love making cute things for my little granddaughter!
fenna says
how fun–I love repurposing stuff 🙂 And, thanks for the chance to win $50 to Modern Yardage!
Corina says
I learned to sew in 4-H and while it is hard to find time to whip something up, when I do I love using wow prints or something different and bold and bright! This allows me to not waste time buying curtains or looking for a specific design at a store. There are always different fabrics to work with and mix and match!
Annie says
What a great idea to use those bedding bags! I have oodles of those, knowing I’ll need them some day. Now, I’ll I need to know now is how to sew. :0)
Vicki Holloway says
I sew because I love to create home made items with awesome fabrics. I like to design my own quilts and I don’t have modern fabrics!! Thanks
Victoria S says
I am just learning to sew, what fun! I want to be able to make things around the house and for my kids, 1) to save money and 2) to make original things you won’t see else where!
Katy says
I sew because my mom sews. That’s the main reason. Other than that, I also just love to create and be creative – and sewing helps me do that.
juliet says
I have a love hate relationship with sewing but I love fabric
Kristy says
Great tutorial!
I sew for a lot of reasons….for my family, for sale, but mostly for the projects highlighted each month on my charity focused sewing blog, Hopeful Threads. Thank you for the chance at one of these awesome prizes! I’m sure I could put it to good use! 🙂
Loretta T says
I sew because I love taking a flat piece of fabric and creating a 3 D object.. I have been sewing for over 40 years and still LOVE it!!!
Krystal says
I love seeing a finished product and knowing that I did that. I have so many projects I would love to do if I had more fabric.
Kendra Hearn says
I sew because I love to create! Also, cute fabric is awesome!
Mandi says
I like to sew unique, cheap items but I’m so bad at it. I think I would need to be a perfectionist to get good at sewing.
Kristen says
I like to make cute things for my iuds that aren’t exactly like everyone else’s but I’m definatly a novice!
Libby Sawyer says
The top shelf of my bathroom storage cabinet is FULL of these bags. Just like you said, you always think they will come in handy. But, my son isn’t old enough yet to need a pencil pouch, so maybe I’ll find something else to use them for.
I love that I know how to sew because I can make my own things instead of spending ridiculous amounts of $$ to have someone do it for me. For example, I just made a burlap “Happy Birthday” banner for half the cost that people are selling them on Etsy for. (I’ll be posting it on my blog soon!)
Saritha says
I sew because I love fabric! Especially cotton fabric in vibrant colors… it inspires me to try to achieve illogical goals!
Jen A says
I’m a Machine Quilter. I love what I do, but there is nothing like getting one of my own projects done. I do this by sewing with a group of family and friends twice a month and I look forward to it everyday. I love to sew because it brings people closer together. There is nothing better than giving a little bit of love with every home made gift.
AHof says
I’m a sometimes sewer. I love to sew and create but I’m not the greatest at getting through my projects. I think I like the idea of finding all these great projects to sew and when it comes down to it only occasionally get through even 1/4 of them. I am a secret fabric hoarder though! 😉 My front closet is brimming over with fabulous fabrics waiting for me to use them for something wonderful.
Darcie says
I love the upcycling of those vinyl bags instead of buying new!
I learned to sew because my mom sewed, but I still sew because I love the feeling of creating.
Priscilla says
I like to sew because I love fabric. I get so excited looking at fabric designs and figuring out what I’d like to make with it. I’m not the best at sewing but I continue to try, simply because there’s always something I want to sew.
Natalie says
I love the challenges and successes of sewing. It takes my mind off of things, and I get a great prize that shows my hard work. And I love fabric!
DeborahGun says
I sew because I realised that it helped me to unwind and relax at the end of stressful days – I just love playing with fabric, choosing designs and colours, and hand sewing is preferable to me than machine sewing.
bonnie says
I’m not a huge sewer, but I know how to sew when I have to! It’s great to be able to repair clothes, hem pants, or shorten curtains (that’s what I did today). I definitely don’t LOVE it though, so I”m grateful other people are awesome sewers and can make things for me :):)
BeckyD says
I love to sew to make inexpensive and unique gifts.
JoNell Hafer says
Creative art forms that also serve a practical purpose are so satisfying. I wish I was better at sewing. My mom (now 84 with 32 grand kids and 40+ great grand kids) sewed almost all the clothing for me and my 8 siblings and we were beautifully dressed. She also sewed most of the decor for our home, including the bedding. I think sewing saved her life sometimes. Fabric was her paint and the sewing machine was her brush.
