Wednesday, June 4, 2008

How to make a stylish pen case



Yay! I am writing up a tutorial on this pen case today. Lots and lots of experiments.. but I'm glad now I can finally share the tute with you guys!! I love the shape of this guy. This is a little more time-consuming project than the two other projects I wrote tutorials on, but it's really cute, so I would like you to try! Ok, here is how I made this pen case.



Cut out 5 - 1 1/4" x 9 3/4" cotton fabrics.


Sew them together one pair at a time.(remember the seam allowance is 1/4" throughout the process)


When all the five pieces of fabrics are sewn, press seam open.


Cut out 2- 3" x 9 3/4" Wool felt.


Sew the felt to the patchwork you just made, right sides together. Press seam to one side.


Underneath the layer you just created, place a fleece batting that is a little larger than the layer and pin them together.


Machine-stitch very close to the lines separating each fabric just like this.(Fun part;))


It should look like this. (Isn't it just nice?)


Machine-baste all the edges.


Cut off the excess batting.


Cut out 1 - 9" x 9 3/4" cotton fabric for lining.


Right sides together, sew the lining fabric and the patchwork layer only the two edges parallel to the patchwork in the middle.


Just like this.


Then turn the right side out.(Very easy)


Press the two edges.


Then machine-baste the other two edges, wrong sides together.


It should look like this by now.


Now let's make a pattern for the side parts of the pen case. If you are super lazy like me, I recommend you use freezer paper, which can be easily attached to the fabric by ironing and removed to use repeatedly. But if you don't have it, just standard paper should work just fine;) Cut out a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square.


Measure 1/2" from each side and cut from the point to corner beneath it.


Using the pattern you just made, cut out 2 pieces of felt and 2 pieces of the lining fabric. (The pattern includes seam allowances)


For the felt pieces, attach the fleece batting that's a little bigger again and machine-baste like this.


Cut off the excess batting.


Sew the felt and the lining fabric right sides together, leaving a small opening.


Turn the right sides out and hand-stitch the opening closed.


Make a mark in the very center of the side parts as well as the big layer (the right and left sides).


Sew them together like this, making sure the mark on the side part and the mark on the layer are touching each other.(Lots of pins help!)


Do the same for the other side part too.


Now time to deal with a zipper. (Don't be scared!) Prepare a 9" zipper. For the ends of the zipper, hand-stitch like this so that the two are not separated.


Hand-baste the one side of the zipper to the pen case itself like this.


Make (or buy) a binding tape that is about 11", long enough to bind the zipper even after folding the two edges. Please refer to this tutorial for how to attach a binding tape. (By the way, I don't like this picture because it reminds me of a striped snake in the jungle or something.)


Cover up just one side of the zipper with a binding tape just like this.


Now sew the side of the side parts.


Just like this!


Now hand-baste the zipper to the other side and attach a bias tape just like you did.


Yay! You are almost there!!


Now cut out 2 - 2" x 2" squares.


Fold each side to the middle and press.


Then fold/press 1/4" edges just like this.


Hand-sew it to the both ends of the zipper.


Finish up! You are done;) Woo Hoo!!



Can you believe I used 42 pictures just for this post?
If you like this tute, go ahead and share this link!!
If you make one, I would LOVE to see and share yours on my blog..so let me know;)

Thanks for reading!


153 comments:

  1. Thank you for your tutorial and the others as well!!! So well done!!!!

    If I make one, I'll be sure to let you know!!!!

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  2. ...what a super-detailed tutorial. thank you! and your result is great. just as your blog!

    best wishes, doro.

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  3. Fabulous tutorial...you are so creative!

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  4. Thank you so much for your hurt work on this it's wonderful kindness i'll let other know about your site for this tutorial.
    lovestodream

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  5. I LOVE your tutorial! The pencil case is adorable! And you make it look so easy! =) I can't wait for classes to end this semester so I have a bit of free time to make one.

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  6. I love the tutorial! and I love your fabric combinations as well. nice job!

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  7. Thanks for the tute! I've always wondered how to attach zippers like that... now I know :D

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  8. What a great tutorial! It's going on my list of "must sew this summer". Thanks very much!

