What do you make when you need a quick gift for a dear friend?

by Nicole
Why a pencil case, of course!
Who doesn’t need a pencil case to corral pens and pencils?!?
I made it by adapting a pattern in Anna Graham’s Handmade Style book.

The sample in the book is made from one main fabric.

But I wanted to have some patchwork fun!
I started with a few prints and solids, along with linen for the background.
I stitched them together to make two panels…

 

…and added some quilting for texture.

The bias binding around the edges was the most challenging part of this project for me. I had a hard time making the top stitching look neat. I ended up hand stitching it down first so that I could position the binding in place. Then I machine stitched the binding. It was a little more time consuming that way, but I’m pleased with how neat the binding turned out.

To finish off the pouch, I added a little ribbon to the zipper for a pull.

I’m thrilled with how the pencil case turned out. Now I need to make one for myself!Linking up to TGIFFFinish It Up Friday, and Confessions of a Fabric Addict!

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21 comments

Suzanne January 8, 2016 - 1:10 pm

It's a gem and I bet it will be treasured.

Jayne January 8, 2016 - 2:18 pm

This is adorable and a perfect gift! Love the patchwork touch!

Celtic Thistle January 8, 2016 - 3:40 pm

It is lovely Nicole, what a lot of thought you put into it too, I bet your friend loved it!

Needled Mom January 8, 2016 - 4:05 pm

That is beautiful as well as practical.

Debbie January 8, 2016 - 6:26 pm

Super cute!

Karen January 8, 2016 - 6:48 pm

The patchwork is brilliant, Nicole. And your binding trick was well worth the effort–not a stitch out of place that I can see.

Jenn @ A Quarter Inch from the Edge January 9, 2016 - 12:24 am

One can never have too many pencil cases, especially ones as lovely as this one. Bias trim always gives me troubles too!

EmileeHope January 9, 2016 - 12:26 am

I have that book from the library right now-so many adorable projects I want to try! Your patchwork and quilting on your pencil pouch is beautiful!

Amy DeCesare January 9, 2016 - 1:10 am

Ahhh…this pouch is just perfection! The colors are so pretty and that binding turned out perfectly. I love the pieced design with linen, with the smart quilting.

Barb January 9, 2016 - 3:28 am

Oh wow…that is awesome! Love love the fabrics

margaret January 9, 2016 - 7:09 am

I am sure your friend is as thrilled as you are a great make

M-R Charbonneau January 9, 2016 - 1:09 pm

Great minds! 😉 Love that fabrics selection, Nicole — it pairs so beautifully with the linen. Lucky friend!

Izzy January 9, 2016 - 1:27 pm

I love this! The colours are beautiful and that binding! Wow! It will be loved I'm sure.

Laney January 9, 2016 - 1:59 pm

This is SO pretty and perfect! Love your patchwork and I sure your friend will love it too

Algodão Tão Doce January 9, 2016 - 10:40 pm

Amei conhecer o seu blog, já fiquei por aqui!!!Achei maravilhoso!!!
Visite-me:http://algodaotaodoce.blogspot.com.br/
Siga-me e pegue o meu selinho!!!

Obrigada.

Beijos Marie.

pandchintz January 9, 2016 - 10:46 pm

It looks great!

Rosemary B❤️ January 10, 2016 - 12:31 am

Yeah! I love this finish,Nicole. You made it with your own personal flair!

Kathy@KayakQuilting January 10, 2016 - 1:22 am

Just lovely. The precision that you put into your sewing is so clear in this sweet gift.

Mary Marcotte January 10, 2016 - 6:58 am

I love when I find a quick gift that can be adapted easily. This pencil case seems to be just the ticket. Your quilting is just fantastic!

GerryART January 15, 2016 - 3:23 pm

Deliciously lovely gift for your Friend, Nicole.
Great project to work on these Winter days.
Creative ideas flowing
while the cold winds are blowing.
I'll starting rummaging through my small pieces.
Stay warm :^)
hugs,
Gerry

Cut&Alter January 19, 2016 - 11:30 am

This is just gorgeous – I wish I had such a lovely pencil case!

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