The Story Behind Cuby Pouch and How It Helps You Sew Better

Cuby Pouch has a special place in my sewing journey because it’s the first pattern I created with both manual measurements and printable templates, and honestly, my customers are the reason it happened.

Before Cuby, all my patterns were template based. Then one day, I received a message from a customer who was very upset that my pattern did not include manual measurements. She was frustrated and even said it was ridiculous. I remember staring at the message thinking, “Dear, if the pattern was a simple rectangle, it would be easy to give you the measurement.” But it was not. It was a shape with curves, angles, and a bit of drama.

So when I made Cuby, I made it my mission to give options. Template? Yes. Manual measurements? Also yes. Whatever makes the sewing experience smoother for you.

And yes, I’m that person who mixes inches and centimeters in one pattern. Some parts make more sense in centimeters. Others behave better in inches. My brain switches between the two like a TV remote. So in Cuby, I included both. They’re not always perfectly matched. Five inches is 12.7 cm, but I rounded it to 13 because I respect you too much to make you deal with decimals.

And since all my pouch names have meaning, yes, Cuby comes from “cube”. Even though the shape is a little rectangular, the mini boxy look gives cute cube energy. Perfect name. Zero regrets.

Cuby may be small, but it was made with one big intention. To make sewing easier, whether you love rulers, templates, inches, centimeters, printers, or absolutely none of the above. If it makes your sewing day simpler, that’s all I care about.

Currently Obsessed: Tiny Pouches as Keychains

Lately I’ve been obsessed with tiny pouches, the kind you hang on your bag and call it “practical” when really it’s just cute chaos.

When I was in China a few months ago, my bag had three keychains hanging from it: Lulu, Delia, and some random tutorial I made for YouTube (lol, I didn’t even have time to name that one). They were hanging like little travel buddies.

I’m that person who takes a ton of photos when traveling. Some people go for the food or culture, but me? I always empty my gallery before a trip to have thousands of new photos within a week.

I usually stash random things inside those pouches: receipts from shopping, roll-on therapy oil (yep, I’m officially old), and all the little stuff I’m too lazy to dig out of my main bag. It’s my way of staying organized… kind of.

So yes, I’m definitely in my mini pouch phase right now. And honestly? I’m not planning to stop anytime soon.

Welcome to My New Website!

I’m excited to announced my new website, anjurisa.com. I created this space so you can explore my sewing patterns in a simple and comfortable way. You can browse patterns, read clear descriptions, and download your files all in one place.

If you still prefer Etsy, everything is still available at anjurisa.etsy.com. Choose whichever place feels right for you.

Thank you for supporting my patterns and tutorials. This new website is a small step forward, and I hope it adds even more ease and inspiration to your sewing journey. ❤️

I Gave My Patterns a Glow-Up! ✨

Okay, confession time. I finally did it. I went through and updated ALL my sewing pattern files. Yes, ALL OF THEM!

Why? Because I learn and I listen! Also, I took a peek at one of my very first PDFs and my first thought was: "YIKES!" LOL. We all start somewhere, right? The formatting was a little messy, the wording could be clearer... let's just say my skills have (thankfully) “leveled up” since then, thanks to all your amazing input, reviews, messages, and suggestions.

So, I've been busy revising, tweaking, and making everything shinier and way easier to follow.

And because I really do listen 😉 I got a one-star review once that said my instructions had "too many pages to print." Fair enough! So this glow-up also comes with a more concise version. Less paper, more sewing!

The best part? If you've ever bought a pattern from me before, you get the shiny new-and-improved version for FREE! Just pop into your Etsy Purchase History and re-download the files. Easy peasy.

👉 Even if you can’t find the updated version, feel free to message me on Etsy with your order number and I’ll help you out!

So, consider this your friendly reminder to go grab the update! As for me, I'm sticking to my motto: Got a bad review? Revise it. Got a good review? Keep it up!

Happy crafting, everyone!

P.S. Spot a typo or have a suggestion? I'm all ears and always looking to make things better, just send me a message on Etsy! ❤️

Why My Sewing Patterns are Worth Every Stitch ✂️

Okay, confession time. I never finish a sewing pattern in one try. Never.

Every single one takes days of trial and error, fabric testing, and a few “what was I thinking?” moments before it’s ready for you.

Take my latest Totie Pouch PDF sewing pattern. After a few tries, I finally got the pouch shape just right, but the strap placement still looked off (left pic). Of course, I couldn’t leave it that way, so I went back again, adjusted, and tested until everything looked perfectly balanced (right pic).

By the time you get one of my handmade bag or pouch patterns, I’ve already spent days experimenting, measuring, sewing, unpicking, and probably talking to my sewing machine like it’s a teammate. You, on the other hand, get to skip all that drama and jump straight to the fun part.

You can sit back, relax, and cut your fabric confidently, knowing the pattern has already survived my endless testing and more seam rippers than I’d like to admit.

I always try to make my patterns as beginner friendly as possible, with clear instructions and step-by-step photos. Each one is created with love, patience, and a little bit of laughter. So let me do the messy part, and you can enjoy creating something beautiful without wasting a single piece of fabric. ❤️

Introducing The Totie Pouch: The No-Hand-Stitching Pouch You Asked For!

Remember that final step of hand-stitching a pouch lining shut? The one that makes so many of us delay finishing our projects!

Last week, one of my wonderful customers asked me for a pattern that skips this step entirely. She wanted no hand-stitching, not even hidden topstitching inside the lining.

I had to smile. It was the perfect coincidence!

I was already putting the finishing touches on a new pattern designed to solve this exact problem. I am thrilled to introduce you to the solution: The Totie Pouch.

 

This mini tote pouch gives you that beloved tote bag style in a smaller, cuter form, with a completely machine sewn finish. No hand-stitching needed!

The Totie Pouch is wonderfully versatile, offering both a sleek one-tone look and a modern two-tone option for mixing your favorite prints.

Your favorite tote, only smaller and cuter and finally, no hand stitching required!

Get the Totie Pouch pattern here.

A Quick Note From My Sewing Table to Yours

Have you ever been excited to start a new project, only to hit a step that makes you feel completely stuck?

I know the feeling, both as a maker and as a pattern designer.

It’s surprising to see the same pattern get two different reviews: one saying it was “easy to follow,” and another said “did not understand.” It’s a powerful reminder that we all learn differently. What’s crystal clear to one person can be confusing to another, and that’s okay!

This is why my Etsy inbox is always open. Your success is the most important part of the pattern.

If you’re ever confused, please reach out to me via Etsy Messages before the frustration sets in. I’m here to help you. My goal isn’t just to sell you a pattern, it’s to make sure you finish it with a proud feeling.

When you choose one of my patterns, you’re not just following instructions, you’re creating with a guide by your side.

Ready to start your next make with confidence?

👉 Browse all my beginner-friendly sewing patterns here.

Remember, if a step doesn't feel right, message me on Etsy first. It's the fastest way to get you unstuck and back to sewing.