The Keys to Success

Here in the USA, September means

"back to school," even though lots of classes

have already begun in late August.

I wonder if The Patchsmith had school

on her mind when she chose this month's

project for the Across The Pond Sew Along.

After all, education is the key to success.

Amanda has assigned us the topic called

"Key-Ring Pouches."

Here's just one of the fun projects she has made,

to encourage and tempt us to join in the fun...

a bright little pouch for earbuds!

Photo by The Patchsmith

As if that didn't take her to the head of the class,

Amanda has made an equally smart
zip-pouch key-ring from a different tutorial,
and you can discover the source in The Patchsmith's latest post.

Not to be outsmarted,
I've been researching ideas of my own,
as I look for inspiration to make my key fobs and rings.

This awesome Ruffle Zipper Pouch
with Geometric Stitching gets an A+ in my gradebook!
The tutorial for this classy number comes from 
the blog called See Kate Sew,
as does the photo shown.

There are many instructive tutorials out there,

including this one from the fabulous Noodlehead blog,
called Lil Cutie Pouches.

Photo from Noodlehead blog

It's really fun to use a bit of hardware
like lobster clips, zippers, and D-rings to add a touch of class.

{These D's are perfectly acceptable for any student.}

Once you've mastered zipper installation,
you can graduate to many other types of pouches and bags,
so sign yourself up for some sewing time.

When you've finished your project,
be sure to show and tell in the Flickr Group for
the Across The Pond Sew Along.

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A Peacock Wedding

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful bride,

with four lovely bridesmaids to attend her.

The bridesmaids gowns were a brilliant shade of teal called Mediterranean...

we call it Peacock in my real-life workplace.

{But that's another tale...don't get me started.}

{Source:  Pinterest}

Each gown came with a fabric stole, 

made from the same teal fabric as the dresses.

The bridesmaids felt certain that they would NOT want to 
wear stoles for the August wedding.

{Can you blame them?}

{Source:  Pinterest}

Someone suggested making little purses from the stoles,

and I was asked to make them!

{Yay!!!}

I knew right away that this Sweet Pea Totes pattern,

the Zip and Go Wristlet,

would be a perfect choice!

I made up all four of the wristlets from the silky taffeta peacock fabric,

which has a fantastic, rich sheen and wonderful texture.

{I lined the fabric with Pellon ShapeFlex 101SF,

and it made perfect pleats.}

For the interiors, I chose four different prints to match.

I used one print for the pocket and the other for the lining.

{I switched up the prints, so that all four coordinated,

but each was unique. These are from Paula Prass and Jennifer Paganelli.}

For the interiors and the pocket, I used Pellon 987F fusible fleece interfacing.

The wristlets are soft, but hold their shape, even when empty.

{Man, I love that stuff...I buy it by the bolt!}

This pattern is fabulous!!!

I've used it many times and it's fun every step of the way.

{Here are some of my favorites...}

I bought a bunch of colorful zippers,

because they add some "zip" to these great bags! 

{I got mine from Zipit on Etsy.}

I do follow the fabulous well-written pattern exactly,

except with two modifications I like to make.

1.

I prefer some extra shaping to the bottom of the bags,

so I make darts in the corners.

2.

Secondly, I LOVE putting a skinny shoulder strap

on my bags, instead of using them

as a wristlet.

They can be carried on the shoulder, or even cross-body.

{When I go to an amusement park, I can tuck mine inside my shirt

for the roller coaster rides!}

I generally make a matching key fob, too...
so I made up a few for the bridal party.

{You just can't have too many of these key fobs!}

{I have a few of these purses for sale in my shop on Etsy,

or you can always contact me if you want me to sew something just for you!}

I had some more of the peacock fabric left...
and I used it to make up a drawstring bag
from this tutorial by Jeni of In Color Order.

I love the lively accent fabrics, once again by Jennifer Paganelli...
It's for the bridal dance, so of course
it's got to rock!

And for the final chapter in this storybook wedding...
the bride needed a pretty purse, too, don't you think?


How lovely is this?


{Made from elmstreetlife's Bow Clutch Tutorial 
that I've already posted about here.}

The lining is from a Jennifer Paganelli's print called Matt's Tux.


{I do so love names that sound like they match the occasion!}

Wishing the bride and groom, their family and friends
a beautiful wedding day!

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