Bags & Pouches - Part 2

Welcome back for part 2 of the 4-bags-with-1 yard-fabric post!

I also made a Cup Bag for the same little girl in Japan.  Cup Bag? What's that? I was surprised when I read the name on the magazine but it seems like in Japan, there is different bags/pouches for different items like shoe, cup, bento, lesson bag etc.

Anyway, I use the pattern from the same magazine.

The instruction is also a photo step by step so it was really easy.  Especially this one don't need a lining.

For this bag or pouch, I use the middle portion of the Nico Nico Land fabric which has lots of cute cakes, macron print all over the baby pink background.

Did you notice my cute pink stopper and beads? I got these as a set [2 stoppers and 4 beads] from Daiso for $2! Yes, you have to believe it. Daiso does carry some of these cute item that is really affordable and add a cute factor to your project don't you think?

Here's how it looks open up.  My Precious Moment ballerina figurine is modelling for me.

Side view.

That complete the set for my little friend.

So, come back again for Part 3! I know, I'm a tease : P

Bags & Pouches - Part 1

In my last trip to Japan, I bought some Japanese fabric. The bags above are all made from 1 yard of  Nico Nico Land fabric designed by Koko Seki under Lecien.

I'm very pleased with myself to squeezed out 4 items with just 1 yard! The print is border printed on both sides of the panel so if you lay your pattern differently, you will get different design and look!

First up, is a Shoe Bag that I make for my best friend's girl in Japan.  This is the type of bag that the elementary kids use to keep their shoes and bring to shoe. I use the bottom part of the print so that the pink flower will become the base and the cartoon are at the top.

Pattern is from this book.

There is a photo step by step to guide you on sewing such bag.

Instead of the fabric loop that the instruction called for, I use this loop(?) (not sure what you call this item) D Ring.

So you string one end of the strap through the loop D Ring and pull through.  The lining for the bag is a quilted cotton that I got from Spotlight. This one is really useful and save me the time to quilt.  I didn't interface the fabric because the thick fabric plus the quilted lining help to hold the bag nicely.

The loop D Ring and the strap is a set that I got for $2 from Daiso. It comes in bright pink and yellow. I think the colour fits the bag nicely.


I'll share the next pouch in my next post.

Cushion Delight!

I've been trying out different types of cushion covers lately..

Velcro closure 

Super secure and real nice fit.  The pillow form measure 20"X20" which I got for $4.90 from Ikea. The pillow form is quite loosely filled so when I cut the fabric, I use 20" square so that it will be more form fitting. I love how this one looks so cheery and bright.

Invisible Zipper closure

The zipper closure is applied to the bottom of the cushion cover before I sew up the 3 sides. For the front, I join the 2 fabric together and sew a piece of red satin ribbon over the seam line for added interest. This one is so sweet.

Envelope closure

This is a 14" pillow form from Ikea.  It's a steal at $1.90 each.  The pillow form is more tightly packed, so for this one, I cut the fabric with 1/4" seam allowance.  Also, with envelope closure, if you sew the cover too tightly, the back will not lay flat.

Sewing cushion covers are so easy and quick. I sew up the 3 covers in just a night of sewing, including cutting.  I think I prefer the zipper closure because it is really neat and so easy to change the pillow.  Which do you prefer?