Pockets to go

Several of us from the DC Modern Quilt Guild decided to make these cute little caddies at our last sewing day. 

It took me two evenings after that to finish stitching all the binding down by hand. I thought this Mama Said Sew layer cake would be a perfect use for this caddy. I made some changes to the pattern. First I changed the sizes of the pockets inside. There were I think 6 spaces for pens/pencils. I don’t think I would use that many. I made two of them into larger pockets and my rotary cutter can fit into them perfectly! Yay!
The other change I made was to omit one of the outside zipper pockets. I am not afraid of zippers. I just didn’t think I had enough little things that needed to be in a zipper pocket. And, this is a big AND, I wanted to try a little paper piecing on the front. I inherited boxes and boxes of fabric and stuff from my Grandmother. I ripped the design of one of the patterns she had in them and I made some teeeeeeny paper pieced pieces just for this caddy. I ended up cutting it down a bit to fit here. I loved the teeny pieces though. I will be playing more with this design in the future. LOVE it!

When I got home from the sewing day, there was a small box from Colonial Needle Company waiting for me. Of course! They shared some of their awesome Presencia thread with me to share with the guild. Isn’t it Murphy’s Law or something, that the package arrived after I had already left for the sewing day? I’ll just have to share at the next month.
In the box, they had also sent me some things to try. I tell you, the timing could not have been more perfect. All that hand sewing for the binding could have really made my fingers sore. I used their Needle Grip-It. I have not yet found a good thimble for me. I like to still be able to feel what I’m doing. And I often have a little length to my nails. I guess I need an open thimble. I am still looking for the right one. I was able to use two of these little guys and it was awesome! I probably would use a third one on the side of my middle finger the next time. I found that although I use my nail to push the needle through, I use the side of my finger too and that little spot got a little sore. I will be ready for the next time, with three of these little guys!
I did use their needles too. I liked the size of the eye, I loved how skinny the needle was. I just like a little bit of a longer needle. As I get older, my fingers get really sore with teeny movements. A longer needle feels better for me the next day. Just a personal thing though. I will totally keep these in my sewing arsenal. 

Enjoy!
Anjeanette

I am linking up!

 

Plum and June