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  9. Great tutorial, thanks for sharing and for the very complete instructions! Can't wait to try it.

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  10. that's a great tutorial! looks really easy and a super cute result!

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  11. I must say, your tutorials are the best and most detailed ones I have ever seen :o) you are so thorough. I didn't even believe that there were 42 pictures in that post - every one of them was necessary and helpful... very clear! I felt like I was making it along with you. Thank you. Have a great weekend!
    Linnea

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  12. Absolutely fantastic!! Very well done, amazing choice of fabrics... everything looks so clean, stylish and professional! I'll definitely give it a go! Thanks :)

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  13. Thank you for all of the photos!! They make the best tutorials! Now I'm off to make a case -- thx again.

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  14. This is a great tutorial! Thanks for taking the time to share w/us. I have 2 teenage daughters who will definately be getting one of these. Way to use your imagination :)

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  15. Thanks a lot for this tutorial!
    Really cute pouch.

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  16. Thanks everyone!!! I seriously appreciate every one of your comments! If you make this pen case, let me know;)

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  17. love...love...love it! Now I have just got to make this one as well...you are making me a busy girl with these great tutorials you are posting..keep them coming. Promise I will make something very shortly..have chosen fabric already.

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  18. Julia-

    Oh Thanks so much for saying that!! It sure makes me feel great to know you enjoy my tutes. I am trying to think what I should make for the next tutorial..Hmm..

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  19. Thanks from France for this cute pen case! I was looking for a tutorial and this one is perfect!
    I am really willing to make one as I am going back to school (after all these years. When sewn, I'll send you pictures!

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  20. Amel'Caramel-

    Thanks for your comment! If you make one let me know! I would love to see it;)

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  21. Thank you from France for your tutorial and photo ! I love your blog and your tutorials.
    I'm sorry for my english, but I don't speaK...
    Thanks very much !

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  22. Sandrine-

    Thanks so much for making a pen case! I wanted to leave the comment, but couldn't read French (I believe?). Your pen case is simple and cute!!

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  23. Very detailed tutorial! I'm new to sewing, but with your beautiful teaching, I think I can do it!! I think I am going to use my bag as a makeup bag though =] The best part.. it'll be easy to wash!!!

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  24. Amanda-
    Thanks for your nice comment! I like this pen case too. Let me know if you make one! I'd love to see it!

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  25. Useful tutorial! It's clear and detailed. Good and precise job!
    Hugs from Hungary.

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  26. Great tutorial. I'll have to try these too. Your little bags are super cute. ~jen~

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  27. I wanted to make myself a new pen case, but couldn`t find the style I liked. But I found it now!!! I love the blue and green touch in the middle. It gives the pen case a very unique accent. I`m goin to get myself some fabirc in the next few days and make it asap!!!!

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  28. thank you! this is an awesome tutorial! i love your log cabin case too! you're awesome!!!

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  29. This looks lovely. Im going to attempt to make it, if I'm successful I will be sure to send you a picture!

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  30. thank you so much for this tute. your instructions and pix were perfect! i understood everything and cant wait to make myself one!!

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  31. I'm only now reading this but thanks so much, I am doing these and giving them as christmas gifts! :)

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  32. Hello:)
    I'm Nadine from Germany!
    You have a beautiful page and a lot of good ideas.
    I can't understand all of the tasks,regredfully ..:(
    But I'll ask a tailoress to help me, because I'm a newcomer:)

    Greetz from Germany

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  33. Wonderful tutorial, so well made. Love your blog :)

    www.craftpudding.com

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  34. Thank you for this tutorial. It is a lot easier with all the pictures !!! Now all I need is time to do it myself...

    Best wishes for you & your blog
    :-)

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  35. a picture says a thousand words. some of us...we creative lots esp. are visual people, so pictures, and lots of it! helps. thanks for the tute. the part on the zipper tone down my fright of it a little.

    thanks!

