It’s just the right size for a pocket. I made it for a friend who travels, a little book for essentials – like safety pins and bandaids, an emergency tea bag, that sort of thing. There is also a mini sewing kit built in and lots of good wishes for safe and happy travels. I’m sure it is lucky.
The little toggle is carved from a twig. I made a notch in the center to grab the thread and stitched it to the edge. The loop is thin black twill tape. The book is made from the needle book sewing pattern using just the the page B and C templates. The center page has one big pocket and I double sewed the seams so it won’t tear if it get’s over stuffed.
let’s talk about mending
Not little tears and holes- the major catastrophes like this whole seat blow out. This requires some stabilizing before the sweet patch stuff.
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1. Starting with the garment inside out and the tear laid flat and smooth pin a piece of light weight fabric over it. Baste that fabric in place. Put a magazine or piece of cardboard inside so you don’t accidentally stitch the leg or sleeve etc. closed.
2. With the garment right side out use small even stitches all around the the edge of the tear.
3. Turn it inside out and trim away the extra. I didn’t remove the basting stitches because they will mostly get covered but you can if that’s how you roll. Turn right side out and start patching. Having the area stable will save you tons of time in the long run and helps create a smooth, soft and very wearable repair.
I’m still working on these shorts, check out my instagram stories this weekend (@annwood) for more mending and other recreational sewing including hexies.
speaking of hexies
*affiliate links below – meaning I get a small commission if you purchase through the links.
Did you know this was a thing? I had no idea such a magical device existed until I saw someone using one. I’ve had it for a couple weeks and I love it. Magazine covers are the perfect weight for the punch, it is not effective on anything heavier. Plus I like magazine covers for hexie papers – they hold up well to re-use. You can find the *one inch hexie paper punch here.
And I use *this mini hole punch. The holes are not essential but they do make it easier to pull the paper out and re-use it.
get the free pin girl sewing pattern here
I’m in full summer mode, I love the expanse of swimming, garden, yard sales and sewing outside that is currently before me. I’m also in full packing mode. Again. Moving in a few weeks. Let’s think of it as another opportunity to get super organized…
The hexie punch is the greatest. I use it on all my junk mail. We were awash in political mailers recently, which now I welcome because they are great weight to punch up.
Junk mail is perfect! Great idea.
Such a sweet, cool little gift❤️
Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration. love all you work.
Love this post. Your photos are always so beautiful. And I LOVE the travel pouch. I wish I was your friend. And I am going to get that hexi punch for sure.
Oh, Ann! Moving! I don’t envy you. And yet , part of me would like the excuse/necessity of going through every last thing in my house. I hope the move goes smoothly.
I am reading the new book from ‘Laine’ which is ’52 Weeks of Shawls’. If you’re a knitter, it’s great!
Thanks so much for posting this!
I have the hexie punch and love it. I was going great guns on my hexie quilt until I messed up my left hand from holding the hexies… from the second thumb knuckle down to the wrist. So my quilt is on temporary (I hope) hold for a while until my hand gets better.
If anyone has any advice on how to make my hand feel better I would greatly appreciate it.
I love your blog and your wonderful creative mind!
Linda, ice, rest and a splint at night. I have had trouble with both my wrists and these 3 things will work. I am avoiding surgery at all costs. The splint at night will be less of a bother and I find I often put my wrist in weird positions at night. It can be frustrating, but you will get better.
Juli
Sounds like ther beginning of a carpal tunnel problem. Do you have any numbness in the tips of your fingers?
In any case, picking up a wrist wrap from the pharmacy (either soft or with a splint) will probably do wonders. I sleep in a soft wrap when my hands act up. Also, ibuprofen or meloxicam (prescription) is probably warranted as well if you have no kidney issues.
Im a nurse but not an ortho nurse so take it with the proverbial grain. If it doesn’t help, it certainly won’t hurt. If it doesn’t abate you mashy want to see an ortho to avoid nerve damage.
I use a CBD balm for my carpel tunnel and it gives me amazing relief. Too many years of clicking a mouse makes it difficult to do the fun things I want to use my hands for. Hope yours feels better soon.
Julianne, Maggie and Heather – thank you, I really appreciate your advice! I’ll try these tips. I miss my hours doing hexies. Plus, I have a half-finished quilt top.
Hhmmm…I’ve been resisting the hexie making but I love paper punches so much I might just have to start!
Having to move means leaving your little garden though and it’s looking so cute and fruitful!
Thank you! That’s the nice thing – I’m moving upstairs! so I get to keep the garden and gain two awesome window boxes I’m making plans for.
Sounds like ther beginning of a carpal tunnel problem. Do you have any numbness in the tips of your fingers?
In any case, picking up a wrist wrap from the pharmacy (either soft or with a splint) will probably do wonders. I sleep in a soft wrap when my hands act up. Also, ibuprofen or meloxicam (prescription) is probably warranted as well if you have no kidney issues.
Im a nurse but not an ortho nurse so take it with the proverbial grain. If it doesn’t help, it certainly won’t hurt. If it doesn’t abate you mashy want to see an ortho to avoid nerve damage.
I’ve had 3 sizes of the hexie punch for quite a few years. The magazine postcard inserts make a great base for hexies. I keep a small box with ongoing hexie projects any time I know I’ll have time on my hands.
I can’t count the number of times interested people have received a quick lesson and a generous supply of pre-cut papers for their own project.
I love the needle book pattern, it turned out perfect and is just the right size. Thank you for sharing the pattern
Love everything you do. Detail: Is the hexie punch 1 inch, as you say? I ask since you earlier mention working with 2 inch hexies.
Many thx.
Hi Libby – thanks so much! And great question. I referred to the width at the widest point of the hexagon shape I use to give an accurate idea of the scale. The sides of that hexie are each one inch so it is officially called a one inch hexie.
Ah ha! Get it. Thx much.
I love your work, your painting and everything else. I too create stuff so can really appreciate your creativity.
Linda, I have found that my paraffin dip does wonders for my hands and wrists when they start acting up (bonus= it makes them soft too!). And a wonderful massage works wonders as well and do take some time off of activities that aggravate. I also have slept with spoon splints to avoid the bending of my wrists while sleeping. Good luck!
Thank you “Nette! I will look into these solutions
Love this patching idea! I generally patch with one piece, but using lots of different swatched really make the repair more interesting – to do AND to look at!. Thank you.
Some years ago I found flexible plastic hexie forms in a quilting catalog. They had a hole in the center, and a stick to insert in order to remove the plastic hexie. I gave them away, as I found I liked using paper. Now in my old age, I wish I’d kept them! I see they’re still available: https://www.etsy.com/listing/196453004/100-flexible-plastic-quilting-hexagon
Hexies are addicting!! As is anything using needle and thread!♥
Thank for sharing your creativity, I so look forward to your blog arriving it cheers and inspires me. Good luck with the packing- wishing you peace and happiness in your new home.
I have a Sizzix machine which cuts both hexie papers and fabric. I love it!
Where can I get those little scissors I see in several of your photos? They look perfect.
9n3ksx