Scrap Happy Sewing Chatelaine

Sometimes it's a challenge to find the supplies you need, so how about searching for something you already have and making something new out of it?

For this project I took a junk jean pocket, made another pocket from scraps, added them together, and turned it into a sewing "chatelaine." This is something you can hang around your neck and have much needed notions ready for the task at hand.

Here are the basic supplies you'll need:

• Two 8-inch squares of cotton print for front pocket.
• One 8-inch square of pre quilted fabric for back pocket.
• One old jean's pocket, cut with 1/2-inch additional seam allowance beyond the finished pocket for outer pocket.
• 3/8-inch grosgrain ribbon approximately 28-inches long.
• Optional narrow lace trim to add to pocket.
  

Note: If your pocket is larger than approximately 6-inches wide X 6-inches long, you'll need to cut larger squares for your front and back pockets. 

Steps to make:

1. Round off bottom corners on each of the 8-inch squares.
2. Place cotton print pieces with right sides together and sew a small seam along the straight top edge. Turn to the right side and press.
3. Hem or bind the quilted piece, making sure it measures the same size as the printed cotton piece.
4. Turn under the raw edges of the denim pocket and center on the cotton print. Sew in place, adding lace trim if desired. Note: If you have a hard time sewing through the denim, use a permanent fabric glue to attach denim pocket piece.
5. Sew additional pocket lines on the denim pocket to form narrow channels to hold small tools, or leave it as one large pocket, your choice! I sewed narrow pockets on mine but the thread color blends in so well you can't see it.
6. Place front and back right sides together and sew a 1/2-inch seam along sides and bottom. Trim curves slightly, finish raw edges with zig zag or overcast, and turn right side out.
7. Tuck 1-inch of each ribbon end between pocket layers at each side. Securely stitch ribbon in place to form a loop to hang around your neck. See example below:

You're finished! Here is what the piece looks like on the back side.

Enjoy!