Cat. Y Wonkus.

I managed to finish a keychain zipper pouch for Emma's friend just in time for the party Sunday.  I used the Li'l Cutie tutorial by Anna over at Noodlehead, which is one of my favorites (all finished edges on the interior...   I love everything that woman makes!).  I couldn't force myself to go with black and dark blue...  It just felt too serious for such a young girl, so I went with a cheery aqua instead.

I wanted to embellish the outside with a little something to give it character, and this sassy cat seemed just the thing.  I found loads of cat images to peruse on Masterfile.  Not only do I like the silhouette on this one, the tail is reminiscent of a "J" for her initial.  Of course, I had to add red glasses because Joy wears red glasses.  (Although, hers look a lot less 'Sally Jesse Raphael' than my version).  The cat and glasses are "faux-appliqued" using No-Sew Heat 'n Bond, with fluorescent-green eyes and lining for good measure.  I hope she likes it.

Front panel of Joy's keychain zipper pouch.  If you look closely, you'll notice that the cat's eyes glow a fluorescent yellow-green.  (Cat design based upon Masterfile image found here).

I've had a few other projects kicking around this week.  I finished a second wonky quarter-circle block for Val's Heroes Helping Heroes Quilt.  This one is a tad wonkier than the first, but not quite there yet.  For some reason, I struggle with the wonkus.  Must be the chemist in me.    

I think she's up to ten blocks received so far.  I'm anxious to see how these all come together.  If you'd like to join in the cause, there's still time to make a block or two before the deadline.  All the details can be found on Val's blog posts here and here. 

Finally, I stitched together my first-ever boxy pouch.  I used Libby's tutorial from over at Truly Myrtle and some pre-quilted scrap fabric I had laying around for practice (so I could skip the interfacing).  It's a good thing, too, because my practice version turned out all catawampus.  Instead of the 9" x 4" x 4" dimensions of the sample pouch, mine came out 12" x 4" x 2".  The astute among you will see immediately what I missed:  I inadvertently swapped the length measurement with the width during construction.

I have to admit to feeling a little cranky while sewing this one.  I get a little grumpy with tedium.  Still, the minute I turned it right-side out, the grump was gone.  This is a nice little bag.  Fully-lined, with finished edges on the interior (unfinished edges are a thing with me).  I need to go over the math once (or twice) more to make sure I've got it all straight, but I think with the right fabrics, this could be a great little toiletry bag.   

Which would be nice, since I can't seem to conquer unfolding my Weekender pattern.  *Sigh.* 

 Have a good Thursday, everyone!  :)