Handmade Coin Purse /Pouch

Front view of coin purse

I have had fun sewing my first craft using a zipper. I've made this coin purse for Miky's mother, who is an Italian, hence the bird on the purse said 'Ciao'. I got the fabric from John Lewis curtain swatch sample, which is free. This time, I used backstitch to stitch the words & birdie's wing on which showed better result and appeared neater.

Back view of coin purse

Dragonfly in Chinese knotting

I thought I could add some Chinese touch to it by adding a dragonfly which is crafted in chinese knotting to the zipper. I did this craft when I was in primary school and have since forgotten about the method. Thanks to the tutorial on youtube, I was able to relive my childhood memories again.

Inner lining of coin purse with a felt pocket decorated with a felt heart

Work in progress: Inner lining of purse

Work in progress: cover of coin purse

Work in progress: Sewing felt onto the cover of purse

Finished product: closer view

Well, I'm quite pleased with it and I hope Miky's mother will like it. I'm in the progress of making another one for my aunt & my mother too. I made this for Miky's mom first as he's going to New York in a few weeks' time and his mom is going to be there too.

Handmade Coin Purse /Pouch

Miky's Birthday Present

Front View of Miky's Birthday Monster

I made this felt monster for Miky's 26th Birthday. Last year I made a tiny one and he had it as a key chain guarding his keys. Now this monster is guarding Miky's room as he's a bit too big to get into Miky's trouser pocket. I glued the eyes and mouth using fabric glue because I stuffed it first before adding the face details. Next time I'll do the stuffing last, as the fabric glue is not that pleasant to smell at.

Back View of Miky's Birthday Monster

I never really know how to stitch words onto felt and this one doesn't come out as I wanted it to be. In case you are wondering, it reads, "Mic Menn Bday 09". I think using back stitch will do the wordings more justice. Anyway, I'm still quite pleased with the end results as I normally have ideas in my head and rarely get to take action and execute them. My inspiration for this is from the photo below, a photo that I took of shop's window displayment full of little cute monsters in Leeds city centre:

The shop is opposite Leeds market. I don't really remember the shop name as it's not really a kawaii gift shop but they do happen to have these adorable felt monsters. They look simple but I think I took almost 10 hours to finish making one while catching up with episodes of Lost.

Miky's Birthday Present