So far it’s been a very wintery winter here in our part of Virginia. Some of us are loving it, and some of us (me) are freezing. I must say that looking through my photos from the last few weeks, it does give me a nice, cozy, wintery feeling. I just have to ignore my icy fingers.
I was at the ironing board the other night, pressing some fabric intended for a pencil pouch and Jonny made a comment along the lines of, “When my wife is struck with an obsession and can’t stop making pencil pouches.” He’s been there, done that, with various things over the past couple of decades. I do tend to get obsessed and a little bit single-minded. However, in recent weeks I have realized that pencil pouches are missing from the lives of many people whom I love and I feel it my duty to try and remedy that, one pencil pouch at a time. For those who have asked, here are some details: The pattern I follow (minus the tab) is HERE. The zippers (Amazon links are affiliate links) are THESE. And I typically include one fancy pencil, and a pen. I have been sewing them mostly from fabric I already had on hand, namely a bunch of Heather Ross fabric that I bought many years ago because Jonny and I wanted to sew a quilt together. (We never did.) I was asked where I buy fabric, and I don’t have one particular place because I haven’t bought any in many years. However, I did need to get a bit of fabric recently for pouches, so I searched ‘Heather Ross fabric’ and then shopped around. I am not a Heather Ross purist, but I do like her prints and that search was a good starting point for me.
One of the fabrics I purchased recently was a pretty pale pink linen blend with warm brown asters and I made a pouch using that on the outside and one of my older Heather Ross prints for the inside. It’s very cute, and I’d like to give it to one of you. (I wish I could give pencil pouches to ALL of you.) Beatrix and I went shopping for a used book to go with this giveaway and while she lobbied hard for Jane Eyre, I settled on this pretty copy of Middlemarch. It’s a wonderful and very long book. Perfect for getting through the rest of winter! I will confess that when I read it a few years ago I alternated between the book and the audiobook and that helped me get through it faster. However, it’s not a slog, and you may be just fine with only the book depending on your stage of life! I will also include a bar of goat’s milk soap and a tin of calendula salve.
**Thanks to everyone who commented! The giveaway is now closed and the winner (selected using a random number generator) is Heidi, who commented, “Your photos here remind me of the Little Women movie which is my favorite. A sort of haunting and cozy stillness. Beautiful. And as always, love your makings. Stay warm!”
p.s. Here’s an affiliate link to the pretty book pictured above (From Laurel Hill to Siler’s Bog). I am reading it now amongst other things. And I hope you noticed how my yarn matches the latest issue of Bird Watcher’s Digest! That was a total accident. Also, that winter blooming shrub in the top photos is witch hazel. It’s one of my favorites!
p.p.s. There is a soap sale going on in my shop as I make way for new soaps!
Middlemarch is on my reading list this year. Love this giveaway! Stay warm!
I am so intimidated by sewing but maybe I will try one of these pouches! It seems like a good dipping your toe in kind of project.
We are the same age and both live in Virginia. I too homeschool and have a big family. When I read your blog, I feel such a kinship. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your life. It fills my heart with joy.
My children all have pencil pouches of some kind..this is inspiring to learn how to do it. Intimidated by the zipper but it looks so cute when finished!!!
Calendula is my go-to for skin hydration although my sister got me a rose-oil face serum for my stocking this year and it smells amazing. I keep wishing I had some calendula extract to add to it!
Also, your photos always twinge me to get my big camera out again..I have not been brave enough to use it and I really need to bite the bullet and do it. Thank you for your sweet spirit and delicious words. Always gladden my heart.
Reading your blog post makes me smile. The snow looks beautiful! We finally just got snow, about 5″, we are so behind here in Colorado it is frighting.
Love your pencil pouches and yes, everyone should have at least one, several would be best.
Take care, stay warm. Thanks for the give away.
Lovely pouches, and I think your posts are always cozy.
It’s been very cold here! Just finished a little knit bonnet for my granddaughter.
Thanks for a chance to win!
Always enjoy your posts! Such cute pencil pouches!
Love reading your blog and seeing your lovely photography. The pencil pouches are so pretty.
Putting my hand up from Tasmania Australia, my littles have become adults and now I’m a foster mum in my late 50’s under 5’s everywhere. Happy to assist with costs x
What a wonderful and generous giveaway. If I win, I will share it with my daughter.
I love your pencil pouches, and would love to have one of my own. Just the other day I was thinking that I needed a place to keep my pens and pencils that accumulate on my little end table. I’m handicapped so spend a lot of time in my recliner next to my sunny windows. I read your posts and am envious of your creative items. Hope everything is well with your family and check longingly for your new posts.
