Thimbleanna

Pencil Rolls

Well, apparently time doesn’t pass any more slowly in the New Year.  I was really hoping things would slow down, but this past week sure whizzed by.  Maybe we were just busy trying to stay warm LOL.

I’ve debated in what order I should show you the super secret Christmas sewing.  (Just so you know, there weren’t any quilts — don’t want you to be dissapointed LOL.)  Easiest first?  Save the best for last?  There were three projects and, in my mind, I can put them in a definite order.  I’ve finally decided on a random order show-and-tell, so, this is the “middle” project.

Both of my cute nieces are very artistic, so I made them each a colored pencil roll.  I was sewing these at the last minute on Christmas Eve, so we try not to look too closely at the stitching!

Thimbleanna: Pencil Rolls

I didn’t follow a pattern.  I just bought 24 packs of colored pencils, chose 24 matching fabrics, cut those little colored strips 1 1/2″ wide, and then sewed them together in a long line.  If I could make them over, I’d probably like to put a binding around the edges, rather than do the right-sides-together-and-turn finishing method. On the outside, I machine embroidered a peace signs and flowers design from Embroidery Library.

Thimbleanna: Pencil Rolls

Then, I stitched a “made for you” tag on an inside corner, just for fun.  (Just how many yellow pencils does one 24-pack need, anyway?)

Thimbleanna: Pencil Rolls

The linen is essex linen in the sand colorway from Robert Kaufman and it’s wonderful for sewing.

Thimbleanna: Pencil Rolls

They were a quick, fun little project.  Next time I’ll start earlier so I can do a better job!  (Famous last words!)

Thimbleanna: Pencil Rolls

Ok, next time, the biggest project. As in, the one that took several weekends and a lot of time in the dungeon.

XOXO,
Anna

40 thoughts on “Pencil Rolls”

  1. I wish you were my aunt! (Your pictures have me thinking about knitting needle and crochet hook rolls.)

  2. Adorbs. I have some crayons I bought for the nieces and nephews, still in the box. I don’t recall why I didn’t gift them the Christmas I was supposed to. Maybe I’ll do this and donate to Toys for Tots. Nice embroidery! Speaking of bad jobs, I made rolls for all of my crochet hooks and Knitting needles about a zillion years ago. Same idea, lot worse workmanship. So, if I send you my hooks and needles….

  3. Very lovely but it would take me till next Christmas to do (I think I’ve adequately demonstrated this…) so I’ll not try it at the moment.

    By the way, I’ve seen hardly anything on the news about the American freeze. Nothing in the paper – actually I don’t watch the tv news much so that could be the reason I haven’t heard much. I did see something on the BBC website. Hope you’re not too chilly!

  4. I love them Anna! I like making pencil rolls but I’ve never had the patience to do the different colours – but I wish I had as yours look so good. I’m feeling very excited because I have tidied my sewing room and found the long lost cable for my machine – in a drawer in the kitchen – and I’ve been inspired to start quilting again since getting Sunday Morning Quilts the other day so there should be some colourful posts coming soon! Xx

  5. These are wonderful!!! I can’t believe you stitches all those fabrics into a strip for the pockets. They don’t need the bias binding. They’re perfect just the way they are and I can imagine The girls loved them.
    My needle rolls are bulging. I need to get going and make some more. Did you use batting inside the fabric for body?

  6. these are really, really cute!!! i have been “volunteered” to make crayon/coloring book bags as party favors for a soon-to-be six year old, but you pencil rolls look like a LOT more fun!!!

  7. I LOVE these! I love anything with the peace sign and these are just too adorable. You are the best auntie ever. I thought I was but no, it’s you for sure! And you are right about time going so fast. I didn’t get a chance to comment on how ADORABLE Winston is. Little fluffball! So cute. And those pink boots. Red would also be awesome. I can’t wait for your next reveal :o)

  8. Really cute Anna! I can see they were made with lots of love! Wow, coordinating fabrics for each “slot”! That’s really detailed (and time consuming!) Great job!

  9. they’re so cute! I love the colorful pockets inside and the beautiful embroidered designs. I made something very similar for my crochet hooks and I agree, the turning was probably the hardest part for me. I’d do the same with a binding next time myself. :)

  10. Charming!…and lots of work, all of those color-coordinated pencil slots!
    “Next time I’ll start earlier…” ~ my mantra.

  11. You are so talented! Goodness! I just love it! Great project. Did you want my address so you can send me one?! Thanks for sharing! xox <- stole that from you! ;o)

  12. VERY cute!! I’ll need to keep that idea in mind for my God-daughter. She’s very artistic as well and I think she would like this very much.

  13. The pencil cases are adorable! You do such lovely work… not just the sewing, but the fabric inside color-coded to match the pencils. I like the machine embroidery… is that something new for you?

    The scissors arrived so quickly. Thank you for the extra little case of darning needles. I’ve tucked them in a drawer next to my favorite chair. I have the itch to stitch some hearts for Valentine’s day to hang on a few friend’s door knobs.

    Hugs,
    Joni

  14. Wow Anna, you sure have lucky nieces. My friend Villa makes alot of these pencil rolls, I love how yours turned out – wasn’t it hard to find matching fabrics — or does this just prove how much fabric stash you have?!! LOL NEVER!!! ;)

  15. A very fun looking project. I know a little granddaughter who would like something like this. She says she’s an artist (and she is!).

  16. My comment did not show up but I wanted to tell you I LOVE the pencil rolls. I have always loved the peace sign (I think I was a hippie) any—–who, you are the da bomb auntie! xo

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