{michellepatterns.com}: November 2013

Oh I do love getting a new pattern done, so today I'm pleased to let you know these petal pouches are ready for you to sew!

Present a Gift

These are a pretty way to present a small gift to someone. They can go a long way in making something really simple and inexpensive into a memorable gift, or for something that might have been expensive, these can be your luxury gift wrap.

They are intended for things that are small and shallow (about an 1" or less). Put some earrings in them, a note or small handmade card, wrap a cookie in parchment paper, place some candies inside.

Besides being used for gifts, you can make them to store something special of your own.

Fast

It takes me about 30 minutes to make one of these. If you cut multiples and do them production line style, you can make quite a few in a reasonable amount of time.

Easy

These are easy to make and are also really forgiving of some not-so-perfect sewing. The overall shape and the extra visual dimension of the folds will hide imperfections.

Print Placement

If you want a particular part of the print to show, position the pieces so the part you want to highlight ends up in the top (rounded corner) left quarter of piece B. This is when you are looking at the right side of the fabric. So if you are looking at the WS while marking/cutting, this part will be in the top right corner.

Button & Elastic Closure

The closure is made from round cord elastic and a shank button. I did experiment with regular buttons and ribbon in place of the elastic and came to the conclusion cord elastic and a shank button is easiest to both make and use.

Two-hole buttons can be used, but have a tendency to not lay as flat on top. The knot in the elastic sits under the button on one side and can tilt a regular button.

Ribbon/twine/lace can be used, but I'd skip the button and tie a knot or bow in the center instead. For a knot, add 10" to the cord length measurements in the pattern. Add about 20" extra inches if you want to make a bow.

Round cord elastic is best, but oval cord elastic would probably also be fine. Basically anything stretchy you can get through the button hole.

You might look at one of your shank buttons and wonder how to get it through if the hole isn't very large. Some buttons you can just push it through and others you will want to sew it through by attaching the elastic to a needle and thread and pulling the needle through the button hole. Just make sure your knot is pretty big so it doesn't pull through the elastic while you are in the middle of sewing it through the button hole.

Hair Canvas (Interfacing)

These pouches--especially size 2 & 3--are even nicer if you add a piece of hair canvas to the WS of exterior A. Remember to cut the hair canvas small enough to keep it out of the allowance. It's not required in the pattern, but it will make the bigger sizes more firm. The smallest pouch (Size 1) doesn't need it, and using it might make it hard to manage when it's time to turn it out. But it would also be ok.

It's a holiday weekend in the US, so I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving and gets some time to sew over the long weekend!