Travel Handmade // Favorite Things

Have you seen the Travel Handmade series on the Sewing Summit blog? If not, you should check it out.  Organized by Jeni and Megan, there are some really helpful posts about interfacing, zippers, and purse hardware, as well as a variety of posts that share specific projects, review patterns, and even provide new tutorials.

I have a funny story about "travelling handmade."  I loved watching the Travel Handmade action from the sidelines last year, as so many people (whether they were going to Sewing Summit or not) made new purses, Weekender bags, shirts, skirts, dresses, pajama pants--you name it. I usually stick to quilts or really simple bags, and was feeling a little overwhelmed by it all.  My friend Dana and I were really busy last fall, and we made a pact before Sewing Summit that we weren't going to make a single thing--neither of us wanted to be the only ones without a stitch of handmade going to Sewing Summit, so we figured there was safety in numbers.

Well, two days before I left I changed my mind. I made each of us a zip pouch to hold cards, money, etc. I nervously texted her and said, "Uh, I caved. I had to make something. But don't worry. I made you something too!" She texted me back and said she had done the same thing and made both of us nametags.  We got a good laugh out of that. And thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, big Travel Handmade "wardrobe" or not.

Inspired by the Craft Book Fair at Craft Buds, I decided to make a new make up bag out of a pattern I already own-- Perfect Zip Bags by Elizabeth Hartman.  Her patterns are always well written and easy to follow--I didn't have any purse hardware and made up the measurements as I went on. I used bits of Violet Craft's Madrona Road paired with some Essex Linen, and I think the result is a lot of fun.  (and I'm loving her suggestion of a pocket on the inside).  My finished pouch measures about 9'' x 11''.

Pocket detail--gotta love that text print

The Back

So, my Travel Handmade count is now a little higher than it was last year. An awesome name tag.  A new makeup bag in fabric I love.  A hexagon sewing bag made for me by KM Quilts in the first round of the Pretty {little} Pouch Swap, and a small zipper bag (laminated cotton) to keep my basting pins in (if I forget to close some, the ends don't poke out through the laminated cotton).  A number of random zipper bags  that hold snacks, money, My Little Ponies and stickers (although I guess I won't need those at Sewing Summit), and all sorts of other goodies that I don't want loose in my purse.

Can't wait to see what everyone else makes this year, and I have made no such similar pact. So you might even find me making something as ambitious as new pajama pants... Happy Sewing!