Cellphone Case and Traveling Pattern Winner

The winner of the Lizzie Kate "Wear a Smile" pattern and, hence, the next in line to stitch the traveling pattern is Angi at My Happy Memories.  If you haven't checked out Angi's blog, take a look.  She does some lovely crafting  including free original cross-stitch designs for you to stitch.  Angi, please send me your snail mail address so I send the pattern to you.

I spied these cute birdcase designs in my freebie collection while searching for something else completely.  I thought I'd make a birthday card from one of them, but after I stitched it up, I thought it was too pretty for just a card.  I had seen a tutorial with a slightly different method for sewing up a pouch from the way I usually do it and I wanted to try it out.  Plus I wanted to try a different closure.  The design was a perfect size for a cell phone pouch, so the project plans were set. 

The stitching is on 18 count hand dyed Aida from Sassy.  The floss colors have been modified since the contrast was not to my liking when I used this blue fabric with the suggested colors.   I used cotton batting and the piece is lined with no exposed raw edges.  The closure loop is made from a hair elastic, and I found a reasonably sized button in my button jar.  Makes a nice padded case for those who carry the phone and don't want it to get damaged.  Probably not ideal for those who are glued to the screen at all times.  Fits my Blackberry Bold nicely so I hope it fits whatever cell phone the recipient of this gift uses.

You can download the free patterns for the birdcage cards at the Making Spot.
The tutorial for the pouch can be found here at Elizabeth's Whimsies.