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I am excited to announce the set up of the new Make It In Denim School pages on Instagram and Facebook and I would like to invite you to check them out and use a chance to win one of my patterns of your choice.

To enter the Giveaway, just do the two things:
1. Like / follow my page on Instagram OR Facebook (either or, whichever is more convenient for you).

2. Tag a crafty friend in the comments for this Giveaway post (also on one of the social media is enough).

3. Subscribe to my newsletter.

The winner will be announced and contacted this Friday 28.02.2022
Crafty fingers crossed!

Patterns to choose from if you win:

A flat zipped pencil case is very easy to make and is a great accessory for students, artists and anyone who loves to doodle.

This pencil is made using a simple rectangle. As for the ones on my pictures the size of the rectangle is 21x17cm (8 1/4″ x 6 3/4″). Slight variation of this measurements is ok.

The zipper must go to the longer side! So keep this in mind when choosing the design for the front.

It can be made with just one piece of thick fabric or lining can be added firmness. The body rectangle can also be made using denim scraps, as I will describe below.

The basic version without lining

The basic version with added lining

The patchwork version with lining attached

If you wish to sew a zipper pouch using denim scraps, you’d need to add another layer of fabric not only for firmness but to hide the wrong side of the patchwork. In some cases, usually for small pouches, the lining fabric can play a role of a patchwork base as well.

Cut out the exact shape for your pouch including seam allowances out of a fabric which will be your lining.

Lay some scraps onto the wrong side. Preferably lay grain lines parallel with future zipper line.

Keep in mind also that the pouch is narrow and the front of it is just about 6cm (2,5″) along zipper and the rest of this rectangle is folded over and creates the back of the pouch. That means that when you are laying the pieces remember that your nicest scraps should be situated within the 6cm (2,5″) along the zipper.

Make sure all the pieces overlap as described in the easy patchwork lesson >>>. The scraps at all four edges can stick out for now, they will be trimmed later. Pin and stitch on top through all the layers including the lining. For the bottom thread choose the colour matching the lining.

Trim off anything larger than the lining, as it was our exact size for the pouch. As you can see on the picture above and below, the stitches are there but they are barely seen.

Now the body piece is ready and you can proceed making this pencil case in exactly the same manner as the makeup bag here >>> or the zipped key pouch here >>>

You can also use this patchwork technique with attached lining to DIY a make up bag:

Are you looking for some ideas to make gifts? Check out these sewing projects for small and easy OR grand and artful DIY gifts which you can make yourself! Those are easy, inexpencive and most importantly eco-friendly! And yes, of coarse, made with love!

Keychains full of love

Great little gift made with love! Free tutorial and printable shapes are here >>>

Make up bags

Makeup bag has always been such a great gift! It is so usefull and handy for all sorts not only in a handbag. Any woman will always get a use out of a pretty zipper makeup case. It is also very easy to make >>>

Sewing pattern

Is it a gift for someone who loves to sew? Or wants to start using a sewing machine? One good idea of a sustainable gift for them – is to buy them a sewing pattern. It’s a digital file so there is no waiting days for delivery! You can forward the files to recepient OR print them and gift as a “book”. I have a few of such patterns on how to make bags and pouches with old jeans. Some are suitable for beginners! Check them out >>>

Hair scrunchie

This is the easiest of all. Fastest ever handmade gift – hair scrunchie! Check out my free photo tutorial here >>>

Boxy pouch

Pouch for keys, ear phones, lipstick, poo bags or anything else. Handy little thing! It comes as a part of boxy pattern/tutorial which will help you to make zipped pouches in 4 sizes >>>

Zipped pouch

Usefull zipped pouch is an awesome little gift for men and women. Great for keys, cards, coins. Free tutorial is here >>>

Gift bags

Wrapping a gift can also be eco-friendly! Sustainable gift bags – here you have it! This denim bags are great to gift soaps, candles, watches, jewelry, socks or even just sweets! Reusable and recycled! Free tutorial is here >>>

Denim bag

All ideas described above will make awesome small and easy gifts. If you need something more substantial, check out these tutorials to help you make a denim bag. Bags made with old jeans are great looking and make very sustainable gifts. Shop>>>

Any mother or grandmother appreciates a handmade gift! Are you looking for some ideas for Mother’s day gift? Check out these ideas for small and easy or grand and artful DIY gifts which you can make yourself! Those are easy, inexpensive and most importantly eco-friendly! And yes, of coarse, made with love!

