Beautiful Balance Checkbook Cover: Completed!

I've got to say, it feels great to have finished this up. Granted, it always feels good to finish a project, but with the rut I'm in, and since this came together so much easier than I expected, this feels especially good.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly it was to sew this up. I got the pieces cut out & fused (tons of interfacing, as usual) in about an hour this weekend. I wasn't looking forward to putting everything together. Not because of the project itself, I've actually been waiting to make this one since last winter, but because I figured it would be much more complicated than it needed to be. What can I say, Amy's track record isn't the best. :)

I really like the way this was constructed. I think I only did a couple things differently - no fusible fleece, I didn't baste the pockets before basting them to the lining (seriously, why?!), and I did the opening just slightly different. I have to say, I love that the pattern calls for the opening to be between the flap & lining piece rather than leaving an opening when sewing the front & back together. I was a little confused at first when it came to sewing the flap to the lining just an inch at each end, but once I figured it out, it was easy. The only thing I did differently was my favorite tip from Michelle at Keyka Lou - lengthen the stitch for the opening & backstitch at each end, then iron the seam open & take out the stitches across the opening once it cools. That way, when it comes time to sew the opening closed, the seam allowance is already pressed & much easier to slipstitch.

Since I used a directional fabric, I took extra care to pay attention to how I was cutting my pieces. Thankfully, I got all my outside pieces exactly the way I wanted.

I did screw up on the pocket pieces though, they're technically going sideways & I wish I had read exactly how they were going in before cutting them out. They don't look terrible though, so oh well. Also, looking at it now, I wish I had used the lining fabric for the inside of the flap. It doesn't look terrible, but I think it would have looked better if I'd used the black rather than red.

All in all, I think this was actually a great pattern. As I was finishing it up, I wish I had thought to add a pocket to the back of the outside, so I'll keep that in mind for next time. Otherwise, I don't think I'd make any patterns & I think this is definitely a pattern I'll be using again!

Remember to check back later this week to link up your Beautiful Balance Checkbook Cover for your chance at the fantastic prizes from Bev at Flamingo Toes! I'm still jealous of whoever is going to get their choice of earrings from her Etsy shop. I like these ones best, if you'd like to get a little something for your favorite blogger. ;)

If you win, you'll also get the awesome Rebecca Bag.

Until next time...