Don’t call it a comeback…

by Kaylah Stroup
If you’ve been following for some time you might remember when The Dainty Squid was a sewing business, and not just a blog. (Oh yeah, and you might have noticed that giant sewing machine tattoo on my chest!) Sewing was my life. Day and night, it’s nearly all I did. That lead to me getting burnt out. I didn’t touch my machine for a few years other than to sew a patch on my coat every once in a blue moon. I’ve mentioned a few times over the last few months how I’ve had the creative itch again. After a weird year or so I’m finally feeling like myself. I’m dabbling in a few other creative outlets, like embroidery and watercolors, but deep down I missed sewing a lot.
( top to bottom – 1, 2, 3 )
I really enjoyed making zipper pouches. It’s super relaxing to me, and as someone who loves organization – I love pouches. I still have a handful from my old sewing days that I use everyday to keep my camera bags tidy. It hit me a couple weeks back what I wanted to do! I could get fabrics printed with my photos on them and sew pouches with them. This would combine my favorite hobbies, photography and sewing, and that way I’d have something unique to offer. I wasn’t exactly sure how good the fabric would look so I just went ahead and got three photos that I had already taken for my society6 shop printed. I could barely contain my excitement when I opened the package. The fabric turned out even better than I expected. I immiedately set to work gathering the rest of my supplies, and got sewing. I’m so proud of how these babies ended up looking. I actually have them sitting on my desk beside me right now because I seriously just love seeing them!
I’d like to produce a new set of fabrics hopefully once every month or two. I think from here on out I’d like them to be a little bit more tied together with a theme, like I said these were just tests that turned out really well! I considered opening up the shop again full time but realized it would be a lot more fun for me creatively if I did it this way with little flash sales. I’ll definitely give more notice before the next one, hopefully with some sneak peaks before the release, as well as a date of when to expect them to go live but this batch really just came together so quickly I couldn’t hold off sharing them. 

They’re available for purchase here. I only have a few of each of the three prints so if you’re interested I’d act quickly. I’m still undecided on whether or not I’ll be getting any fabrics, these or future collections, reprinted. So consider these babies limited edition!
xoxo

Update – In exactly one hour I sold out completely. I am blown away. You guys are the actual best. Due to overwhelming demand, I’ve made five more of each print available for pre-order. The fabric is ordered. I will sew, and ship as soon as it gets here. Please allow up to 2 weeks for shipment.

Ps. I’m curious to hear what else you’d like to see on pouches! What sorts of themes would you be interested in? I’m down to hear any suggestions.

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105 comments

noisetteholly March 26, 2015 - 12:40 pm

All morning I've been checking back and managed to get my hands on one, yay!!! Super excited about this 😀 as for other pouches, I LOVE your yellow mushroom photo!

<3
Holly

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:35 pm

Yeaaah! Thanks so much, Holly!! 🙂

Ohhh, that mushroom is a really good idea. Still love that photo so much. Definitely planning some nature-y pouches in the future.

noisetteholly March 30, 2015 - 11:36 am

Ah I can't wait to see them 🙂

I also can't wait for my pouch to arrive!!

julia March 26, 2015 - 12:47 pm

great idea to have your own fabrics… i really like the leaves/flowers 🙂

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:38 pm

Thanks, Julia!

elycia March 26, 2015 - 12:47 pm

These are off the hook!! Such a great idea.

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:38 pm

Thanks, lady!! 🙂

Ashley Erbe March 26, 2015 - 12:52 pm

Very cute! I am surprised that society 6 does't already have printed pouches as an option, but it is definitely more fun to make them yourself 🙂 Glad to see your sewing vibes are coming back!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:38 pm

Well, I'm glad they don't because it got my butt in gear. 🙂

j./ March 26, 2015 - 1:11 pm

They look amazing! I'm so happy for you Kaylah! And whoa, the skull one is already sold out! Way to go!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:38 pm

Thanks so much! 🙂

Adi March 26, 2015 - 1:16 pm

They're so beautiful! I love how the colors on the plant ones turned out so vivid and rich.
Sewing is all I did during high school, and I've been working on some garments to sell by creating my own patterns. Can't wait to see more of your lovely fabric designs!

Vegetarian Courtesy

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:39 pm

Thanks so much. I, too, love how vivid they are. I'm beyond pleased with how well my photos look printed.