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  36. Great tutorial! Very informative in how well worded and descriptive you were! You know they say that if one knows how to describe what they want really well, then life is just as good as how you describe it :)
    Its great for people who feel like time is running against them and then land on your blog and feel like a whole burden was just lifted off of their shoulder.. I admire and respect people who take
    time to make it easier for others.. Thanks a bunch! :)

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  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  38. two thumbs up and a wide grin. now, im not sure just how to get the material. my dad is not gonna give me 50 bucks to shop for those :(

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  39. Hi There! I wanted to let you know that I used your pen case as inspiration for a make-up bag that I recently made. So I posted a link to this posting over on my blog. Feel free to check it out!! http://tlc685.blogspot.com/2009/05/drippy-day.html
    Thanks for sharing.

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  40. Love your tutorials. I'm looking for a pattern for just a plain coinpurse, about 4x3" with a zipper on top. Maybe you could make one? ;)

    Thanks for the inspiration, I love your blog!

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  41. Thanks everyone! I'm glad you guys like this tutorial!

    Katarina-
    I've seen many tutorials for zipper case. I bet you can find some if you google "tutorial zipper case" or something similar. ;)

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  42. looking at the date, i'm late BUT thanks for the tutorials. I'd luv to try, will tell you when i'm done.
    BTW where r u located? i'd like to know more about the cotton fabric, how much etc...thanks

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  43. makcikkantin,

    I'm gld you like this tutorial. I live in the US and I used cotton fabric that was about $9/yard and the wool felt fabric is what i found at a thrift store. I hope this helps!

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  44. Thx a lot for all your beautiful tutorials. Great. I love them all!
    Greatings from Germany

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  45. Thank you very much for such a detailed tutorial!
    I'm from Russia.

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  46. You are sooo generous, girl !
    Thank you from Quebec/Canada

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  47. Hi! Thanks for your wonderful tutorial.
    I've made a special pencil case for my daughter with your help. You can see here at
    http://art-craft-henny.blogspot.com/2009/10/her-special-pencil-case.html

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  48. This is simply great now we can make beautiful pencil boxes ourselves according to our choice and need.

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  49. I'm a very new zipper installer .. I find it hard to follow most tuts .. this one is super .. I love that there's a method for installing a lining without having to flip the thing and leave a hole for turning!! I plan to make one to go with a handbag I'm doing for someone ... I hope it looks as good as yours!! :))

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  50. This is simply great. Even we can use small cut pieces to make this pen case. Thanks for sharing and helping us know about this wonderful thing.
    Current CD Rates

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  51. Você permite que eu coloque um link para os seus tutorias em meu blog?

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  52. Thanks everyone!

    Beth Zerani-
    I would be happy if you put the link to my blog on yours! ;)

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  53. Thank you :o)

    You have such a beautiful eye for patterns and colours, that it makes the photos in this post a pleasure to look at - even without the added bonus of getting to try this out for ourselves at the end!

    Thank you again!

    Nadia

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  54. Ayumi, you are so... creative (correct word??). The fabrics you use are each time matching so it's a pleasure to look at. All tutorials are great!!!! Thanks a lot for sharing!!!!!!!
    Best wishes from germany, Betti :o)

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  55. Such a creative and innovative post.

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  56. bellissimo pattern grazie mille. non sono molto brava ma mi piacerebbe tentare.
    patrizia 58

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  57. WOW.. your pencilcase is soooo awesome<3
    I LOVE your fabrics too!
    I just finished my pencilcase for school project today, it's sooooo simple compared to yours :(
    Well, thanks 4 your awesome tutorial!

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  58. thank for the great tutorials. I wonder where did you get that cute rotary cutter .

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  59. oh..i really want to make those things...
    thank you for that amazing tutorials..im looking forward that i can make that one soon..

    gudluck

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  60. Thank you so much everyone! I hope you'll enjoy making your pencil case!

    I got the rotary cutter from a local retail of Joann Fabric ;)

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  61. thx showing everyone tht tute it's awsome and i'm defenitily making it after pestering my mum a lot!!!

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  62. your tutorials are soo detailed & amazing! thankyou soo much for sharing! i've always been a littke intimidated by zips, but i'd love to try this (^_^)

    Chloe x

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  63. That is some inspirational stuff. Never knew that opinions could be this varied.

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  64. Thanks for this tutorial - I just made myself one and posted it on my blog here http://craftyady.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-stylish-pen-case.html
    You're so inspiring!

