Anyone that has worked with me or knows me well, KNOWS I live and breathe by “lessons learned”. I am a learner. I want to always do better. I learn from my mistakes. So here’s the deal –
I decided I wanted to make this adorable little ‘taffy pouch’ for some Christmas presents –
I thought it would be perfect to put some little pieces in for one of the granddaughter’s presents which meant pink, purple. Ahhhh. I read the instructions. I cut the material.
I pressed. I ironed the fusible interfacing – (onto both pieces … hmmm)
I pinned and drew lines with my all-time fav pen – the Frixion pen. There is NOTHING that beats this!!
I quilted.
See?! No lines, ha! Pretty easy stuff. I trimmed it all up nice and square –
Whew – it’s really thick – but I double checked and it said to adhere the fusible interfacing onto both sides.
Then came the binding. I cut 2 1/4″ binding,
pressed
and pinned. Notice I used clips instead of pins.
They are called ‘wonder’ clips and boy are they wonderful to use! They do come in Pink at certain times throughout the year (not just October) for breast cancer. I def want to add them to my Christmas list =)
Oh and I even use them to roll up the binding. This is especially helpful with quilting. ummm 400 inches of material is no fun.
The first part of binding is pretty easy although when it comes to the mitre corners, I can always use some help. If you’re like me, a refresher on binding is always helpful so check out Jennifer. LOVE, LOVE her.
So, I use the clips again – pulling the binding to the back –
Then I sew it down but not all the way – i need to leave room for the zipper – (notice the trend….using those clips again =)
I do this on both sides then zip together…
And now for the bows –
And then?! I have a mess, LOL
It’s thick. It’s cumbersome. Love the colors but usefulness is null. So did I just waste 2.5 hours? No. I actually got some practice in for quilting. For binding. And now know I won’t be making anymore of these right away. HOWEVER, If I had the time and energy and really wanted to make this right. I would do at least three things different. First. DO not use fusible interfacing on both pieces of the body. Second. ALWAYS use 2 1/2 ” fabric for binding. It is just easier to use and maneuver. Last – the bows were too short. I would make them at least 14″.
What projects have you just NOT been successful at? Didn’t you learn something though? Try the Lessons Learned folder and you won’t be quite as frustrated.
Happy sewing my friends!
