My first pocket!

I know, I know a pocket isn't exactly exciting, but this was the first time I ever made one. Its not even a complicated pocket, but still I made it.

I made this little bag using the tutorial found at this flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/poochiebags/. It is slightly different to the little bags I've made in the past and the pockets on the outside end up sewn down by the handles.

I used and old pair of jeans for the most of it, you can see the seam down the leg showing on the horizontal line just above the pocket. Because I was using the denim for the handles I didn't want as many layers folded together as the pattern uses so I used the herringbone pattern to secure the raw seams together. I took the raw edges from both sides into the middle and sewed straight down. I think it will stop fraying and it is nice and strong.

For some reason, I didn't want to do anything complicated these last few days, so this was a nice change of direction.

Getting better with triangles

I've finished the top I've been piecing with half square triangles. All the patterned triangles came from a scrap set I bought but they go together really well. The solid pink I got at John Lewis for those that are UK based and it blended really well. I've yet to see the fabled Kona Cotton Solids in real life so I've no idea how it compares to them but this one worked for me and it wasn't too expensive either. I really enjoyed playing around with the layout on this top, there are so many options.

My piecing accuracy is getting better. From a distance its ok and some bits close up look fine.

However some aren't so good, but then what saddo would be looking at the seams when there are pink poodles to enjoy! Aren't they cute. I'm amazed by how much I enjoy pink fabrics since I've started quilting. I'm so not a pink girl! (and blogger is turning my pics upside down again).

I also treated myself to some sewing books as I am going to take the plunge eventually and start trying sewing something other than quilts and mini bags. The Cath Kidson book came with a kit to make a little shoulder bag. The fabric, buttons and label were all included. The strap is attached with buttons, my first ever buttonholes!!! I had to get the instructions manual out to work out how to use the foot for the sewing machine and practise on scrap but they came out alright in the end.