Shawn B! says
Would love to make my girls some clothes.
Shaena Green says
Sewing is relaxing and fun and seeing beautiful fabrics turn into a project are my favorite parts of sewing! I love it and love making practical, useful and pretty things!
kimberlee says
I sew to giveaway handmade items and to donate to auctions to bless charities.
Erica says
I don’t have a ton of sewing experience, but I really do enjoy sewing and creating when my machine is not in the middle of another bout of PMS.
I love fabric and designs and was unbelievably excited and inspired when I first discovered Modern Yardage back in July. When I grow up, I want to be a fabric designer just like Emilie Daly!….except that I’m already older than her….dang….but still, someday I will be a fabric designer! 🙂
Stephanie says
My mom taught me how to sew, so I began sewing as an adult as something to do with her. But almost immediately, I fell in love! I adore getting beautiful, cute, and/or striking fabric and turning it into something else useful and beautiful!! It is very rewarding.
Naomi says
I’m so glad my mom taught me how to sew when I was younger. If only I had the patience to do more projects. There are so many things I would like to make!
Rhonda says
I love to sew, especially when it is a project for one of my 27 grandchildren!!!!!
Krystal says
I love knowing I made that item, whatever it is. It is great to be able to see the finished product. I make blankets a lot and stuff for my kids.
Samantha Collins says
I’m new at sewing! But I love to see the finished project of something and to see the look on the person’s face that I made it for. I sew for other people but would LOVE to start sewing things for myself as well.
Donna B says
My mom taught me to sew and I am so glad because I really like being able to make something the way I want it.
Karna Robbins says
Oh. My. Gosh! I just love, love, LOVE the fabrics used in this project! I’m always seeing wonderful fabrics on blogs, but never where they get the beautiful prints! My local store doesn’t have the best prints so Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for sharing your fabric source!!! Cannot wait to shop their site and sew something precious for my sweet kindergartener…my entire reason for sewing!
Karla G says
While I do own a sewing machine (my great grandma’s!), sewing is just not my forte. Or, maybe I just don’t have enough practice. I can do small projects, but recently making a quilt just about pushed me over the edge!
Susan Christy says
I want to sew some curtains for my laundry room. I have a sewing machine but have not use it since high school, and that was a LONG time ago!
Linda H says
I’m the youngest of 4 girls. The older 2 got to take sewing classes back when Singer Sewing Machines had stores. I begged my Mom to let me take the class also BUT she said that I’d have to wait until high school and take home economics SO I waited (what seemed like a really long time –3years
) and finally took my first year and ended up taking 3 years all together. Been sewing ever since–almost 50 years!
Breanna says
I love to sew because my mother sews. She taught me little by little. I also love to sew because I love to make things myself and give them as gifts. To see peoples faces when you open them makes me smile. That’s why I love to sew!
Erin says
I love the creative outlet of sewing. And my kids like when I make things for them, too. And -bonus- they aren’t critical of my skills!
Laurie says
I sew for my family so we can have one-of-a-kind, fun, unique items! i sew for others in my etsy shop! I make fun, modern ironing board covers so you can look at something pretty while you are doing your chores! I am always on the hunt for great, new fabrics!
Amanda says
I love this! I am thinking about doing this to a zipper pouch for travel size toiletries! Great idea, thank you for sharing!
Susannah says
I learned to sew as an after school activity cause my single mom teacher needed to keep me busy while she tried to wrestle my older, ADD/ADHD sister, and my much younger brother. My neighbor was a home ec teacher and she taught me how to sew just by doing. It was amazing. And now, I sew because I have the wonderfully creative daughter who is an artist and she loves to make clothes for her stuffed animals because I make clothes for her. I feel like I’m leaving a legacy of creativity as well as self sufficiency. I would love to win this fabric because I would let my brave creative independent spirit of a daughter design her own fabric so we can make the creations that are in her mind into reality! Thank you for the opportunity and I will spread the word on this fabric to all my seamstress friends.
Andrea Cotter says
I love making things and having people comment on my creations!
Kate says
So fun! I just started sewing and my daughter just started preschool – I know this will come in handy in the future!
Karen says
I love to sew little things for my daughters. They are always so happy with whatever I make for them. I am just starting to try my hand at some bigger things likes skirts and such. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Bre says
I use to sew when I was a child, but don’t have a sewing machine now. I’ve been getting the itch lately, but machines are so expensive! But, have sworn to my husband that I will have a sewing machine by the end of the year! I love sewing all kinds of things and I think it’s great that people are sharing their ideas about things you can make if you just use your imagination!
