It's been a while since I've shared a "what's on my sewing table" post. This week I wrapped up two quilts and got them off to the quilter. I've also had some time for just-for-fun sewing - with Minki Kim's latest fabric collection, Bloomberry including some uber cute zipper pouches using a printed Zipper Pouch Panel! It's so clever. And the results are SUPER cute.
I've had this pile of Bloomberry prints from Riley Blake Designs for a few weeks now, waiting patiently for me to play with them.
They're so fresh and cheerful - a sweet combination of retro-inspired prints in modern colors. Bloomberry fabric is hopefully available now at your favorite local quilt shop. If not, you can find it online from The Fat Quarter Shop, and assorted Etsy shops.
Also part of the Bloomberry collection is a printed panel to make at least 3 zipper pouches + other fun label and coaster designs to use or fussy-cut for other projects.
Even though I've been sewing for years, I'm still intimidated by pouches (especially the zipper part!) I know that I need to just practice more to get over that irrational fear. This panel provided the perfect opportunity for a couple of reasons:
- all of the fabric (including bindings, linings, etc.) is already marked to size and in one place!
- Minki Kim has a series of YouTube videos to walk you confidently through each project! Here's an example showing making the Trixie Pouch:
Supplies for Bloomberry Zipper Pouches
In addition to the printed Bloomberry panel you will need:
- Zippers (15" long for large bags, 10" long for classic zipper pouch)
- Stabilizer: I used Pellon #77 Flex Foam sew-in stabilizer for the quilted pouches (you could also use Soft and Stable) and Pellon #101 woven fusible stabilizer for one of the linings.
I bought the finishing kit zippers from Minki Kim directly. The Quilter's Crossing is selling the panel + zipper kit here. I love the elevated look of the metal zippers on the finished pouches. Makes them look much fancier/more expensive.
Minki's step-by-step video instructions (she has a separate video for each of the different bags) made putting the pouches together so easy! Look how cute they turned out! I'm super proud of myself!
On the left is the Classic Zipper Pouch. On the right, is a Trixie pouch.
I made made two Trixie pouches using the templates on the panel, paired with a another piece of Bloomberry fabric. My favorite is this scrappy hexagon cheater print.
I quilted the cheater print (with the Flex Foam stabilizer between the outside and liner layer to give the look of pieced hexagons.
Oh my goodness, the finished pouch is SO dang cute. I'm giving away the other pouches as Mother's Day gifts, but this one I'm totally keeping for myself. The perfect pouch for carrying around notions and quilting supplies!
As you can see, I also added cute little woven labels to give the perfect detail + finishing touch!
You can find Minki's beautiful woven labels in her shop, Sewing Illustration, here. She has a beautiful variety. You can get a package of one kind, or a variety assortment.
On my design wall you can see a preview of another project I'm working on with Bloomberry:
I'm making a new version of my Morning Star baby quilt tutorial. This is such a quick and easy make! Here's a preview while auditioning a fabric border choice.
This was a fun one for using these cheery, prints and showing them off with the large scale block. I finished the quilt top this week and it's off to the quilter. I'll be share the finish next week!
One more new thing on the sewing table this week: a latest edition Baby Lock Altair II quilting and machine embroidery machine. (*slight squealing noise in the background*)
I've been an ambassador with Baby Lock Sewing Machines for 7+ years now and I'm so excited to try out their latest technology in embroidery and quilting functionality with this new machine. I'll be sharing more about it next week as well!
In the mean time, feeling super proud of myself for making these cute little pouches and conquering my fear of zippers! I foresee many more of these Trixie zipper pouches in my future.
Feeling intimidated yourself? This is the perfect project for practicing. They're so cute and honestly, a fast finish once you get on a roll!
And I may even expand to more zipper pouches in the future. They're a really fun and satisfying finish!
Mary Jean Cunningham says
The pouches are adorable and may be enough to make me get over the hesitation I also feel when I see a zipper is required - doesn't even make sense, because I've been sewing a very long time and the first dress I made over 50 years ago (!) had a zipper, but if I see a pattern requires a zipper, I think "Oh, never mind" to myself and look for another pattern! Sometimes the things we think don't make sense! Plus, what's the worst that can happen - it might not be as bad as I think or I might learn something?!?
Sharon says
Hi i trust you are well.
how do i get the trixie pouch pattern.
Thanks
Sharon
Amy says
Hi Sharon!
You can find the stand alone Trixie Pouch pattern here: https://sewingillustration.com/products/trixie-zip-pouch?_pos=1&_psq=trixie&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Jackie says
"Sew" cute!! Who knew about cheater quilted hexagons?! I have to make these!! PS Love those tags.
Julie says
Best hexies ever, no hand sewing! I don't have anything against hand sewing, it just takes a long time. Can't wait to hear about the new machine. Love my Baby Locks.
Lori says
My mother taught me to sew when I was 8 years old. And, when I say "sew," I mean clothing. My first project was an apron (with pockets) that tied @ the waist. Next, a lined chef's apron with a D-ring closure @ the neck. Then a pantsuit that included a zipper @ the hip, a waistband, and a lined jacket. Then, my first dress. A full zipper in the back, set-in sleeves, and a gathered waist. I have read that people are intimidated by sewing curves! Funny thing is, I didn't start quilting until MUCH later in life, and I find making a perfect patchwork to be the most intimidating thing in the world! Think about it - straight 1/4" seams make me want valium. I promise you, Amy - this zipper thing - you've got it! But, if you could teach me to sew a perfect patchwork, I sure would appreciate it.
Liz says
Does not ship to Canada. Bummer!
PatL says
The Minki Kim pouches are adorable. I just wish I was smart enough to figure out how to make them with a turned lining. I don't like seeing the zipper tape on the inside. And covering exposed seams with binding screams homemade to me. I have several high-end quilted bags and none of them have bound edges.
Laura Berry says
Hi Amy! So cute & very inspiring! How did you quilt the hexie fabric - by hand or by machine? Is there a method that doesn't require stopping and restarting, or retreading on what you've already done?
Thanks,
Laura