Idea Pouch in Herb Garden Cotton/Linen Canvas
It seems that someone out there made an Idea Pouch recently because the pattern has been extra popular lately. I thought I might as well join in the fun and I made one too!
Since all I have for fleece these days is a few scraps, this was also a chance to experiment with using cotton batting as the interlining in this pouch.
I'm phasing out using fusible fleece in my sewing because the one positive--that it is fusible--doesn't make up for the negatives: It is plastic, it starts breaking down pretty much immediately, it doesn't provide a whole lot of padding even when it's brand new, and at the same time it's super bulky and storing it takes up a lot of room.
Instead of fleece, the plan is to use natural fiber interlinings like cotton batting, canvas, and flannel.
As far as using cotton batting in the Idea Pouch pattern, it was easier than anticipated!
This pouch is quite a few layers, and if you've made one of these already, then you know the instructions include some strategic trimming of the interfacing/interlining. The trimming cuts down on sewing frustration and broken machine needles. If you'd also like to use cotton batting in this pattern, don't skip any of the trimming.
You might also want to do some extra trimming for piece D (the back/flap) like shown below and consider quilting the batting to the lining fabric to help hold it in place. The batting isn't going anywhere, but quilting it to the lining will stabilize it for sewing.
The trimming for D is basically the same trimming as on piece B and removes the batting where the pleats are at the bottom and also where the top of B meets D.
The batting that I use is Warm and Natural unbleached batting. This is always good quality and a nice, dense batting that is easy to sew.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best stitches!
Michelle
