Technique Tuesday with Front Porch by Benartex

"Mom. Can you make another zipper bag for me? I need something to take to the pool to hold my keys, phone, etc."

It was the magic word "pool" that made me think of Front Porch. Remember, I did a post about these fun fabrics a few weeks ago? Read it here.

Front Porch fabrics featured a few weeks ago

 And here's that really cool panel!

Front Porch panel

I had a few of those panels left and made two small rectangular pouches with velcro closures:

 I lined these and then rolled the lining over to the front and topstitched them closed. I used pieces of sticky-back velcro and then stitched around the edges to secure it.

Two small pouches with Velcro closures

And here's the backing fabric I used. Love that sunglasses fabric!

Small panel for bag front; sunglasses print for the back

And here's the zipper bag. I have to confess, I was close to a meltdown making this simple thing. I'm a quilter. I only make quilts. When I have to try a new technique, I begin to pull my hair out.

I did find a very helpful tutorial on YouTube, but I had to stop it about 10 times to figure it all out. It was hilarious, except I didn't think so at the time! Then I made one for each of my grandsons using the Matthew's Monsters in the Machine fabrics (but I forgot to take pics of those).

The zipper pouch using the fruit print (that's what she asked for; I thought she'd like the sunglasses for the pool, right?) I lined this will a heavy decorator fabric I had on hand. I think that's why I was having a meltdown!

Zipper pouch

I am determined to make some more of these EASY zipper pouches. I have several dozen zippers in assorted colors and I even know how to cut a zipper down to size, so that doesn't limit me. Repetition aides learning!