Retreat Surprises

Saturday, July 29, 2017

I am currently at a quilting retreat, but I can reveal some secret sewing I've been doing!


Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

The retreat is at the same location as the one I went to in February (read about that here), and most of the same group of quilters are here, too. I decided to make a few goodies for all my quilty friends to have something to take home from the retreat.


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I will be the first to admit that bags aren't my thing, but I knew zipper pouches would be the perfect thing to gift! With LOTS of hand-holding from my best quilty friend, Heather, I am happy to report I've made 11 zipper pouches recently!

The first was a surprise for Yvonne at Quilting JetGirl. I included some hexie papers, mini charms, needles in a needle case, and some Aurifil thread in hers. She hasn't ever done any EPP, so I thought I'd give her a gentle nudge!


Zipper pouch in blue and oragne for Quilting Jetgirl

After making Yvonne's zipper pouch, I jumped right in to making more! I started with a fat quarter bundle of Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Sew Caroline for Art Gallery Fabrics.


Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

Each pouch has a different fabric for the lining from the outside fabric.


Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

I raided my stash for zippers, finding JUST enough to make ten! I was shocked that almost any color worked with the fabrics! Most of the zippers are from garage sale and thrift store finds. I've had most of them for years! (Did I mention that I don't normally sew bags??) I'm now on a hunt to replenish my stock of zippers. (That makes it sound like I'm going to do this more often! Eek!)


Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery FabricsZipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

Of course all the bags were sewn with Aurifil 50wt thread. I can't seem to use any color but white or natural white!


Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

I chose not to use any interfacing in the bags. Primarily because I'm a novice and didn't want to complicate things. After finishing them, they would likely stand better with some interfacing, but I'm sure once a few things are put inside, they'll work just fine!


Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

Once finished with the bags, I had two fat quarters left. I decided to use up my stash of keychain fob hardware and make matching key chains for everybody!


Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics
Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

I had fun playing "Santa" with the goodies! I left a zipper pouch and keychain on everybody's sewing machine during the night, so it was a fun surprise when everyone woke up this morning!


Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

I'll be sure to share more about the retreat when I get back!

Zipper pouches and key chains with Here Comes the Fun fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics

Linking up to Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts.


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12 comments:

  1. Wow, how adorable! Your bags look great, and did you chain-assemble them? I'll bet your recipients were absolutely delighted!

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  2. Thank you agai for the sweet and caring gift. I am sure everyone at the retreat will be thrilled with your thoughtful gifts, too!

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  3. Wow. All these designs look really perfect and I hope that following your parameters, we will be able to create a retreat surprise.

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  4. Looks like you really knocked them out with the assembly line method. Lucky recipients!

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  5. I think you've got the little pouch thing down! They are really cute! I like the key fobs too! I'm sure they will love them!

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  6. You're going to be known as the one who's really good at making bags! And key fobs! It'll be interesting to see what you worked on at your retreat.

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  7. I love making zipper pouches! They're fast and easy and so fun to mix different fabrics. I like the assembly line process you had going on there! I'm sure your friends love their gifts, they look fantastic!

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  8. Great gifts and lucky friends! Have to try that for our group but it's usually 20!

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  9. A quilt retreat Santa! Such a fun surprise and all your bags look awesone 🎅

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  10. Great gifts, "Santa!" Lucky recipients! I'm also not much of a bag person, though I forget and try again every few years. Yours look lovely!

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  11. Hi Laura,
    Well, that was so thoughtful of you! I am 100% sure everyone loved their little pouch and keychain. How wouldn't they love them - they are SO cute. ~smile~ Roseanne

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  12. They are all such fun! I have yet to tackle a zipper. Yours look great!

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