What do you do with a beloved worn out pouch?

by Nicole

Many moons ago, a pink pouch came into my life. It was magenta and black and I loved it. It was perfect for carrying around my makeup, although a bit too short to fit my powder brush. Nevertheless, I used it until one day I looked at it, saw that it was stained and torn and decided it was time to say goodbye. But I loved the design so much that I wanted to have a new one.

The design was rectangular and boxy, unlike any pouch I had made before. I didn’t have a pattern to make a pouch just like it so I took apart the old pouch and tried to figure out how to make a new one.

Dear reader, I am happy to report that I figured it out! Here’s my new makeup pouch, made in an Echino print I’ve been hoarding for a while. And just in case you were wondering, it does feel good to work through my stash.

I made the pouch a little bit longer than the original pouch to accommodate my powder brush.

I added an accent piece of fabric on the bottom to coordinate with the cat on the front. My 6-year old says it’s a cheetah. Cheetah? Leopard? Ocelot? I’ll let you decide.

The bottom uses an interesting technique of cutting out a piece. I had to tell myself, “Be bold,” as I snipped out a piece of the bottom to give it dimension. There’s no turning back once you snip! Luckily, it was the right cut to make and it turned out better than I expected.

I constructed the top in a similar way as the bottom to make it straight and give the zipper a clean finish.

I went with a bold yellow for the zipper because, why not?!?

And because no project is complete until it has a little pink (or orange), I added a pink ribbon pull for the zipper.

So dear reader, what do you do with a beloved worn out pouch? Rip it apart and use it as a pattern for a new one. It takes boldness, curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

I know you can do it.

Nicole Neblett signoff Modern Quilting blog

Linking up to Finish It Up Friday!

 

 

 

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18 comments

Monica Richardson June 2, 2017 - 3:28 pm

Nicole

Are you really going to tease us and not offer up the pattern?
Great pouch…. I can’t tell you how many times I have worn something out and want to take it apart so I can make it. It just never gets done.
Monica

Nicole June 2, 2017 - 8:58 pm

Lol! Hmm, a pouch pattern. I’ll have to think on that.
I know what you mean about wanting to take it apart. I’ve wanted to do it for months and one day I said, “Today is the day!”

Rosemary Bolton June 2, 2017 - 7:45 pm

Yes, this is very very easy, because we can do it. I know you have done this before, and ^^ Monica above, you can do this too.
My daughter gave me her old make up bag and it was a piece of cake to take apart and remake. I love doing this kind of sewing, even though…. it is not like some epic heirloom haha. I love your new bag. It is updated, and perfect, made by YOU perfect. AND, possibly, made better.
Monica, just dive in. It is easier than making a dress, pretty much.
I am impressed with your skills. I wonder if future generations will continue to make their own perfect things that we use, and we know every stitch that went in the creation.

Nicole June 2, 2017 - 8:59 pm

Hi Rosemary, isn’t it great to be able to take something apart and remake it?!? I feel like it’s my superpower!
Thanks for the kind words! I do hope future generations will have more makers!

Debbie June 2, 2017 - 10:43 pm

Darlling! I love that contrasting bottom!

Nicole June 5, 2017 - 9:50 pm

Thanks, Debbie! I’m glad I figured out how to replicate it!

Sandra Clarke June 2, 2017 - 11:03 pm

Nicole, You made a very lovely pouch! I know it makes you happy to have a project turn out well. I enjoy your posts.

Nicole June 5, 2017 - 9:51 pm

Thanks, Sandra! Yes, it makes me absolutely giddy when a project turns out as I envisioned it! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment:)

margiestitcher June 3, 2017 - 12:25 am

so good to see you back on your blog. Well done you have a great pouch now, no make up for this lady so do not have one myself but I am sure I could never have been able to unpick and remake one.

Nicole June 5, 2017 - 9:52 pm

Thanks, Margie! Pouches are great for so many things. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to remake this one. So glad I gave it a go!

Melanie June 3, 2017 - 3:58 am

The colorful bottom is really fun! Congrats on your new pouch.

Nicole June 5, 2017 - 9:54 pm

Thanks, Melanie! That part is one of my favorite features of the pouch. It’s like a little surprise at the bottom!

Izzy June 3, 2017 - 7:04 am

Awesome pouch!! Love that bottom fabric colour.

Nicole June 5, 2017 - 9:55 pm

Thanks, Izzy! I’m glad I figured out how to add that bottom!

Janelle Jones June 5, 2017 - 11:11 am

What Monica said. Pattern, please!

Nicole June 5, 2017 - 9:57 pm

I’ll take that as a compliment, Janelle! Thank you!

Cindy B. June 5, 2017 - 2:19 pm

Great job, Nicole! I really like your splashes of colors on your pouch. It’s a good feeling when you can repurpose something and/or use your resourcefulness !

Nicole June 5, 2017 - 10:00 pm

Thanks, Cindy! I’m thrilled with how the pouch came out. And yes, you are right. It is a wonderful feeling to repurpose and make something new!

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