Fabric Zippered Envelope...

With all the beautiful sunshine California is having I am thinking yellow.  So I pulled out some fabric that I love.  This is cheerful and lovely with the flowers.  I also pulled out a yellow zipper.  I have been seeing some fabric pouches that I really like and just knew I could make one.  Well with the help of YouTube and Susan Claire of Gourmet Quilter I found just the right video to help me from start to finish.  Thank you Susan and your excellent video.

Here is my quilting I did on the fabric with sandwiched batting.  I think of this as strengthening the fabric and giving it texture.  After a bit of sewing and video viewing and sewing I was pleased with my results.

Here is the finished fabric envelope.  It measures approximately 10" x 10".  I wasn't going for any specific dimensions for my first try.  I merely began with some fabric and ended with a finished pouch.  I also lined it with the same beautiful fabric.  Next time I would save the lovely fabric for another pouch and line it with muslin or cotton.  This is how I learn.  By trial and error.  Fortunately I had no real errors.  Susan added a longer self fabric handle for carrying over the wrist. I merely used some grosgrain ribbon as a tab to hold while zipping and unzipping.  I didn't want the wrist strap which could catch on lots of things.  This is purely personal preference.
 

Of course when my fabric envelope was finished I felt it needed a zipper enhancement.  So I beaded a lanyard for it.  I used my favorite gem hearts and Swarovski crystals.  Now it is complete and I love it!  I am putting this in my gift cupboard.  I feel that I will be sewing more of these for my gift giving.
Have you made anything like this?  Do you have hints or tips to share?
Once again I am so thankful that I know how to sew.  When I sit down at my machine I am less stressed.  I feel good that I am able to use my fabrics and threads and supplies along with my serger and sewing machine.  When they all just stay in the sewing room and I neglect them it makes me sad and feel unfulfilled.  Now I feel happy and very much satisfied that I made something I am proud of and can share with others.
In luxurious satin and lace this would make a great bridal shower gift along with a gift card or item of lingerie for the bride-to-be.  Hmmm...ideas are popping into my head.  Will I be able to keep up?
Our weather continues to be dry as a desert.  No moisture in sight for at least the next week.  Fires are happening as if it were the height of summertime.  I am continuing to pray for rain and safety from fires.  My deepest gratitude to each of you for also praying for rain for California.  For all who have too much rain and snow and freezing arctic vortex weather please stay safe and warm.  Maybe we could do a swap of some sort...we creative crafty people are very good at sharing...
Mr. C is happily working in his "Toybox" on his project.  I know I haven't shared with you yet.  There have been delays and I don't want to jinx anything by sharing too soon.  We are in no rush fortunately.  As the saying goes..."It takes as long as it takes!"
Be blissful in your creating...