Oh how this post reminded me that there is beauty in this season. Thank you! The pencil pouches are so great, what a lovely curated gift. Happy Creating!
What a lovely giveaway! The pouch is charming.
I love the picture of your youngest and your granddaughter! They are going to be best buddies as they grow!
Thank you for the chance to win the giveaway. I’m jealous of all your snow! We don’t get that much in Middle TN.
The pencil pouches are so lovely and functional. Thank you for the chance to win one.
Thank you for sharing all your blessings!
I always enjoy your blog posts and photos. What a generous giveaway! Thank you!!
I need some photography lessons 🙂 I’m not sure I can pick a favorite … maybe the cardinals. I’m partial to them though!
I LOVE this giveaway! You may be influencing me to also become obsessed with making pencil bags! Looks so fun. I miss sewing. This would be the perfect little return to it. I just cleaned out the soaps in your shop. (You’re welcome!) The shipping seemed very high. Don’t know if it was correct. Thank you for the sharing your talents with us all.
Your post does give me a nice, cozy, peaceful wintry feel. I love the aster fabric for the pencil pouch too. Thanks for a chance to win it! Oh, and I love Middlemarch!
What a lovely little giveaway! I’ve always wanted to read that book, and your homemade gifts are beautiful. Always enjoy your blog posts so much!
Thank you for the opportunity! Would feel blessed to win this giveaway!
I always love to see a new post from you, and am excited for the chance at your lovely giveaway. I’ve had a cold winter too, and I need to make some time for knitting. I feel like the house is always a whirlwind mess when the kids are coming and going in the snow and cold – hard for me to keep up
How I love to see the statement “open to international entries”! I’m in New Zealand and we do miss out on a lot of international giveaways.
I would happily pay all the delivery costs for one of your beautiful pencil pouches, the book and I’ve been longing to try your goat’s milk soap, to compare it to the one I make 🙂
Hi Ginny!
Love the snow! It is beautiful as are your pouches and book covers.
Thank you the chance to have one.
Becky Barry
Colorado
Everyone needs a pencil pouch!! Thanks for a chance to win.
I too have a nice stash of fabrics that were bought with good intentions. Thank you for including the link to the pattern. I will destash by trying to make some of these!
I do the same with obsessions. Sometimes it’s knitting, sometimes sewing, currently sourdough. Your pencil picks are adorable, and you are correct, everyone needs one. Thank you for sharing the patten link for those of us who don’t win. 😊
Ginny, I am impressed (as ever) at your creativity and industry! Your photographs are beautiful as well.
I love these adorable pouches. I may try to make a few for Christmas next year,
What a sweet giveaway! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing the sweet things your family experiences, your love for family, books and life.
Beautiful post as usual Ginny. I love the pencil pouch. Would you ever consider posting them on your Etsy account? I’m certain that they would sell easily. Blessings for all as you go through the remainder of this winter.
My life would be complete if I had an aster pencil pouch.
You were the first blogger I ever began to follow, and I still love your posts so much.
Stay warm!
Love the beautiful pouch and love your blog!
Have been enjoying your blog for many years and always admire your creative projects! The pencil zip bags are very cute – thanks for the links!
What a great giveaway. Thank you.
I love the pouches! Thank you!
Such a beautiful giveaway! Love the fabrics too!
A pencil pouch is a lovely idea.
Super sweet giveaway!
The nature book’s cover is so lovely. (So is the pencil pouch!)
Thank you! Hope you stay warm as we end January.
Did not mean to comment twice: please disregard one!
Thank you! Hope you stay warm as we end January 🙂
George Elliot…nice!
So pretty! There’s nothing like a new pen or pencil to get the thoughts flowing and the sketching inspired. Would love to own a Ginny original pencil pouch. 🙂
What a lovely giveaway! I have your blog bookmarked for rough nights with babies and sick children. ❤️
I love a little pencil case!I made one for my office, but it is not as cute as yours are. I will have to make one like yours for the grandchildren.
Those are adorable pencil pouches!
This is lovely, thank you! I’ve been following you for years and always enjoy reading your thoughts and looking through your beautiful photos
Thank you Ginny for continuing your blog! I enjoy it so much and I look forward to each new post. If I am chosen for this months giveaway I will be thrilled!
love catching up on your news – the pouches are beautiful! Will happily pay postage:)