BBA Challenge - August 2013

The Challenge

Each month the Etsy Blogging Business Artisans Team challenges its members to create something around a theme.  This month the challenge was brought to us by jewelry maker extraordinaire, Linda of lindab142.  Linda said, "Fall is coming -- create an item for Autumn OR blog about what you like about Fall / Autumn."

My Response to the Challenge

My response to the challenge was the linen and patchwork pencil case shown above.  In making this project, I used the Patchwork Pencil Pouch Tutorial by Vanessa Hewell of LBG Studio.   Vanessa shared this tutorial on her Little Big Girl Studio Blog and on her Little Big Girl Studio Tutorials Flickr Group.   Vanessa allows free use of the tutorial to make gifts or to sell offline (craft shows,etc.), but sales on Etsy are not allowed.  I hope to make a few of these pouches for upcoming Fall craft fairs.  Granddaughter Erin, my part-time Design Consultant, has been pairing scrap fabrics for the patchwork segments.

For this pouch, I used L019 medium weight linen from Fabrics-Store.Com, my go to source for linen.  I love the nubby texture.  

I use the same L019 weight for my retro-inspired linen bow clutches, but I buy the softened linen for the clutches.  

The 2.5" patchwork squares are mostly scrap fabrics, including an upholstery fabric remnant I picked up at the 2012 Hillestad Gallery Rummage Sale.  The horse fabric, however, is from a treasured fat quarter by indie fabric desiger Katherine Codega.  

I've decided that I definitely want MORE of her fabrics!  The lining is a cotton-linen blend in a light forest green.  The zipper pull was made using leather cording.  I needed to slice it in half to fit through the hole in the zipper.  BTW, the zipper is from Zip It, my only source for high quality, affordable zippers in every length, color, and style imaginable.  I used a wooden bead to secure the cording, rather than trying to tie a bulky knot.

Overall, I am fairly happy with this little pouch.  If I make this pouch again (and I plan to), I will probably use fabric end tabs for the zipper, and use a contrasting thread for the top stitching.  I'll add one of my new sew-in tags, too.  I may also try some hand embroidery on some of the linen pouches in lieu of patchwork.  

So much fabric, so many ideas, so little time!!!

What do I enjoy about Fall?

Back to school time marks the beginning of autumn for me despite what the calendar says. As a child, I remember the excitement of brand new school supplies AND a new pair of shoes. Nowadays, I love the cool, crisp air, and the beautiful colors of Fall foliage.  

I will be traveling to New Hampshire next week (August 22-27) for some long-anticipated family time, and although I'll miss the peak of foliage season this year, I have fond memories of seeing the brilliant colors of the New England woods in early October.  

What do YOU enjoy most about Fall?

TTFN
LeAnn