Cozy Camera Pouch
It's been so chilly here, that all I seem to think about is making quilts to cover things up! This time, I've used the pre-cut jelly-roll strips to make a cozy pouch for my old camera (that I keep in the car), but it could also be made with a long strap attached for carrying around. It's basically constructed the same way as the xox tote bag. (The tutorial for which is finished and over here now; check it out for all the how-to's.) If you are new to sewing though, you might want to try this smaller project first, to learn the strip-piecing process. You won't believe how easy this is. I also discovered, that a standard sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper makes a great pattern. How easy is that? You don't even have to measure. Use it as a template for cutting out the 
foundation. (I use cotton-quilt batting for this.) Trim 4 pre-cut jelly roll strips to about 12". Then, using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew the strips across the long-side of the foundation, starting at the top and working down to the bottom edge. If you want to embellish your bag with message tape or side tabs, do that next. Then fold the whole thing in half with the right-sides facing, and stitch along the bottom and up one side. Repeat for the lining, leaving an opening about 3" for turning later. Follow the rest of the directions in the tutorial for making the corners in the bottom of the bag, and for attaching the lining. Make the handle the same way too, just don't cut it in half. Attach it to the sides of the bag instead. Make adjustments for the length if necessary, and trim away the excess. A little velro at the top makes an easy closure. I'm off to my studio now--have a sweet day!
I LOVE this!! Definitely on my list of things to make now. What fabrics did you use? Are they from a jelly roll pack?
Posted by: Jackie | January 21, 2008 at 10:30 AM
In awe, again. You accomplish so much, and so beautifully.
Posted by: Natalie | January 21, 2008 at 10:57 AM
it's very cute and in my leftovers queue, love your red bag!
Posted by: Christiane | January 21, 2008 at 12:19 PM
How timely! My sister emailed me this morning to ask if I would make her a quilted sack for her wireless keyboard. All I have to do is make your camera pouch a little bigger! Thanks!
Posted by: Teresa | January 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Oh my goodness, this is too sweet & perfect!!! thanks so much for sharing!!!
Posted by: kira | January 21, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Thanks for the tote tutorial! It's always helpful to learn new techniques...
Posted by: Sarah | January 21, 2008 at 02:03 PM
So cute! Wishing you a sweet day, too~xo
Posted by: tinker | January 21, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Love it! Keeping this idea in mind...
Posted by: Dawn | January 21, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Gorgeous. My little camera is jealous of yours. :)
Posted by: Tamie | January 21, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Do you ever sleep?
Posted by: Mary Alison | January 21, 2008 at 07:14 PM
This is darling Vicki! I love the serene simplicity of the fabric combination. :-)
Posted by: jen duncan | January 21, 2008 at 07:24 PM
What a clever and attractive little project! What a great way to bring a little spot of style along with you in the car.
Posted by: Sarah | January 21, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Adorable! I love the way you put the fabrics together- and that message tape is a perfect touch. Do you hand stamp it or do you purchase it like that? I have loads of scraps and I can't wait to start putting them together for this project. Thank you for the tutorials. You always have such wonderful ideas!
Posted by: sue s | January 21, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Oh, I am so excited that the bag tutorial is here! Thanks for taking the extra time to do this! I'm sure it will get lots of use.
Posted by: Dana | January 22, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Hi! cute pouch! Did you stamp the word onto the tape? i've got some rubber stamps but i don't know what to use on fabrics, i'm worried the fabric paints will irreversibly mess up the stamps? is there an ink or fabric stamp pads? or something to clean off the stamps? I tried ebay but no luck...
Posted by: Péitseoga | January 22, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Are those fabrics all from a coordinated jelly roll set? If so, can you share the name? Love those!!!
Posted by: Leslie | January 22, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I have just come across this blog and I love it!!!
You are talented indeed!
Congratulations.
Posted by: Blogamop | January 22, 2008 at 10:02 AM
So cute...I love it, and it goes so well with the tote! I'm in awe of your talent.
Posted by: Alice | January 22, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Thank you for sharing this, I shall enjoy reviving school skills on this before tackling the tote bag!
Posted by: Alison | January 22, 2008 at 03:17 PM
that's adorable! my mom's been bugging me to make a camera bag for sometime now, but i just haven't been inspired... thank you for this!
Posted by: Yin | January 22, 2008 at 04:21 PM
What a cute camera pouch! Thanks for the links about making one, too.
Posted by: June | January 23, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Hi
I think this is lovely. I'm feeling inspired to get the sewing machine out!
Posted by: Jo Black | January 23, 2008 at 08:10 AM
That is really nice, and the message tab is sweet. Thank you ever so much for the instructions -- there's nothing I like sewing so much as a bag!
Posted by: willownt | January 23, 2008 at 12:00 PM
This is a great idea, and I love the colors that you used. Thank you. Susan
Posted by: Susan at Black Eyed Susans Kitchen | January 23, 2008 at 05:53 PM
You got me started blogging because of you beautiful site. Now I'll have to make this great bag! I love it and as always your work is just wonderful. Marcia :-)
Posted by: LadyMarcia | January 23, 2008 at 07:31 PM