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  65. omg! it's exactly the pencil case I have been looking for! :)

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  66. its a great craft! why is it so confusing!?
    i'm a beginner in sewing, so it may be to complicated for me... any way, great job!!!

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  67. Thank you so much everyone! I hope I'll see your pencil pouch in this flickr pool ;)

    Sorry if this tutorial seems too complicated. I suggest you try other tutorials of mine such as patchwork drawstring, because those are much easier than this one ;)

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  68. The bag looks really cute. But i got very lost.

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  69. Love this. I have a huge stash of felt and want to make a small bag with some, so this shape will be perfect (might make it a tad larger.) I will let you know how it turns out and probably link this tutorial on my blog when it's done!

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  70. My little daughter was telling me the other day that she wanted a new pen case and she asked me to take her to the mall and buy her one. But I think that I will make this lovely stylish pen case, thank you!

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  71. thanks ayu
    it's really help....
    love u much!!!

    http://suelovelyhand.blogspot.com/
    ela6009@yahoo.com.my

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  72. Here's mine :
    http://boutsdechouchou.canalblog.com/archives/2010/11/04/19516202.html

    Thanks !
    Cécile

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  73. thank you for that amazing tutorials..im looking forward that i can make that one soon..

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  74. Somehow i ended up with one side larger than the other even though i did stich the pieces by the middle. Anyhow, it looks almost right, so I'm keeping it like that. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  75. This is really an art. Thank you for taking the time and effort.

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  76. thanks...i really LOVE IT!!!! i really want to make my own pencil case before i go to the boarding school next week....many thanks!! it is really CUTE AND STYLISH..^_^

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  77. Adorei seu blog Ayumi.
    Seus trabalhos são lindos....
    beijos...

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  78. Hi,
    thanks for your detailed tutorial which inspired me to make this:
    http://siebensachen-zum-selbermachen.blogspot.com/2011/02/taschchen.html
    Greetings from
    Siebensachen (Germany)

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  79. We really love the art and bag. We will share this with the class.

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  80. Hey, this is really really a GREAT tutorial! Thanks a zillion. Hope to make one during the Mid-March school holidays. If successful, you'll be the first to know ;-)

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  81. I couldn't wait Ayumi :-) so I got down to it this morning and now I've something to show here http://lohleefun.blogspot.com/ Thanks again for sharing.

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  82. finally i did it. please check it out in my blog.http://yilingliou.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-make-stylish-pencil-case-by-pink.html

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  83. I would like to say this is an excellent blog that I have ever come across. Very informative.

    Life For Rent | Life For Rent

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  84. woow i love this
    i too made one
    thnx for sharing
    love
    -Devi-
    xoxo

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  85. saya suka...saya suka.....thx dear!

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  86. Thanks it is a very good support, now to make a stylish pen case is easy with your tips. Thank you

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  87. Dah try buat... http://epaljohor.blogspot.com/2011/06/pencil-case.html

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  88. Gorgeous, gorgeous bag and tutorial. You're a natural teacher! Thank you.

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  89. Arigato sensei...>o<

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  90. I agree with your point, please share with us more good articles.1986 Mitsubishi Starion AC Compressor

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  91. I loved learning so many new things with this :) This is my version made with linen and cotton

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/32474418@N04/5945297912/in/photostream/

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  92. I made a pencase with your tutorial and got an A as my final grade in textiles, so thanx for making my life easier ;) i really want to share it with you but dunno how to ... My e-mail is lana.miran@yahoo.com ,please tell me how to share it :D

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  93. AFAICT you've ceoevrd all the bases with this answer!

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  94. I made my own.
    It was my first time using patchwork but I'm really proud of the result

    http://imaginoparati.com/2011/08/vuelta-al-cole/

    it's in Spanish but pictures doesn't need words, don't they?

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  95. I really appreciate your professional approach. They are bits of very helpful information that'll be of great use for me personally later on.

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  96. Such a great idea! I made this very spur-of-the-moment, but with the fabric scraps I had it turned out great!! I didn't have a zipper, so I just put in a magnetic clasp :) You can see the pictures at randomchatterings.wordpress.com

    Your instructions were incredibly easy to follow, thanks so much!

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  97. Good post. I love this post. Very beautiful works.

