Transit Tote Class

A few weeks ago, I taught six of my friends to make a Transit Tote. The six hour class (with lunch break) started late thanks to a brief April snow storm; and here's the thing...up to that point of the year, we had a total snow fall of about 10". So it was totally unexpected. The 45 minute drive to Penn Yan took about 30 minutes longer. Why was that a problem? All six were already exhausted when they arrived!

Truth be told, this is not a fast project. There are a lot of little steps, and my Inside-Out Zipper Technique is counter-intuitive and unlike most zipper techniques. So there's not a lot of "Oh, I know what we are doing next" moments. But, there is good news: once you make one, you'll probably say, "Wow....I get it."

But Amy was a trooper. Out of all six, she was the least experienced. As I watched her, she'd read aloud...one step at a time. And really, that's the best way to tackle this pattern.

And here's she is:

Yes, there's a lot going on.


Toward the bottom of the picture, you'll see the zipper bottom with the mesh pocket. Looks fab!

Paper and a zipper!

Done! Here's the inside. I love the red ribbon zipper tabs!

Here's the front!

Nice work Amy!







You can purchase this pattern in my Craftsy Store and on Etsy.

I LOVE Sports Purses!

If you love sports, I've designed the perfect purse for you! 

These are about 8" x 2" and include two zippered pockets (one inside and one outside). I used my zippered gusset technique to make it easier to assemble. There are no raw edges! YAY! 

To make these, you'll need to know how to (1) insert an exposed zippered pocket, (2) make and sew double fold bias tape, and (3) make and sew a zippered gusset.

If you'd like to purchase the patterns, just head on over to my Crafsty store!

Gryffindor Tech Tote

I just finished up this tech tote for my friend's daughter...the Harry Potter fan. I purchased the embroidery design on Etsy - it's incredible - really detailed and dimensional. Then I assembled the tote using a pattern that I am working on. I typically make one or two then write the pattern, then make one or two more to put my pattern to the test.

This tote will hold a tablet (in the big section) and a phone with accessories (in the front pocket). I hope to have the pattern finalized and up for sale in the next week or so! I created a zipper technique (well, I think I created it - I've never seen it before) that makes putting this together much easier -- there are no raw seams!

Buying Word Charm Zipper Pulls

Yesterday I wrote about buying zippers from ZipperStop. I posted a picture of a little zippered bag that had word charm zipper pulls. One of my readers (Tipi) asked about them - I answered, but I thought I'd share what I wrote with everyone.

http://www.joann.com/charm-word-tags-asstd-silver/12353470.html

I purchased the word charms at JoAnn Fabrics several years ago. I attached them to the zipper with a split ring - it's like a tiny key chain. BUT...there are lots of charms on ETSY. I made a hockey-themed smartphone wallet for my niece and added these hockey themed charms!



I've also used buttons - some home made and some purchased! Have fun with your zipper pulls! That add a little pizzazz to any zipper!

Buying Zippers at ZipperStop

I go through a lot of zippers...I mean A LOT. Several years ago, I started buying my zippers in bulk on eBay from ZipperStop. They have never done me wrong...fast shipping, great customer service, and great prices.

There are a lot of zippers available in their eBay store. But for most sewing projects, I use Nylon Coil #3 zippers (close-end). I prefer YKK to Talon only because I think YKK are easier to open.

I typically buy the assorted 9" and 10" zippers on eBay. And the other ones I buy from the actual ZipperStop website. The most common length I buy is 12" - for the bargain basement price of $32 for 100 - yes...that's 32 cents each. I always buy the assorted colors - and they arrive looking like a bouquet of flowers. In fact, it's difficult for me to take them out of the rubber band!

Here's my latest project made from my ZipperStop zippers. It's my version of the Hip Klip!


Have fun sewing with zippers!

Zipper With Binding

I recently finished up this toiletries bag. I quilted it, which means that I had some raw edges...so I had to figure out how to manage the zipper. 




I decided to make some 1/2" Double Fold Binding (I didn't cut it on the bias) and wrapped it around the raw edge of the quilted fabric.


Once I did that, I simply placed the bound edge along the zipper (both right sides up), and, using my walking foot with the needle moved over, sewed it to the zipper.

