Confession here: this is the first time I’ve actually made anything for my children from a pattern! *gasp, cough, sputter* Haha, yes, that’s right! Sunni here at Sewing Blue who has sewed countless costumes, changing pads, curtains, and who knows what else has avoided patterns like the plague. I’ve made plenty of things from patterns I created from my boys’ clothing, so I never saw the need to pay extra money for a pattern when I knew I could make something on my own fit perfectly. But you know what? I’m so glad I finally caved in and did it!

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s back-to-school month! I’m actually kind of in shock at how early some schools start – here in Alabama schools already started this week! We’re about to move back to Utah, where my oldest son is starting kindergarten the last Tuesday of the month. I’m thankful I get to have a little extra time with him before he’ll be gone half the day.

In honor of all the children going back to school, I have created the ultimate list of do-it-yourself pencil pouches. My goal in creating this list was to compile all of the pencil pouches, bags, cases, and other types of bags that could work for pencils into one location, and have it nicely organized, so if you want to create a pencil case you can easily pick a pattern that inspires you and go for it. There are so many tutorials out there, and I am sure I have missed some! If you come across a tutorial for a pencil case (or make one yourself) and would like it featured on this post, please shoot me an email (sunni (at) sewingblue.com) so that I can add it to this list. It is the “ultimate” list after all!

Finding maternity clothing is ridiculously challenging: how do you find something that not only fits you at the moment, but fits you throughout nine months of your belly growing, is comfortable, and looks good on you too? Some additional criteria for me was it had to be light and have sleeves, no layering required, something essential for humid, hot Southern summers. Well friends, this free, simple pattern is the solution! Pair it with some cute jersey knit fabric, and you have something that you can make a million of and wear all pregnancy long.