Mother’s Day Gift Idea | modes4u and Monika Allsewpetite | Utility Pouch and Needlebook

We told her about our idea and she totally understood what we wanted to do! Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a journey to follow as we ALL prep for Mothers’ Day? We could all be inspired!! Over to you, Monika <3

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Hello, my crafty friends! This is Monika from Allsewpetite.

Did you hear about the secret project that we were working on in preparation for Mother’s Day!? If you didn’t, don’t worry! I will tell you all about it 😉 The maternal figures in our life should be celebrated, so a few weeks ago, the modes4u team and I began hatching a plan! We thought it would be nice to inspire you and give you a couple of ideas! It is not lovely to be able to plan ahead? And what better way to show your love and appreciation than a handmade gift?

A selection of Japanese fabrics was chosen and I had been impatiently waiting for the parcel from modes4u! We already had a rough idea about what project I was going to make, but I like to have the fabric in front of me before I make the final decision.

A week later the parcel was delivered, and inside I found a lovely handwritten note, a spool of thread, contact cards and a selection of gorgeous, high-quality fabrics! There was a beautiful, natural colour canvas with blue roses that would be perfect for making a tote bag, apron or a table runner. Next, a lightweight cotton fabric with colourful berries, which was my absolute favourite!

When I first saw it, it immediately gave me summer vibes, so I thought it would be a perfect choice for a top or pair of shorts! I can see myself wearing a nice cami top made from this fabric! The last fabric was a lightweight natural cotton fabric with floral motifs with white accents. This fabric would be fantastic if you wanted to make a gathered skirt, shirt or even a bucket hat. What would you make from these gorgeous fabrics?

We thought a multi-compartment pouch would be a fantastic idea to keep our tools organised and we figured our mums would probably place it in their handbags or on a dressing table! Looking at the fabric in front of me I envisioned a large zipper pouch with a pocket flap on the front and a zipper pocket on the back, so I sat at my desk and started sketching a design!

Next, it was time to wash the fabrics and gather all my supplies, such as zippers, thread, and magnetic snaps! The rose fabric reminded me of my mum so I decided to use it as the main feature on the pouch.

At this point, I knew that I wanted to showcase the flower print on the front pocket and the flap, which would involve some precise fabric cutting. I created individual pattern pieces, so it would be easier to find the best placement and align the flower print.

By then, the fabrics were washed and ready to be pressed. I took that opportunity to fuse some woven interfacing to the back of the fabrics to give them just a little bit more body.

Next, I transferred individual pattern pieces to the corresponding fabric and cut them out. I wanted to make sure the finished pouch can hold its shape so I also stabilized the main pieces with fusible fleece.

Then it was time to sit at my machine and stitch all those pieces together, which in my opinion is the best part of the creative process! To make sure my fussy cutting was on point, first I had to install the magnetic snaps and sew the flap. Luckily all that planning and preparation was time well spent, the flowers lined up perfectly, so I could finish the pouch.

Whenever I design a new project I like to experiment, which involves trying a new technique or adding an interesting design and this time was no different! I tried a different way of making a zipper pocket but I must say it was a bit nerve-wracking because I did not have enough fabric left if I’d made a mistake! I am happy to report it went well and I really like the final result!

I was working on this project for a few days and I am really happy with how this utility pouch turned out! Because I mainly used this beautiful rose fabric on the outside I decided to add the off white fabric with berries as an accent, just to soften it a little bit and add a pop of colour.

There are multiple pockets and compartments both on the front and the back of the pouch, which are perfect to keep everything organised! The main compartment is fully lined using the fabric with floral motifs, and there are additional mesh pockets inside the pouch.

 I ended up having quite a lot of fabric scraps so decided to make a small needlebook and incorporate the main features of the pouch. I didn’t have magnetic snaps, so this time I opted to use press snaps on the pocket flap and the main needlebook closure.

There wasn’t enough fabric left to incorporate fussy cutting, but even without matching the print, the fabric speaks for itself! This was such a fun project! What a great way to use up those fabric scraps! It is also very quick and easy to make, so it is a great project if you are running out of time or if you are new to sewing!

What do you think? I hope you found some inspiration to create something special for Mother’s Day.

Stay crafty friends!!!

Monika

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