Mindi Wooley March 26, 2015 - 1:20 pm

Ahhhhh! This is so exciting! Congrats!!! I'd be happy to see any of your photography work on these pouches-but as a major nature geek-I'd love to see your mushroom or other other plant/animal photos 🙂 Also…beach trash!! 🙂

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:39 pm

Thanks, Mindi! Definitely some nature pouches coming this summer and of course, beach trash was one of my first thoughts!
🙂

Alma March 26, 2015 - 1:26 pm

These are lovely! Will you be making bigger pouches? I'd love them for my art supplies, or even as makeup pouches!!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:40 pm

Possibly. Depends on the print, I suppose! I'll definitely keep that in mind, I wouldn't mind having one for my makeup too!

Sammy Scott March 26, 2015 - 1:38 pm

Love these Kaylah! *big claps*
I have been reading your blog for many years now and I have always had a soft spot for all your sewing creations. So as you can tell, I am so excited to see more pouches!
Loving the fabric, especially as it is your own so pleasssse make more of these 😀
xox

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:40 pm

Thank you so much! 🙂

Juliet Tweedie March 26, 2015 - 1:53 pm

These are amazing! Do you think you'll ever pouches that would large enough to work as clutch bags? Or could I order a custom one? Juliet.

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:40 pm

Hey Juliet, that's definitely a possibility for the future!

PIM PrettyInMad March 26, 2015 - 2:00 pm

I waited for this moment for years. Thank I <3

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:41 pm

<3333

Catherine Denton March 26, 2015 - 2:11 pm

Those are awesome!! What a fun idea to batch sell and keep what it fresh.

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:41 pm

Thanks, Catherine! I thought that was a good idea so that I didn't get bored with it. It will keep it new and interesting.

Kendy P March 26, 2015 - 2:16 pm

the skull pouch is really cool!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:41 pm

Thanks, Kendy!

Laurel March 26, 2015 - 2:24 pm

Bike and/or graffiti pouches would definitely be pretty sweet. Just one lady's opinion.

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:42 pm

Those are good ideas – except graffiti would be difficult because it's not my art. I would be profiting off something someone else worked hard on.

Krista ~ My Northwoods Life March 26, 2015 - 2:25 pm

OMG I love the skulls those are AWESOME!! I would love something like this but with a skinny strap to have as a small cross chest purse! Amazing!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:43 pm

Thats a good idea, Krista!

Kate H March 26, 2015 - 2:50 pm

These are gorgeous ^_^ such a fantastic idea, using your own pictures as a fabric print. I'd love to see more of your nature photos, insect or mushroom prints, those would be so quirky and cute! Glad you've rediscovered your love of sewing 🙂

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:43 pm

Thanks, Kate! Glad to hear someone wanting insects. That was something I was thinking of but wasn't sure how many readers were actually into creepy crawlies. 🙂

Saki Akane March 26, 2015 - 3:33 pm

Hey Kaylah
Your bags look amazing, I like them a lot and the style of blog as well ❤️
http://humancatuk.blogspot.co.uk

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:44 pm

Thank you so much! 🙂

Erin Ganz March 26, 2015 - 3:38 pm

How about a close up of your hair? Your hair is ever changing art. It would be neat to see it on a bag. …. Maybe…. Just a thought… 😊

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:44 pm

Hehe! That's an interesting suggestion.

Natalie Britton March 26, 2015 - 3:39 pm

Woah, these are amazing! I'm so in love with the pressed botanicals pouch. Congrats on the amazingly fast sell-out!

Circus & Bloom
♥♥♥

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:47 pm

Thanks, Natalie! 🙂

Johnna LaFaith March 26, 2015 - 3:40 pm

I'm so happy for you. ALSO, so sorry I missed out, but hopefully there will be another chance. You deserve the out pouring of love and respect and support you're getting and I'm excited for you 😀 The pouches are lovely by the way!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:47 pm

Thank you, Johnna! 🙂

Betty Szwagierczak March 26, 2015 - 4:01 pm

Amazing! Congrats on getting them sold out so quickly. I might get one later, just need to have some spare money first, but I'm also worried that shipping costs to Europe will be enourmous 🙁
Anyway, would love to see more hand saw items with your photos on!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:49 pm

Yeah, shipping is kind of crazy. I just got back from the post office where I ate a ton of money on international shipping. Shipping costs have gone up so much since the last time I shipped something overseas. One pouch costs about $7 to get out of the US. It's CRAZY!!!

