well, i really meant to tidy up my sewing room yesterday ...

But I made the mistake of starting with organizing my ribbon box, where I found these wee spools of pretty ribbon that I bought maybe ... 4 or 5 years ago?  They were a total impulse buy at Joann's when we were holidaying in Palm Springs.  I felt a little guilty that I hadn't made anything with them yet.

Next thing I knew, I was overcome with an undeniable urge to made amends ... so I whipped up this quick little zakka zippered pouch.  (Finished size is about 4 1/2" x 4 3/4".)

Over my years (ok, decades) of crafting, I've learned the hard way that MOST craft ribbon does not react well to an iron.  I've ruined many things that way.  SO.  I was very smart this time and tested the ribbon first.  No melting.  That's good.  But that's not the only problem.  Ribbon can also shrink.  So I cut a 6" piece of each one and subjected them to prolonged ironing.  WITH steam.  They all shrank - some more than others.  One piece shrunk by 3/4 of an inch. 

After pre-shrinking the ribbons, I backed them with fusible web to baste them in place.  Then I stitched them on linen with matching thread. By the way, is there an English word to describe this feeling I had that goes something like ... "I am so crazy happy to find perfectly matching thread for all five ribbon colours because I reeeeeeally don't want to go to the store on a Sunday afternoon because I'm still in my pjs?"  If there is, that's how I felt.  (I had the same feeling, although not quite as intense, when I found a zipper in my zipper bin that perfectly matched the linen.  It was a good crafting day, for sure.)

A little more subtle stitching on the back.

And I thought the ribbons looked sort of rainbowy so I picked a sunshine yellow Liberty Lawn for the lining.

And then ... you know ... a bow.  Why not!  Just a bias cut scrap.  I love how the frayed edge contrasts with the tailored ribbon. 

Ok.  So now I have a pretty new pouch ... but my sewing room is still messy.  In my defence, I vacuumed and emptied the garbage.  And yes, the ribbon box is tidy too.  That's something, right?

Comments

[Donna]

Beautiful as always. You have such amazing talent and taste. Thanks for sharing!!!!

[Kathleen O'Grady]

You ALWAYS make the most adorable items that I think I really, really need for myself!! I love how you stitched beside the ribbon on the front and the stitching on the back also, just precious! That little frayed bow..sweeter than sugar. You are so creative, keep the loveliness coming :)

[Karen Taylor]

It is beautiful. So good to hear from you. Hope you are well. Miss seeing more posts from you but I know you are very busy working these days. Everything you make is such an inspiration!

[Karen Seitz]

Oh, I love this! And I love the feeling you describe -- finding the perfect button, ribbon, thread, fabric, etc. to make the project even more perfect. Especially when you are still in your pajamas!

[Denise]

That's gorgeous! Although I like a tidy sewing room, a cute little bag might be better. :)

[Ellen]

My way of looking at is that a journey begins with one step. Your ribbons were the first step;) right? Cuteness surrounds your pouch! Thanks for sharing.

[liz n.]

Ah, serendipity! Such a pretty little bag!

[Emily]

Soooo cute!!! My goodness. Now I want to make one (or a thousand)!

[Bonnie Nyquist]

Oh how adorable!!!!!! I especially think that frayed edge tie just sets t off! Very pretty project, how did you get the top corners to slant inward like that? Just lovely.

[nan]

Hee, hee. I can relate to you. That is why my sewing area is messy a majority ofvthe time. But you got a pretty pouch as a reward.

[Lisa Ann]

You have done it once again! I feel like I must drop everything and try to make this. I just love to see what you make. It inspires me to no end. Thank you!

[Melissa]

I love your blog and all of your creations. They are so beautiful and your workmanship is always so excellent! Thank you!

[Sandra Paul]

Tidy craft rooms can wait, especially if this happens when you try! It's beautiful.

S x

[Ella]

Be. Still. My. Heart. Must have this today! Thank you so much for the ribbon pre-shrinking advice. I've been missing your creativity, but this is worth the wait. Every time I tidy-up my sewing room I am filled with possibilities and inspiration too, so I totally get that AND that feeling of having everything you need at your fingertips. It's a kind of validation for buying that pretty little something that we have no idea what we'll make with it, but we must give it a good home until that moment happens.

[Karen Chaudoin]

Sew very pretty!

[Sharon]

Wow, much better than a tidy room, well done for following your heart that was telling you to create a beautiful thing. Thank you for sharing. Sharon x

[Heather(mtl)]

What a sweet idea! I have oodles of ribbons bits (for card making) and love the way I can make the best of them with this yummy pouch.
Yet another stellar inspiration - thank you!

[Gillian]

It's gorgeous and was meant to be as everything matched.

[Sharrieboberry]

The picture is pretty! The bag is pretty! Who cares if the perimeters are messy? It's messy here but not creative so you're a step ahead. :)

[Sara]

So much fun. You're right, there should be a word for that feeling. Although sometimes a not so matchy thread gives a project some unexpected depth. I've been grateful for being too lazy or cheap to go and buy thread for a specific project. Making do can yield unexpectedly beautiful results.

[A Little Blue Dragonfly]

LOVE this little sweet bag! Thank you so much for the sewing-with-ribbon tips. I haven't used much ribbon in my sewing projects, but I will return to this post for help when I do. *Big hugs* :)