In the picture above, you can see the two rows of stitches - one that attached the binding to the fabric and the other that attached the zipper to the fabric.

Here is the view from the back.

I really like how this looks; it adds a nice pop of color and contrast to the zipper area!

Making A Strap Quick Tip!

I've been fine-tuning my pattern for this smartphone+ wristlet. The pattern I started with has morphed into 15 pages because I added different pocket options. It seems like it's taking forever to get this thing written! And daylight saving time, although nice, cut an hour out of my Sunday!

Once I get a pattern drafted, I go through it step-by-step. This one (for my nephew's girlfriend) included a combination of all my ideas. As I made it, I corrected and added to the existing pattern. It's done, so now I will print out the entire document and make one more. I've become quite an expert at making these! 

Here's a quick top. There is a strap on this wristlet. To make it, I needed to fold the end of the strap fabric back 1/2". So rather than guess, on the right side, I drew a line that is 1/2" from the end. 

I then flipped the fabric over, folded it at the line, and pressed!                                   That's my simple tip of the day!

UPDATED: The pattern is now available in my CRAFTSY PATTERN SHOP!

Smartphone+ Wristlet Pattern

I've been working on this pattern for a week and FINALLY got it done. 

Here are all my practice wristlets. I wrote up the pattern while making one (the multi-colored one). Then made changes and made another (the blue Kaffe Fasset one). Then tweaked (the black and turquoise one). Then printed my final pattern and made one following the directions EXACTLY (the hockey one).

It has two exterior zippered pockets (one on each side).

The inside has eight pockets for ID, credit cards, loyalty cards, whatever.

This is designed for people who travel light - it's small and thin. 

The outside closes with what I call a 'Round About Zipper. This was the challenge part: (1) figure out how to do it and (2) figure out how to tell YOU to do it! Doing it is easy; writing directions is not-so-easy!

The final size is 6 1/2" x 4 3/4'" x 1/2" - my big smartphone zips inside.

FYI - I made these with both TALON and YKK zippers. I prefer YKK - they are easier to open and close.

Once you get the hang of the zipper, it's quite easy! I used a lot of painter's tape to hold it together while I sewed it in. The pattern includes this zipper tutorial with full-color pictures.

PURCHASE this pattern for only $4.50 in my CRAFTSY PATTERN SHOP!

WE ARE!! Pillow

OK, so I finally made a pillow celebrating my alma mater! YAY! But I'm not keeping it. I woman I work with is a Penn State fanatic and she didn't even go there! Awesome.

The pillow went together quickly - it's 14" and includes a zipper at the bottom. The zipper is a cinch to put in - just follow my free tutorial on Craftsy!

I got the PA applique from Embroidery Library and added the heart. State College is the center of Pennsylvania - there's a marker/stone on campus to show that! And State College IS in Centre County!

I chose the green polar fleece to represent the state. "Sylve" means "forest, woods."

Yeah, for personal use only. No selling things made from this fabric! And they made that VERY clear!

Christmas Sewing Frenzy Part Two: Mini Messenger

Back in September, my niece married a great guy who has a teenaged daughter. I’ve never met her, but I hear that she’s pretty wonderful. Lucky for me that we’ll be spending some time together soon!

I wanted to make her a little gift, but what started out as a zippered cosmetic bag turned into the mini-messenger! The good news is that it turned out. The bad news is that I made it up as I went, so I don’t have a pattern…or anything for that matter….written down. I think I can duplicate, though.




I made the whole thing out of scraps from a quilt I made a few years ago. The body of the bag is really cute owl fabric!

























I put in a chunky zipper and added a puffy pocket (with twist lock closure) on the outside front.









 
So I started to make this and kept changing my mind along the way. The bag evolved as I sewed. After I got the actual bag together, I decided to make one long strap; I didn’t want to rip it apart, though, so it took some work to get those sewn on. I added some cut-away stabilizer between the lining and the bag to strengthen the seam. I sewed the straps right through to the lining. It had to, but I think it will add some durability to the strap.


