Pattern Testing, Annex Double-Zip Box Pouch

Hey all, some fun stuff has been going on over here. I recently had the opportunity to test a pattern for Sara of Sew Sweetness. I did the Annex Double-Zip Box Pouch that she released this weekend and I am so excited to share it!

The pattern comes with three options: small, medium, and large. Originally I was going to make the pouch in the medium size but I had a fabric in mind and after looking at the finished measurements I knew the large would be the perfect fit.

So here it is! My AD-ZBP! In Eden by Tula Pink.
The pattern suggests using two different color zips to make it easier to remember what is in which pocket but with my fabric it felt so imbalanced. I've seen other testers bags and love how their two color zips turned out and even though I've suffered from opening the wrong zip I still feel like the same color zips were the correct choice for me, aesthetically speaking.

My linings are different though! I love that elephant fabric. If you look closely you can see his one eye peeking out at you :)

Is it weird that my favorite part of the bag is the bottom? Haha, I'm just so thrilled with how the patterns lined up and looks so sharp. It even looks like there are two little butterflies on either edge!

All in all this pattern testing was a joy. The pattern went together very smoothly and was a super quick project, not quite 1 hour but very close. The ease in which the pattern is written sets the bar very high for other pattern designers. I made some monkeys shortly after making this bag and the instructions were so frustrating and lacking in many ways. It was such a let down after following the boxy pattern. I highly recommend that you pick up this pattern for all your boxy pouch needs ;)
If you are interested in picking up your own copy of the pattern you can find it and more details from Sara herself, here.

Have a happy Monday friends, I'll see you later this week!
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Have you ever done any pattern testing?

Have you ever made one of Sara's other bags?

Do you get as ridiculously excited about lining up your prints as I do?? Please say you do :)

Farmer's Wife Friday Week 1

Good morning everyone and welcome to week 1 of Farmer's Wife Fridays!

To recap I am embarking on the awesome journey of my first Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt. My ultimate goal is to have this quilt done in time to be a Christmas present for me and my husband. Breaking down that goal I hope to have all the 145 blocks done by my birthday (Oct 16). That means each week I aim to complete 6-7 little 6.5" blocks, though I wont hold myself back if I'm feeling like knocking out a few extra one week.

1. Attic Windows

This week I made 6 blocks and I have a few thoughts on the process. This book and the set up are not my favorite.

2. Autumn Tints

I would highly discourage any beginner from using this book. You need to be quite familiar with different quilt blocks and various methods of construction and ironing. This book offers no help in that regard.

3.Basket- still needs a handle, must pick up heat-n-bond this weekend,

Which isn't quite fair because most of the blocks are fairly simple and could be done by a beginner with just a tad more instruction.

4. Basket Weave

Another irritating thing is that you can't print more than one template per page and some pieces are barely bigger than an inch! Oy.

5. Bat Wing

In the end though, I love my blocks and I am certain this quilt is going to be adorable.

6. Big Dipper

Now the question I put to you all, Block 1 Attic Windows, Should I switch the green for a navy print? I don't feel like the green quite fits but my husband likes it so I'm torn. What do you think I should do?

Talk With Me Tuesday

Hey y'all, I've got so much to say so hold on tight.

I have so many things bouncing around in my head and so many goals I want to achieve. I want to set a schedule and accountability to get these things done and I'm going to use this blog to accomplish that.

So first things first, What is it that I want? Ultimately it breaks down to one simple thing. I want sewing friends. All the sewing friends! I want to share what I love with others who love it too. I'd love to generate an on going quilty/ sewing conversation with sewing collaboration and a fun sew along or two. In the end I want to become a fabric and pattern designer and I think this blog can be an excellent platform to share my journey.

You may have noticed in the past several months I've been trying to decide on just the right name for my blog. One that accurately states who I am and what you'll find here and I'll be honest with you, I haven't found it yet so you can expect to see that change again in the near future.

My goal is to have things sorted out and running smoothly and regularly by this September. I'm going to Sew Pro in Chicago mid September and I want to be able to say, "This is who I am, this is what I do and these people even like to do it with me!"

With all that said, here we go with my first Talk With Me Tuesday:

I've got a lot of sewing type things going on right now but the forefront of my mind is consumed with my Farmer's Wife quilt plans and the Little Ruby half yard bundle I've purchased for it. I've set myself the goal of finishing this quilt as a Christmas gift to myself and the hubby. As I am making the king sized version I need to make 145 blocks. I'm currently working to finish the blocks by the start of November but by my birthday would be fantastic.

From here on out Friday's will be known as "Farmer's Wife Fridays". I will share the blocks I've sewn and highlight at least one of them here on the blog as well as on my instagram.

These prints are my favorites and you can bet they'll show up in this weeks post ;)
Stay tuned friends!