Patty Baldwin says
I sew because I love to give people gifts that I have put my heart into!
Jeanette S Goins says
Super cute idea! I have 12 grandchildren & a 13th due on Christmas Day. I used to sew when I was younger & want to pick it up again. There are just so many things you can do by sewing!
Rochelle says
What a cute idea! Will be making these for my girls and myself in the near future!
Heather says
I love to sew because #1 I love the feel of fabric #2 I love being able to create something with fabric I LOVE #3 because I love creating my own patterns…or tweak patterns to my liking. #4 Let’s be honest, I love getting compliments for the awesome stuff I make. 🙂
Brooke says
I LOVE BEING ABLE TO SEW THINGS UP FOR MY KIDS. IF THEY HAVE SOMETHING ORIGINAL IT IS LESS LIKELY TO GET MIXED UP WITH EVERYONE ELSE’S AND GET LOST! 🙂
Norma says
I sew and craft sometimes just because I can. It can be interesting to experiment with different colors and fabrics. Thanks,
Marilyn S says
I love to sew because I can make things my own.
Karry says
Princess Bride, I love making things. Once I get a sewing machine I am going to make a baby carrier, dresses, and skirts for myself. Right now I make items that can be handsewn.
Robin R says
Thank you so much for sharing!
I LOVE sewing because I love to create new things and be challenged while doing it.. Plus it gives me a lot of joy when I can bless others with things that I have made : )
I taught myself how to sew and have gone from thinking I was crazy because I couldn’t read a pattern, to designing my own patterns and I even have a “Patent Pending” on something that I created! (Sorry, super excited about that accomplishment, lol)
I’ve also become a fabric hoarder like soooo many other sewists out there. It’s too hard not to fall in love with all of the beautiful prints out there! As projects come along, I’ll know just what fabric I have set aside for it : )
Congratulations on your accomplishment! You have designed a beautiful and deliciously colorful assortment of prints!
Best wishes!
Robin R : )
Stephanie E. says
I don’t consider myself much of a sewer, but I love to make quilts!
Viktoria says
I am learning to sew. I love doing crafts and making my own decorations., so I thought learning to sew my own dresses and things would be fun! I’m really loving it so far! .
Cristina says
I sew for sanity and working on sewing to make extra income for my family to be able to reach our goal of owning our own home!
joyce Matthews says
I love sewing. It truly has saved my mental health. I look at material and threads as I think an artist must. I love to combine things together. I like to see where my mind will take me. I like to create new palettes. I really like to sew for others because then I put our memories into the project.
Amy Reed says
I want to make my own curtains – I can’t find anything I like within my budget! Being able to chose from a large array of fabrics would be ideal. Thanks for the opportunity!
Sue D says
Thanks for the tutorial. I like to make things for my grandchildren.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com
Laura G says
Hmmm, I sew because I have to, I just HAVE to create something or I don’t feel right somehow. Weird huh?
Katie B says
I love to sew for my kids! My 5 year old always gets excited about whatever I make for him and then shows it off proudly which makes my heart soar!! I also love sewing for my home–pillows and curtains are easy peasy!!
Janice says
I sew because of all the cool things that I can create. I also like to be able to control the quality of the craft or clothing. My mother was a 30 year 4H leader and I have been leading my own group for the past 5 years. Love passing on the skills!
Manuela says
Great tutorial! I was looking for somethig like this to put it in my binder. Happy that I found it.
Glenda McCrary says
I sew for therapy – I call it fabric therapy! I have a busy career and find that sitting in front of the sewing machine calms me and makes the day better. I absolutely love making handmade gifts for friends and family. Thanks for the chance to add to my stash and continue making fun gifts. Love your pencil bag!!
vaishali says
I love the color options that you get to chose from when you sew plus there is no greater pleasure than dressing your little girl in something you made for her…:)
Leshanna W says
I love sewing things because it is my escape/break from household responsibilities. I also love seeing my kids in outfits I made and my kids love to pick out their own prints and the fact its unique.
pat says
I love to sew! My grandma taught me and my high school sewing teacher. I made 32 garments my senior year in High school…that was some time ago. I now to sew for the ones I love, especially my granddaughters, and they will love this pouch! Thanks for the great tutorial.
