Took another break from the blog here… Went on vacation and didn’t plan posts like I used to, nor did I post on vacation like I used to! Partly because I didn’t have internet… Partly because I just didn’t! But I did keep making things!
I was still making things and also still finishing projects! One of these projects, ws a cross stitch pouch I made for my Dad. It was supposed to be a Christmas present…. But it didn’t quite get finished!
When I quilt, I prefer to make my own patterns. But when it comes to cross stitch, I typically, no, I always, use a pattern. I have a few favorite shops on Etsy for patterns, but most of the patterns I have done so far is from my favorite cross stitch magazine, CrossStitcher Magazine from the UK. When I saw this saxophone project in the magazine, I knew I wanted to make it for my Dad who plays the saxophone in his church orchestra! He played as a kid and has taken it back up again in the last ten years or so.
I’ve loved getting back into cross stitch after many, many years. it’s been a fun on the go project. But I’ve also liked experimenting with different fabrics and techniques. I did one of my first projects on regular quilting cotton and another on linen with a grid. This one I went back to Aida fabric and just counted along. It is the easiest way to do it, in my opinion, but I think my favorite is not using Aida. The other fabrics seem a bit softer, or something!
For the pouch I used Noodlehead’s open wide pouch pattern. I love this pattern as it’s simple and I love that it actually opens all the way! For this one I made one larger piece and quilted as a quilt as you go type project. Then I cut it down to the front and back pieces. I did this to make sure the front and back stripes lined up as I put it together.
And the back! Some of my favorite fabircs!
The pattern was a little tricky since the colors are pretty similar (more so when you are working on it up close!). But it was a pretty easy pattern other wise! The saxophone is just a small piece in a larger design with other instruments. I only wanted the Sax! The pattern is All That Jazz from Issue November 2014 of Cross Stitcher Magazine.
This is so good. Modern and fresh, and lovely colours.
Thanks!
That’s so intricate!
It wasn’t too bad! 🙂
Very cool pouch! I love the detailed photos. Do you work with crochet as well?
Thanks! No, crochet and knitting are the two crafts I don’t do!
Awesome! I enjoy the same cross stitch magazine. I’ve been working on the octopus and just finished it. Now I’m on the seahorse pattern. You made it into a pouch. That is something for me to think about for my finished cross stitch projects but just haven’t done anything with them. I just wanted to make it but what to do with it! DUH. Thanks for the idea.
It’s a cool dude sax!
COOL . . . So unique — love the cross-stitched sax from “All That Jazz” design pattern! FAB colors & fabrics on the back side of your pouch. Thanks for sharing. Sarah Helene in Minneapolis
Very pretty! Looks very nice.
Thanks!
This is just a wonderful bag and so unique with the cross stitch sax. I’m sure to Dad enjoys using it.
Thanks! I hope so!
I love this craft! Your cross-stitching is beautiful. 🙂
Thanks!
Looks so cool! I love the colors so much. Although I don’t have any experience with stitching but I really liked your taste for colors. Good luck!
Thanks! You should try it!
Very pretty!
Thank you!
This is a really nice zip pouch! Such a great idea 😁
Thank you!!
That is so unusual. I love quirky different things like that. Really lovely
Thanks!