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  98. im looking forward to make this :)

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  99. hello to everyone who has blog.first I congratulate the blog owner.he is got excellent blog.actually I read all your articles from weary and your writing very attractive waiting to continue thanks

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  100. This is what I was looking for I mean how to make a stylish pen case because my daughter want something like this but I don't want to buy one, instead of that I'm gonna make this pen case because I consider it is better than buying one.

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  101. Creative job. The designs are simply marvelous. It is appreciable.

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  102. I just finished a christmas present for my girls teacher. I hope she likes it! Thank you for the wonderful pattern. Excellent tutorial! Ill try to post a pic to show it to you. Thanks again!

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  103. Thanx for sharing this wonderful tutorial.
    Gabi from Germany

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  104. Thanks for the detailed post. This is a great tutorila!!! Nice pen case!!!

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  105. This is a very special art. We will show it to the class

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  106. I love this case and will definitely be making one in the future. Thank you for the easy zipper tips...for some reason I am terrified of zippers but this makes it seem not-so-scary! I do have to ask, did you make the penguin in the last photo. It is so cute! I would love to know if you made the pattern or where you it from if you made it! Thanks for all the wonderful tutorials!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mary! I hope you'll find inserting a zipper easier than you thought ;) I made the penguin using a pattern in a sewing book from the library. I don't remember the tile of the book, but it was a bit older book full of stuffed animal patterns. Sorry I can't give you a better tip..!

      Delete
  107. Hi Ayumi,
    Thank you for showing us, how to make these pen cases. They are absolutely wonderful and pretty. I will definetly try making these at home.

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  108. Great tutorial, is there aywhere i can just bye this instead of making it?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Unfortunately I don't think there is any store that you can buy this pencil pouch.

      Delete
  109. Sankyu ne...I really like your tutorial, and I like your idea...
    ~(=^‥^)/。・:*:・゚★,。・:*:・゚☆ ありがとニャ!

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  110. A very nice page. I think the effort has passed, we have to thank you:))
    Estetik Dis Beyazlatma

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  111. Hi, i was just wondering where do you get such nice fabric?

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    Replies
    1. Hi lala,

      Most of the fabrics I used for this pencase were my local finds in the US. My recent projects are mostly made with Japanese fabrics since I moved to Tokyo last year from the US ;)

      Delete
  112. Hi Ayumi,

    I done this case last nite, and it is really a amazing case! Like it so much.

    But, compared to urs, i still have much to improve. Happy !

    -Dawn

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  113. I was never good at arts and crafts, this is very impressive.

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  114. Great website, looks very clean and organized. And very interesting to read Your the article!

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  115. thank u so much . its great. well done

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  116. Just found this website via the free crafts websites and I am so excited about joining in with all the other crafter's and their idea's. This one in particular is a great start and your tutorial with pictures is brilliant! Anyone not knowing how to sew can just do everything from the photo's! Thanks for the inspiration.
    The tutorial is dated 2008 and I am looking at it 1/8/2012!!
    Happy Olympics too, I'm from London - UK!

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  117. Just made this case for my birthday. I coordinated the fabrics to match the tote bag I made for her. The only change I made was using Velcro instead of a zipper. Thanks for the great tutorial!!

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  118. I loved this for so long, and finally made it! I used some fabric scraps, including an old jeans... and I love it!

    http://creadientje.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/zonder-strijken/#

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  119. Ayumills..

    Good tutorials.
    Thanks.

    From: http://weracraft.blogspot.com

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  120. wonderful! you're so precise and creative!

    http://officinaincucina.blogspot.it/

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  121. Happy to have discovered you and your kawaii project.

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  122. merci ! c'est super, j'ai tout compris. Je me mets au travail !
    bravo pour les explications.

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  123. merci ! c'est super, j'ai tout compris. Je me mets au travail !
    bravo pour les explications.

    ReplyDelete
  124. Thanks so much for this brilliant tutorial.

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  132. muchas gracias por el tutorial, lo hare en estos dias!!!

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  133. very good and creative, easy to understand

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  134. It's very creative and I love the scraps you used here. The designs of fabric for dressmaking are so pretty.

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Thanks for taking the moment to leave a comment ;) I always love hearing from you!