Enjoy the Sewing :: A Strawberry Ellie Travel Case by Fabric Mutt

Lately, I’ve been enjoying some sewing time, just to sew something lovely. I know I post a lot about swaps, but it is something I really enjoy doing. Creating something for someone who will cherish it is so enjoyable. Since my sewing time is so limited {like most of ours!}, it is fun to put some energy into just making a project, and focus on the fabric, design elements, and not necessarily into designing a whole new project or pattern. While I love coming up with new ideas, there are so many lovely ones already available, that it is a nice break just to enjoy the sewing part, and I really love to sew.

One recent make was the Ellie Travel Case, a free Tutorial by Heidi of Fabric Mutt. The it was for a swap with the theme of Strawberry Picnic, and I had this perfect strawberry fabric in my stash {since I know someone will ask – it is 30’s Collection by Atouko Matsuyama for YUWA – I bought it last year on clearance, so it’s harder to find now}. Heidi’s tutorial was straight forward and easy to follow, even if the zipper was a bit rough to put in {I broke two needles…!}.

I stuffed my handles with some cotton cord too, to give a little extra body. I’d seen this done before and felt like this would be a great time to give it a try. I loved the way it made the handles nice and round, it’s always fun to try new techniques! To put the cord in the handles I wrapped one end tightly with tape {so it was like a shoe lace end} and then poked a safety pin through it. I then fed the cord through the sewn handle and cut it near the edge.

And, because my mom is a genius and shared her great idea with me, instead of marking a rectangle on the handles, I just stuck a rectangle of washi tape on the handles to stitch around. So quick and easy!

I should have taken a photo with this bag next to something, so the size would be more evident, but I didn’t think of it. Anyway, you can see a glimpse of the pen inside to show you how roomie it is!

I have been enjoying how lovely the quilting and sewing community is lately. Not only is it filled with fabric and beautiful projects, but there are lovely and inspiring people everywhere. Alyce of Blossom Heart Quilts wrote a great post about the Serendipity of Creating, if you have a moment you should read it! I love the idea of just spending some time creating each day to help inspire and motivate yourself.

Like many of you said in response to my post about finding time last week, I find that working in some sewing time really cheers me up and gives me a break from the every day chaos of cleaning and cooking. Most of my real life friends greatly look forward to personal time at the gym, on girls nights out, or shopping alone, but I’ve come to realize that my favorite recharging time is at my sewing machine, and that it is relaxing and fulfilling. And, I’m guessing, if you’re reading this blog, it might be the same for you! I do want to thank you for taking a moment of your time to read this blog and leave a comment. I know that my time is extremely limited, and I know yours is too, so know that it means a lot to me, even if I don’t always find the time to e-mail you back, I thoroughly appreciate each encouraging word you share!