Tj says
I love your pencil bag. I wasn’t allowed to have them as a kid because I’d stuff them too full and make them too messy. I wasn’t allowed to have a trapper-keeper for the same reason. I’m allowed now, so I think I’ll cut up the bag our bedding came in 😀
I love sewing and I just finished making halloween costumes for my hubby and myself (Pirate). I also made a bag for my Dad’s girlfriend for helping me do the decorations at my wedding!
Anne L says
I love to sew when I have a project that I can get done quickly. If it takes too long, I usually don’t finish! Auugh! These zipper pouches look super easy!
Denise says
I love to sew as it gives me a creative way to use color and style without having to know how to draw. It is my art. I mostly enjoy making household things, but will dabble in clothing. This pencil bag is a great way to use a small piece of special fabric that I don’t want to throw away. Thanks
Wendie says
I learned to sew in 4H when I was 10, and I still love, love, love it! There’s nothing that satisfies those creative urges like a good sewing project!!
anita says
So love this zipper pouch!
I have 5 girls, I’m teaching them all to sew! I so love making things for them that’s not the ‘same as everyone’ else. You can always spot there things… all 5 like color and each as a favorite color. So lets see, I need to help them make a pink, orange, purple, cobalt, and green! Every time we go somewhere they want to know if we can stop and ‘look’ at material! (keeps life interesting)
Audra says
Thank you for such a fun useful idea! I take a lot of pride in making things myself! They are original and beautiful! I love to sew costumes, blankets, home decor and mend things too! I’m so glad I have the skill and machine to do it all!
Kathy Robinson says
I love sewing for my 3 sweet grand daughters. So much fun! Love the pencil pouche and the fabric. I would be so excited to win!! Thanks for sharing.
Kathy R
Jeanetta Andrews says
How wonderful to design your own fabric ! I love doing things by hand or from scratch that most people just go out and buy, so I am always looking for unique things to make. My mom taught me to sew, and she was sewing her own wardrobe when just a young teenager. I have taught two of my seven daughters to sew, and one is only eleven, and is making her own clothing. The other one is sixteen and makes her clothes, clothes for her siblings, costumes, re-enactctment clothing for hire, and makes clothes without patterns when she sees something she likes. Thanks for the lovely pencil case tutorial that is unique and reminds us that we don’t have to put up with the same-old hum-ho that everyone else has. We can stand out in our own style!
Telisha says
I love to sew because it gives me a sense of accomplishment after I’ve created something new. I’m seriously in need of some new cute fabric =). Thanks for the chance!
Becky McDonald says
I LOVE fabric!! I love sewing and creating with beautiful fabric. It’s so much fun!
Elizabeth says
I love ti sew and have been sewing for 45 years. I try and sew everyday! Love your project.
Pam Murphy says
Thanks for the great tutorial…love your fabircs and your ironing board cover! Any new ideas for using the things we have around the house is always welcome, especially for a pack-rat like me! Good luck with your new “career”!!!
MKat says
I sew so whatever I wear is one of a kind. It makes me feel like a pseudo designer!
Sunnie says
We just learned to sew this summer and have no fabric to do more with, I woud love to win this!
Heather Gavin says
I love sewing fun projects for my kids or for gifts! I can not get enough of others being wowed by my projects! It may be shallow but that is what I need as a stay-at-home-mom to feel positive reinforcement from my family and others.
Laurie says
My mom loves to sew and has always sewn my clothes as a child, and now sews my children’s clothing. I recently began learning to sew from her (FINALLY) and am eager to try new (simple) things. Would love some of this gorgeous fabric!!
Joyce Amacher says
I love to sew because I love to create!!!! Each project turns out into something special – sometimes great and sometimes not to great – but the creativity is exciting
sherry says
Sewing helps me keep my creative juices flowing and creating things that I can see in my head but can’t find in stores. It also helps me to create fun and original pieces that I know no one else will have.
Tisha says
Adorable pouch! I sew because it gives me a chance to create, and it makes me sooo happy, epecially when all the pieces line up just right! ;o)
LaVerne says
I sew because it’s the only way to get exactly what I want as far as fabric patterns and color! Sometimes the stores just don’t have anything that appeals to me.
Becky Lapinski says
Five years ago my husband needed a pair of pants repaired and shortened. I bought a cheap singer machine at target just for my husband’s pants. From his pants I went to curtains then to a baby quilt then I was stuck. I have been sewing ever since. I l Iove love love to create new purse designs. And every now and again I sew up a little something cute for my little cuttie.
