Tutorial Tuesday - Awesome Pouches!

Sometimes when I’m writing the titles, I’m like “Ugh. Pouches? What a snoozeroo.” Hence the insertion of the word “awesome.” That was about as exciting as I could make the title even though I’m pretty jazzed about my project.

Like I’ve told you all, I’m going on vacation soon. (Side note - I know I keep telling you that, but I’m not sure if I’ve also told you that I’ve got a team of Navy Seals staying at my place to watch Ralph & Ted. Just in case you were thinking about robbing the Swan Station of the Queen AnnE. I watch a lot of Investigation Discovery.). Going on vacation makes me realize that I need a lot of things. Like a new toiletries bag and luggage tags and…a little pouch to carry all of our travel stuff together so that Ryan’s not fumbling around trying to find his passport thereby making me become so panicked that my brain starts to shut down and I stroke out. Because of that last “problem,” the pouch below was created:

Pretty, right? I used this tutorial to make the actual bag part. I changed up the measurements, though, so it’s a little on the giant size. I was too lazy to go to the store and get a zipper and the only ones I had in the apartment were the ones I used for the toiletries bags - 16″. Yes, 16″. It’s that long. BUT, on the positive side, that means I can carry a good amount of travel-related stuff in there. Passports, boarding passes, an unabridged dictionary… You know, normal travel stuff.

I’m so proud of my paper-pieced star, that I had to give you a close-up. I used a smaller version of this pattern for the star (don’t let the seizure-inducing colors of the site dissuade you) and a few scraps I had stashed. I actually made two (one in purples and greys), but they didn’t turn out the same size (I seriously cannot get measuring down, you guys), so I decided to so something easier on the back:

SO, in light of my success, I’m going to give you a few tutorials to make your OWN pouch. And not just a pouch like mine, but a whole bunch of different ones.

Cute change purse. If only I weren’t too lazy to buy the clasp. I may make a trip to Jo-Ann’s for this, though.

Pleated clutch. Wouldn’t this make a perfect make-up bag? Probably a perfect travel-related necessity, that’s for sure. While I’m at Jo-Ann’s getting the above clasp, I’ll get a smaller zipper. I don’t want to make two trips.

Fabric envelope. OK. I know this isn’t really a “pouch,” but it’s pouchesque. I wouldn’t put a little note in it, but maybe business cards (which I don’t have)? Or…think Lizzie, THINK…coupons? I can’t believe that even popped into my head. I’m obviously desperate for reasons at this point.

Menswear bag. I love this idea. I used to have a laptop bag made out of an old suit coat and I LOVED it. And have you ever noticed the sheer volume of mens’ suits you see at thrift stores? Even a hideously cut jacket could make this little slice of heaven. And I don’t need an excuse for this one because they give me one. Nail polish. Boom.

Wow. I’m so glad I put this little list together. For myself. Now I have something to make over the next few weekends before we leave. Maybe I’ll just pick one or two.