#SewPink Blog Hop

ByAnnie #SewPink Blog Hop: Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness with a Travel Set Project

I am truly honored to be part of the ByAnnie #SewPink Blog Hop this year, especially as Breast Cancer Awareness Month holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how deeply breast cancer has affected the lives of so many incredible women, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important cause. Raising awareness about breast cancer is essential because early detection through regular screenings and self-checks can be life-saving.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I decided to create the ByAnnie Travel Set, which includes three useful projects: a neck pillow, a carrying base, and a bag tag. These items aren’t just practical for travel—they can be thoughtful and uplifting gifts for loved ones going through cancer treatments, who often face long hospital visits and treatment sessions.

The Bag Tag: A Small but Meaningful Detail

One piece that stood out to me was the bag tag. Chemotherapy patients frequently carry large bags filled with supplies, from medications to comfort items, and I thought a cheerful, personalized bag tag might be a bright spot during those challenging trips. I used Bookish by Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics, a fabric I had saved for something special, and it turned out beautifully! The bag tag was so simple to make and is a fantastic, personalized gift for friends or loved ones.

I actually made two tags—one for myself and one for my husband—to easily identify our luggage while traveling. The tag opens up to hold a business card or ID, so if your bag goes missing, it’s easy to recover. It’s both functional and meaningful.

The Carrying Case: Perfect for On-the-Go Projects

The carrying case was my next project, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. It’s the perfect size to carry my neck pillow, Kindle, and some handwork when I’m traveling. While I don’t typically sew many bags, I always trust ByAnnie patterns because they’re so well-written and easy to follow.

The step-by-step directions even included making a pattern from freezer paper and by ironing the freezer paper to the fabric, it was much easier to cut the pieces accurately, which saved time and reduced frustration.

Tackling the Neck Pillow: A Challenge Worth Taking

Finally, I made the neck pillow, which I’d been hesitant to start. I wanted to use some leftover Cuddle fabric, but I was a bit intimidated by its stretchy nature and the mess it can create when cut. However, once I got started, I realized it wasn’t as difficult as I feared and the Cuddle fabric is so soft and cozy!

Here are a few tips for working with Cuddle fabric that made the process easier:

1. Keep a lint brush handy – Cuddle tends to shed fibers everywhere!
2. Use a walking foot – This helps manage the stretch and layers more smoothly.
3. Use a larger stitch length – This prevents the fabric from stretching out of shape while sewing.

I also found that ironing the freezer paper to the back of the Cuddle fabric and tracing the pattern with a washable marker made cutting it a breeze. The neck pillow turned out soft and cozy—perfect for long trips or even to use at home for extra comfort.

A Final Thought: Breast Cancer Awareness Matters

This October, as we participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage everyone to take proactive steps toward their health—schedule your yearly mammograms and make time for monthly self-checks. Early detection is so important, and together, we can spread the message and support one another in the fight against breast cancer.

Thank you again to ByAnnie for the opportunity to contribute to the #SewPink Blog Hop. This has been a meaningful project for me, and I hope it inspires you to create something beautiful and useful while supporting this vital cause.