Once I finished, I stared at it. I tried it on. Looked in the mirror. Something wasn’t right. It examined it. And low-and-behold I figured it out. It looked a little too…don’t take this the wrong way…old lady. Definitely was NOT looking like a teenager. It needed a flap. So it turned into a messenger bag.

As much as I hated to do it, I had to rip the ENTIRE thing apart. It took about 1 1/2 hours, but I got ‘er done!

And here we have gift #2!

Star Wars Zippered Bag

I was recently catching up on my blog reading and came across this wonderful quilting technique from Elizabeth Hartman (Oh, Fransson!). I want to test it out, so I dug out some Star Wars fabric scraps and went to work. I used the Rosy Wedge Pattern from During Quiet Time.


Here’s the back.

Cosmetic Bag with Brush Roll

If you are looking for a great holiday gift, then you might want to make a Cosmetic Bag with an attached brush roll! This is one of my most popular patterns - you can find it in my Craftsy Pattern Shop and ETSY shop.

Here are some that my friends made when I taught the class. Love them!

I made this one from my niece's ACU. Had to sass it up with some pink!

Curious about iron-on vinyl? I wrote up some tips in another post.

This bag isn't too difficult to make - just a little time consuming. But what a great gift to give!

Free Pattern: Primp My Pillow

Who doesn't love a monogrammed pillow? And you don't need an embroidery machine to make this! All you need is is a little bit of fabric, some fusible web, a 22"/23" zipper, and an 18" pillow form. This is a great way to test out your zipper skills!

First, read my tutorial on installing a zipper in a pillow, then get the applique letters here (Google Drive)!

CUT FABRIC AND FUSIBLE WEB:

• Cut 4 —10” squares of fabric for the pillow front (to make the four-patch).
• Cut 1 — 9 ½” square for the monogram circle.
• Cut 1 rectangle of fabric for the monogram letter—this should be slightly larger than the actual monogram letter (approximately 9 ½” x 8”)
• Cut 1— 18” square for pillow back (optional: make the back a four-patch, too).
• Cut 1—9 ½” square of fusible web (I use Heat N Bond Lite) for monogram circle
• Cut 1—9 ½”x 8” (approximately) rectangle of fusible web for monogram letter

START SEWING!

Using a 1/2" seam, sew (RST) two 10” squares together, sew other two 10” squares together.

Press seams open.

Sew the sets of squares together - don't worry about getting the center all lined up; it will be covered with the applique circle! Press seam open.

TRACE AND FUSE: Get the 9 ½” square (monogram circle); following manufacturer’s directions, fuse the fusible web to the wrong side of the fabric.

Using a compass (or other tool), draw a 9” circle on the paper side of the monogram circle.








 

Cut out the circle. Use some good scissors but not your best pair. The paper will dull your blade.

Trace the letter on to the paper side of the fusible web - don't worry about it being perfect-you can fine-tune it when you cut it out. Cut off the excess fusible web BUT leave about ½” outside the letter.

Following manufacturer’s directions, fuse the fusible web to the wrong side of the monogram letter fabric.

Cut out the letter. 

Remove paper from the monogram letter, center it on the circle, and LIGHTLY fuse it to the fabric (you’ll press a stronger bond in the next step).

Remove paper from monogram circle, and permanently fuse to the pillow/four patch—this can be centered in the middle of the pillow or placed wherever you’d like.

I've used a ruler to center my applique.










APPLIQUE:
Applique as desired. Make sure that you follow the flow of the letter. It may take some time to figure out where to start.

You may want to add some tear-away stabilizer to the area that you are monogramming. This will strengthen the fabric. Once you are done, remove the stabilizer.

It helps to leave a long tail when you begin and end. You can use a self-threading applique needle to pull the threads through.

SQUARE UP: Cut the pillow front so it is 18" square. 

 
An easy way to do this is to place pillow front/four patch on cutting mat, and line up the center of the design on the 9" mark and square up; cut as shown in the figure to the left.

     
Follow the directions in my zipper tutorial to sew in your zipper - be sure to put the zipper in the bottom of the pillow so it's hidden.

Once you sew in the zipper, open it about 6". Place four-patch and pillow back RST and sew the remaining sides. If you plan on washing this, you may want to overcast along the edge. Clip corners and turn right side out through the zipper!
Enjoy!