{Michelle Patterns}

Super Padded Camera Pouch

On the things I invested in last year was a new camera.  I wanted a few more options than just the basics, but also wasn't ready for a DSLR.  The camera I finally decided on was the Canon Powershot G12. 

I don't know that much about cameras--and honestly they don't pique my curiousity enough for me to learn any more than I need to know to get the job done--but this camera seems to be something between a simple point-and-shoot camera and a DSLR in function and looks. 

The first thing I noticed was my new camera didn't fit in the wristlet style camera pouch. So for a few months I kept it in this clutch, which worked pretty well.  I could keep the battery charger, manual, and camera together in one place. 

But I wanted a pouch just for the camera and over the weekend that is what I made!

By quilting both the exterior and lining, I ended up with a nice sturdy cube! 

It has a drawstring top under the flap:

Overall, it turned out perfect!  I can still keep everything together in the clutch, but now the camera has a little more protection in case the clutch gets knocked off my desk or some other disaster strikes. 

P.S. The fabric is Free as a Bird from the Cut Out and Keep collection from Cloud 9 Fabrics.

 

Yellow and Gray Vintage Floral Cotton Fabric

Yellow and Gray Vintage Floral Cotton Fabric

Sewing Tip: Use a Stainless Steal Ruler to Make Crisp Pleats

The pieces for a medium size Pleated Wristlet in a black and gold brocade fabric have been cut out for a few weeks now, but I wanted to quilt the lining with metallic gold thread, which was something I didn't have in my thread collection. I finally picked the thread up the other day, and now it is time to sew this wristlet.

This brocade is synthetic and can't be pressed, so I can't interface these pieces with anything fusible.  This fabric also has an embossed texture and doesn't crease easily, making it mildly uncooperative during pleating.  To make it easier I'm using a stainless steal ruler to help fold the fabric. 

 

This method can be used for pleating difficult fabrics, or anytime you want really crisp folds.  If your fabric can be pressed, a stainless steal ruler can be left in the folds and pressed right over.  It will get hot, but won't melt.  I love metal rulers!

Here are some photos to illustrate...

Line up ruler with one of the center pleat lines:

Fold the fabric over the ruler:

Hold the fabric in place and slide the ruler out from under the fabric.  I pull it down and out the bottom. 

Reposition the ruler along the exterior fold line:

Fold the fabric back over the ruler:

Hold the fabric in place again, remove the ruler, and pin the pleat in place.  So easy!

P.S. This fabric also gets pin holes that won't close, so I've pinned in the allowance to avoid any holes.  The dark fabric mostly hides them, but I try to avoid them anyway.  

 

 

Sample Sale Sunday - Small Pleated Clutch (SOLD)

Today I have another small Pleated Wristlet available as a sample. Sold - Many thanks! This one is made from Pendleton wool in a color they call "sea glass". 

The inside is one of my favorite cotton lawn prints.

My seam matching was not perfect on this one, but it is still a nice little bag.

This one measures approximately 8" across bottom x 6.5" at top x 5.5" high x 2.25" deep (20 x 17 x 14 x 6 cm).

The price includes shipping and is determined by your location:

US - $12

Canada - $13

Everywhere else - $16

If you would like this sample send me an email.  My email is in the middle of the left column, above the "Follow me on Pinterest" button.  The first person to email me about it will be invoiced through PayPal.  Let me know in your note where you are located.

Kate Spain Good Fortune Sakura Aqua - COATED

Kate Spain Good Fortune Sakura Aqua - COATED

_    _    _    _    _    _    _    _    _    _    _    _ 

Last week I showed the Waterfall colorway of this Kate Spain print, and here it is again, but in aqua and with a plastic coating.  Would be fun to have this to sew some make-up bags!

Sample Sale Saturday - Pleated Wristlet (Sold)

Today I have this small version of the Pleated Wristlet. Sold - Thanks!  This is the one where I used a sew-in magnetic snap (blogged here) instead of a zipper. 

This one measures approximately 8" across bottom x 6.5" at top x 5.25" high x 2.25" deep (20 x 17 x 13 x 6 cm).

The price includes shipping and is determined by your location:

US - $12

Canada - $13

Everywhere else - $16

If you would like this sample send me an email.  My email is in the middle of the left column, above the "Follow me on Pinterest" button.  The first person to email me about it will be invoiced through PayPal.  Let me know in your note where you are located.