Last week I decided that it would be a good idea to make some bags to hold my loose jewellery that was gathering dust in a drawer. I had bought a collection of mixed coloured zips a while back, and thought that this material would work! I pulled out some other material for the linings that would match the colour of the zips.
I used the 'persimmon dumpling pouch' pattern from the Sew Sweetness web site. I have already made some other pouches from this pattern but after making this first one yesterday, I realised that I was not really happy with it.
I had used headliner material, and as it was thin, used two layers. I also put in between some polyester wadding. But what I didn't do was quilt the layers together ( a mistake I discovered). Also, I wasn't happy with the lining as it just didn't sit well on the inside. However, the pouch is now full to nearly bursting with all my polymer clay necklaces I made a few years ago that I don't seem to wear anymore!
Today I decided to make another pouch from the same spotty material, but this time used the pale blue zip and lining material shown in the photo above. I also constructed the outer in a different way. One layer of headliner material with a layer of wadding between the outer fabric. I then simply quilted all three layers together using a longer straight stitch on my machine between every second row of circles of the outer fabric.
This time I also made an adaptation to the lining. The instructions have you cut all the fabric, stiffener, and foam from the one pattern piece. To me that is where the main problem is. You cannot put the same size object inside another - one has to be either slightly larger or smaller. I was taught by my needlework teacher way back in the 60's, when making a collar, to cut the underside piece slightly smaller. When sewn together the seams naturally roll the edges and you get a perfect collar when pressed. So I decided to apply the same principle for the lining. Once I had ironed on the interfacing, I just cut off a 1/4" strip all the way round. The lining eased in without any problems and as you can see the inside of the bag is neat, no bunching of fabric. Perfect. I am so much happier with this bag. It stands well because being quilted gives more support to the thinner headliner interfacing which is a much less expensive product than what is recommended.
Both bags have the another adaptation of a pull tag at each end of the zip. Yesterdays bag I used a contrasting fancy top stitch away from the zip, but I didn't have any blue thread that matched todays zip, so I topstitched in black closer to the zip so that it is not so noticeable.
I think I can say that I have 'cracked' this design now. I will use todays method when making any more bags of this type.
I may get out my embroidery floss and make some tassels for the zip pulls.