Lana says
I learned to sew, shortly before I had kids. I just knew, I would make all their clothes. However; I had busy little bee’s and I had to put my dreams of sewing away. Now that they are a little bit older, I would love to open up my passion of sewing again. This looks like just the project to start with and my children could use it for school. It looks like a win, win situation for me! – However; I will have to figure out how to add material and grommets, so it can be put in a binder. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for a great project and idea!
Rebecca says
I love that you used fabric and other things that I already have around the house! What a great project! Perfect for gifts! Thank you!
Kathy J says
I learned to sew probably when I was about 9-10 years old making my own cloth dolls with clothes. My aunt was a seamstress and my mom worked after school for her doing the hems for the dresses as she made a lot of debutante-style party dresses. I find out later that they weren’t ‘debs’ but ‘ladies of the evening’ to put it politely! My mom made most of my clothes growing up and she made my high school grad dress as well.
Jessica M says
I’m not very good at sewing, but I’m learning:) I’m always looking for easy sewing projects that can help me save money& add a little unique flavor in my life:) This is a great tutorial! Thank you!
Kristi Mccarter says
I am a beginner sewer, and like it because it is time well spent with my mom who is teaching me to sew. Plus the fabrics are so fun !
Anna says
Growing up, I watched my mother and her mother sewing.. The items they made were the clothes we wore. And I loved it. My sewing is more of a hobby, but I still enjoy it.
Jen L says
I would love to be able to sew. Mostly for my children. My mom would sew for me and my siblings when I was young. I never learned how…Ironically my two brothers did! 😉
Rosemary Rivas says
Where can one find out more info about Modern Yardage? I am a quilter and am always looking for fresh new fabrics. That pencil pouch could double as a rotary cutter pouch. Thanks for the opportunity to win some great fabric.
Christa Dunn-Krebs says
Although I technically had my first sewing experience in a Middle School Home Ec class, I didn’t get the “bug” for sewing until after my three year old son passed away from leukemia three years ago. In an effort to better cope and keep my hands/mind busy, I purchased my very first basic sewing machine and haven’t stopped sewing since! It’s become a hobby that bring me both great pleasure and peace. There is nothing more fulfilling than giving gifts to my other kiddos that I put so much time, love and effort into making.
alicia himes says
Sewing is so rewarding! I get to be creative and create something beautiful and functional!
Judy says
So I love to see you sewing and others sewing as well. I’d like to learn how to sew. My MIL gave me her sewing machine but I’ve never tried using it cause I just don’t know where to start. One day the inspiration will hit me, but hasn’t happened yet.
Annette Crain says
I love to use my imagination to make quilts and other items from my fabric scraps! Most of the time I am very pleased with the results…
Thanks!!
Karen S says
I sew because it takes me out of the crazy world I live in and places me in an equally crazy world of creative people inspire me. I have just found Modern Yardage and have fallen for the fabric, ideas, designers, and the whole ball of scraps!
HaliB says
I love to sew, although I am only a beginner. It is much more satisfying to give a gift that has been handmade; people tend to treasure them more…
Kelly Hochstetler says
Hmmm why do I sew? I love to sew as a way to relax and unwind, to make things for those I love, as a challenge, or because it is something I need and can make it for myself. I am also thankful for others who sew when there are things that I do not have the skill to tackle myself (yet).
Thank you!
Marcia says
Great tutorial! I have a stack of clear vinyl bags and FINALLY a clear idea of how to put them to use. I sew to keep the creative juices flowing….
doreen says
I do lots of crafts to help take my mind off of medical problems .I am huge on upcycling I have trouble throwing anything away .I love to alter clothes to work for me (lengthen tops with lace ,ruffle layers on tops skirts dresses ,take top and skirt and combine to make dress ).I love the idea of using the clear plastic ,I have seen many pieceS that were good enou for fabric .I think its great to put in front of basket,box,bins for organizing and can see inside .I use all fabric pieces for quilt design hair bows even earrings .i saw a vintage picture of a scrap bin and would love to find a tut on how to make it .
Stephanie Marie says
I have just recently taken up sewing for many reasons, two being the most important. One, because my first niece on the way to the world and I would love to make her so many like a sock snake and so much more. Secondly, because I tend to collect and keep unnecessary items without use which by sewing I could find new uses and possibly make money or people happy with gifts. I hope I win (: