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.
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''.
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.