A Pair of 'Possum Pouches...

 

I managed to make a couple new zippered pouches today...'Possum Pouches! I purchased these fabrics as samples from Spoonflower a few years ago and knew I had to pair them with the new opossum zipper pulls I just got.

One of these (of course) is mine, and my sister has already claimed the second. (She feeds opossums around her property, too.)

 

While I know that only baby opossums hang from their tails (adults are too large to use their tails this way), I think they're perfect for this fabric combination.

 

I paired the opossum fabric with a grey cork fabric. 

I went through my fabric bolts and decided on this fox print (yes, I have others) to use with my fox zipper pulls. The fabric behind this is going to be used for the lining. Same sister said I need to make more than just a zippered pouch with this combination. I guess I may need to make another handbag, or perhaps a Bryn wallet? What do you think?

My finger still hurts, so I'm going to avoid cutting with my rotary cutter for a while. (Not the best ask for me when the quilt show is breathing down my neck!) The down pressure while cutting fabric is almost unbearable. Instead, I'm heading up to Larsen today for this month's Sewcial Sisters. I think a little needlework will be just what the doctor ordered. 

Our twin nieces celebrated their 7th Birthday yesterday, and they'd like me to make bears for them, too. I'll be taking fabric and fibers to stitch the apron/tummy embroideries while I'm at Primitive Gatherings. I'll sew the bears another day. I found patterns for unicorn stuffies, too, so I may change my mind on what they'll receive. Either way, I'm doing needlework today!

Hello, Darcy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Janome 3160 QDC

I promised to show you my newest machine today, so may I introduce "Darcy"? I've chosen this brand new Janome 3160 QDC sewing machine for a number of reasons.

Brynwood Needleworks - Janome 3160 QDC

This little lady will be carried to sew-ins, Nifty 50s gatherings, retreats, and when we travel in the Flying Cloud. She only weighs twelve pounds, but she's big on features.

She has sixty stitches, including 6 one-step buttonholes; needle-up/down features, one-hand needle threader; auto thread cutter; a free-arm; and many other features found in full size machines.

Brynwood Needleworks - Janome 3160 QDC

Additionally, she has an included sewing table, so that I have more space when working on quilt blocks, or other items where having the extra area will come in handy.

Did I say she only weighs twelve pounds? That was a huge motivator for a number of reasons.

Now, in case you're wondering how I came up with her name...My initials are "DC"(too), and my nickname around here is "Deece", but I wasn't going to have a "Deece, Jr.", so I had to come up with something different. "Darcy" came to mind, and I kept coming back to it. It seemed to suit her, so "Darcy" she shall be.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coffee Pouch

What to make for our maiden project? As luck would have it, I got a phone call yesterday morning. I had made a few zippered pouches as Christmas gifts a few years ago.

I was told that this gift had been used every day since as a makeup carrier, was much-loved, and that the zipper had finally broken. Would I please make another?

Brynwood Needleworks - Coffee Pouch Interior

Well, when I'm asked a sweet request like that, how can I possibly refuse? (No way!) I pulled out my fabrics (she asked to stay in the same theme as last time, even though it was for makeup), and Darcy and I went to work.

I'll mail this out today, with a tiny love note tucked inside (see the label?). Darcy and I are going to get along just fine!