Hearty key-chains

Great little gift made with love! Free tutorial and printable shapes are here >>>

Zipper pouch for keys, coins, cards and all sorts

Useful zipped pouch is an awesome little gift for men and women. Free tutorial is here >>>

Makeup bags

Makeup bag has always been such a great gift! It is so useful and handy for all sorts not only in a handbag. Any woman will always get a use out of a pretty zipper makeup case. It is also very easy to make >>>

Hair scrunchie

Fastest ever handmade gift – hair scrunchie! Check out my free photo tutorial here >>>

Owl door stop

This doorstop has a zipper, so it can be taken off and washed. Free printable pattern is here >>>

Wood carrier

Does your mum or grandma uses a wood burner? This log carrier will be a great help! Easy to make and great to use! Free tutorial is here >>>

Throw cushion

Pillows for a sofa made of denim make trendy and remarkable accessory, as well sustainable and eco-friendly DIY project. Free tutorial is here >>>

Gift bags

Sustainable eco-friendly gift bags – here you have it! This denim bags are great to gift soaps, candles, watches, jewellery, socks or even just sweets! Reusable and recycled! Free tutorial is here >>>

Sewing pattern with photo tutorial

Does your mum or grandma love to sew? Or wants to start using a sewing machine? One good idea of a sustainable gift for them – is to buy them a sewing pattern. It’s a digital file so there is no waiting days for delivery! You can also print them and gift as a “book”, rather than digital files. I have a few of such patterns on how to make bags and pouches with old jeans. Some are suitable for beginners! Check them out >>>

So, what do you think? Have I inspired you to make something as a gift for your loved mum and grandma?

Free tutorials are included!

I have always dreamt of a denim wedding 🙂 But ended up having a traditional one. Now I am thinking to have a denim Christmas! I know, denim doesn’t sparkle and it is the sparkle what makes Xmas so beautiful. However, if we look at the environmental impact of all the shiny Xmas stuff, there is quite a lot we can do in more sustainable way.

Check out these ideas for small DIY gifts which you can make yourself! Those are easy, inexpensive and most importantly eco-friendly! And yes, of course, made with love!

Xmas tree decorations

Denim decorations for the Xmas tree. Easy and fast to make with just small scraps of denim or any other fabric. Free tutorial on how to make them is here >>>

Gift bags

Sustainable gift bags – here you have it! This denim bags are great to gift soaps, candles, watches, jewellery, socks or simply sweets! Reusable and recycled! Free tutorial is here >>>

Hearty key-chains

Great little gift made with love! Free tutorial and printable shapes are here >>>

Zipper pouch for keys, coins, cards and all sorts

Usefull zipped pouch is an awesome little gift for men and women. Free tutorial is here >>>

Makeup bags

Free printable pattern to make zipper pouches will help you to make such cool and useful gifts >>>

Flat make up bag

Another makeup bag to DIY. Add any décor you want. See how to make it >>>

Hair scrunchie

Fastest ever handmade gift – hair scrunchie! Check out my free photo tutorial here >>>

Owl door stop

This doorstop has a zipper, so it can be taken off and washed. Free printable pattern is here >>>

Wood carrier

An awesome gift for all who have a wood burner. Super easy to make using scraps and jet a very strong and comfortable. free instructions are here >>>

Project bag

Just what grandma wanted! Useful tote bag to have her crocheting/knitting/cross-stitch project on hand. easy tutorial for beginners is here >>>

Pencil case

And this quick to make gift would be very handy for all students or artists! Flat pencil case free tutorial >>>

Throw pillows

Sofa cushions are always fun to gift because everyone loves a change in their home. Sewing instructions >>>

Eye glasses case

A sewing project for a bit more experienced hands. Two sizes with a tutorial and a free printable pattern >>>

Yoga mat carry bag

A tubular carry bag for a yoga mat or a beach umbrella. How to make it from one jean’s leg is described here >>>

So, what do you think? Have I inspired you to make something denim this Xmas?