Betty Szwagierczak March 31, 2015 - 12:16 pm

That sucks :/ You need someone in Europe to send all pouches to and they could sent them across countries, bet that'll work out cheaper xD

Andrea Sousa March 26, 2015 - 4:05 pm

Amazing. I automaticaly thought of skirts and tote bags! 🙂

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:49 pm

Thanks!

angela March 26, 2015 - 4:07 pm

Bicycle theme 🙂

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:49 pm

Good idea!

Sarah March 26, 2015 - 4:20 pm

Succulent pouches!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:49 pm

Definitely already planning that! 😉

Bethany Susan March 26, 2015 - 4:27 pm

Aww! I wish I had seen this within that first hour! Good for you, getting your creative juices flowing again. And I can't wait to see more of these, and actually be able to purchase them 😀

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:50 pm

Thanks! Next time I know to make more, and give a little bit more notice so everyone has a chance. I still can't believe how quickly they went.

Esther March 26, 2015 - 6:42 pm

Please make some with pictures of your succulents! That would be beyond perfect!! xx

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:50 pm

Already planning on it! 😉

Ida Kreutzer March 26, 2015 - 7:00 pm

I'd love to have on of your pouches with the beach lighter photo!!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:50 pm

Thats a good idea, Ida! I'll definitely see what I can do. 🙂

laura March 26, 2015 - 7:16 pm

Youre amazing. If i wasnt poor id loooove one with your teeth collection to put my toothbrush in when I travel

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:51 pm

Hehe, thanks! Teeth pouches are definitely a must!

Morgan Smith March 26, 2015 - 7:44 pm

So stoked about your crafty combining of photos and fabric! I can't wait to see what you come up with next. (My vote is kittehs *cough cough*)

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:51 pm

Haha! Kitties are always a good idea.

Ashley Vincent March 26, 2015 - 8:21 pm

Love them both but super love the floral <3

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:53 pm

Thanks!

Fanny C. March 26, 2015 - 8:38 pm

They are absolutely gorgeous ! Being fascinated with skulls, the third one caught my eye directly (even though the other two are beautiful). I hope that you'll make others soon, I'd love for it to hold all of my little treasures 😉

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:53 pm

Thanks Fanny! I'm already planning more skull ones. 🙂

Kitschy Mama March 26, 2015 - 8:47 pm

Oh my gosh Kaylah, you're amazing! I'm excited about you sewing again, I always thought it was a pity that you quit (although I totally understood the burnout feeling).
And taxidermy and plants make super fabrics, it's such a bummer I didn't see this quick enough…
Fauna and flora in general would make nice subjects: mushrooms, insects and animals, succulents, but also stars, sunsets, or your globe collection, dentures, …
Pouches with a picture of what to put in it would be great too, like ballpoints, brooches, hair accessories, make-up,…
I wish you good luck and lots of fun with sewing, I'm looking forward to your new designs!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:54 pm

Thank you!

Those are great ideas! 🙂

Marissa McGinnis March 26, 2015 - 8:48 pm

so bummed these are sold out! even on pre-order! 🙁

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:55 pm

I'm so sorry! I did not expect that to happen. Next time I know to make more. 🙂

Alyssa B March 26, 2015 - 10:07 pm

These are so cute! I didn't have time to buy before they were sold out, but will definitely do so when more are available! I think they would be cool with rainbow beach trash, rubber ducks, or cameras. So cute!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:55 pm

Those are great ideas! Thanks!! 🙂

Sarah Albertson March 26, 2015 - 11:08 pm

That's so awesome you've started sewing again! These pouches are absolutely amazing, I love them!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:55 pm

Thank you, Sarah!

See.Your.Breath.Chilly March 26, 2015 - 11:11 pm

yr "found on the beach" pics are perfect for pouches don't u think? 😉

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:56 pm

Sure do! That was one of my first thoughts. 😀

Paige Erin March 26, 2015 - 11:19 pm

Those are absolutely gorgeous! Im a recently follower and wasn't aware you have a Society6 — drooling over everything in your shop as I type. ♥ Absolutely adore your creations, especially the fern print, it sings to my heart!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:56 pm

Aw, thank you so much!! 🙂

SnarkyBat March 27, 2015 - 3:00 am

I really like the idea of expanind on both of these ideas, more bones and flora/plant life. Although some abadonded/urb ex photos would but phenomenal, too!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:57 pm

Thanks! 🙂

I was thinking of some abandoned photos but wasn't sure exactly how well they'd translate. Definitely something I'd like to put more thought into.

