There’s nothing quite like slicing into a fresh stack of fabric especially when it’s bursting with color and texture. The new Expressions Batiks collection, A New Day, by Riley Blake Designs, is exactly that kind of joy: vibrant, expressive, and full of creative possibilities. I recently whipped up a small dresden pouch using a few of the prints, and let me tell you it turned out.

Hi there! I’m Kelly Renay, and I’m all about projects that let the fabric shine. This little pouch hit the sweet spot: playful, practical, and a perfect showcase for batiks that love the spotlight.

About the Pattern

I used the No.160 Sewing Pouch by Tomato Candy (available on Etsy). It's a sweet, uniquely shaped zipper pouch; minimalist in instructions, but big on charm.

Heads up: There’s no traditional written pattern. Instead, you follow along via a YouTube tutorial. That might be a plus for visual learners or confident beginners. I’ll admit, I had to pause and rewind a few times, but it got me there!

Dresden Plate, Big Impact

The star of the show is the dresden plate appliquéd on the front of the pouch. It turns even the tiniest fabric wedges into a high-impact design moment.

The A New Day prints are rich with texture and color, so each petal pops. Appliquéing the dresden before pouch assembly keeps the process straightforward while delivering a big design payoff.

Finishing Touches

I kept the lining simple to let those outer fabrics take center stage. The final result? A bright and cheerful zipper pouch, just the right size for sewing notions, makeup, or thoughtful little gifts.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, video-based patterns aren’t my usual thing, but this one was worth the slight learning curve. The bold, joyful fabrics made it a fun and rewarding sew.

Ready to Try A New Day?

If you’ve been curious about this collection or have been wanting to try batik fabrics, a small-but-stylish pouch like this is a great way to get started. It’s quick, impactful, and lets you play with the colors in bite-sized doses.

Have you tried any video-only sewing patterns lately? Are you a fan or do you still love a good old-fashioned PDF with step-by-step instructions? Let’s chat in the comments!