Kim March 27, 2015 - 3:28 am

Tooth print!

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:57 pm

Already planning it! 😉

svelteSTUFF March 27, 2015 - 11:22 am

your 'Junk found on Beach' photos are WONDERFUL – and they would make FUN! bags.

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:57 pm

Thanks! That was one of my first ideas. 🙂

Eve Preston March 27, 2015 - 12:47 pm

Oh my gosh those skull ones are just incredible (though the leaf pressing print is equally beautiful). They look super-duper professional, must keep an eye out for the next flash sale (that skull one will be mine) 😉 So glad you're enjoying your sewing again 😀 <3 xxxx

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 7:58 pm

Thanks so much!

I'm planning a whole collection of skull prints. 😉

Hattie Kotz March 27, 2015 - 12:48 pm

You should make laptop sized ones! Those would get snatched up in 2 seconds.

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:11 pm

Good idea!

Anastasia Potapchuk March 27, 2015 - 3:50 pm

Looks very good! I like the pattern with herbals…

http://youthfulblog.blogspot.com/

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:12 pm

Thanks, Anastasia. 🙂

Karsyn Benedict March 27, 2015 - 6:53 pm

The pre-order is already gone too!! Make more!! 🙁

http://www.grinningsoulblog.com

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:12 pm

The pre-orders were sold out almost immediately after listing as well. I'll be making more soon, not of the same prints but new ones.
🙂

Kristina Burkey March 27, 2015 - 7:04 pm

Definitely some of your abandoned school photos cuz then it's like a THEME. School…pencil pouch…

Kaylah March 27, 2015 - 8:13 pm

Hehe! Good idea! 😛

Emily March 28, 2015 - 1:40 am

I am so happy for you! What a great idea. They look amazing and I cannot wait to get my hands on one. SO mad that I didn't get one, but I will be eagerly awaiting your projects. I am so glad you are feeling inspired again.

theknottedhome.blogspot.ca

Kaylah March 29, 2015 - 8:11 pm

Thank you so much, Emily! 🙂

Elizabeth Davis March 28, 2015 - 6:09 am

Reptile theme

Kaylah March 29, 2015 - 8:11 pm

That's a great idea!

Jennifer Hankin March 28, 2015 - 11:41 am

As someone who is a sewer, If you actually sold the fabric by the meter, I would totally buy that !

Emily Schreur March 28, 2015 - 7:54 pm

These look so beautiful! How awesome! I love the first photos you chose for this. Maybe you could do some of the dinosaurs you've run across on your travels, beach finds and abandoned houses. Mushrooms too.

Kaylah March 29, 2015 - 8:12 pm

Thank you so much, Emily! Dinosaurs are such a great idea! 🙂

Danielle Morgan March 29, 2015 - 4:11 am

I will be keeping an eye out for your next batch! 🙂 I love the idea of using your photographs on fabric.

Kaylah March 29, 2015 - 8:13 pm

Thanks, Danielle!

Laura March 30, 2015 - 9:05 am

This is awesome, I'm so glad you got your sewing mojo back! Sometimes you just need one great idea to get you back into the swing of things! I recall that sometimes you press mushrooms along with your flowers, if you had enough of them to photograph they would make a great image! I've recently started to learn dressmaking and I've thought about designing my own fabric so that I could have a really unique dress. I wonder if you could actually just sell the fabric you've designed as well? I bet you'd get a lot of interest in that!

April April 8, 2015 - 8:56 pm

What I find amusing about this is that I'm still using my little hedgehog pouch I bought from you apparently ages ago ♥

Spooky Valentine April 11, 2015 - 11:21 am

I ordered one with the skull print and I can't wait <3
I'd love to have one with maybe a teal gradient, or some oil slick pictures? :3

timvisare January 12, 2016 - 11:06 am

THESE ARE BEAUTIFUL. And the best idea to print your pictures and make something of them. I want to do that too!

Comments are closed.