A few weeks ago, you may remember, I spent an entire weekend making zipper pouches and trying different ways to put in zippers. This tutorial from Javajem has yet another way to put in a zipper, similar to Method 2 from my previous post (no handsewing). But this is much easier because the zipper is on the side, not the top, which negates the problem with rounded corners at the zipper ends. Not only that, this one is definitely the prettiest and most useful zipper pouch I've made so far!
I have to confess that even though I recognize that this is a relatively easy project, it totally kicked my butt. Not because there is any problem with the project or the instructions; I just didn't have any sewing mojo at all that day. I measured my fabric wrong; I put my zipper in backwards (as though for a left-handed person); I had to resew my topstitching three times because I could NOT get my lines straight (of course I would have to use contrasting thread!); and I somehow managed to flip my strap over after sewing down one side, so the stitching on one side of my strap looks crappy because it is actually the BACK of the stitches, not the front. And yet, I still managed to come up with this:
Just goes to show that if you have a good tutorial and cute fabric (and a seam ripper), you can't go too wrong!
I was particularly proud of the way I patchworked together the front, which is the first time I've tried something like that, and I think it looks nice. Of course, I meant to only have three strips of fabric - the floral, the lavender, and then the raspberryish - but I calculated wrong and needed another lavender strip to make up the width. But I think it's actually better this way.
This project does leave raw edges on the inside of the bag, but the way the bag is you can't really see them, so I don't think it matters too much. I'm not sure if there's a way to get around that. I did also shorten the strap by maybe 3-4 inches from the instructions, because I thought it would be more comfortable for me.
And note that I bravely forewent my traditional purple for the lining, and opted for a light, muted green to pick up the leaves on my print. I guess there is one advantage to leaving your leftover fabric lying around in a pile, instead of putting it away, because otherwise I don't think I would have thought of that.
This is actually a milestone post - my fiftieth! Wow! So to celebrate my accomplishment, I will make and give away a wristlet similar to this to one of my lucky readers. All you have to do is leave a comment below that you think will be helpful to other new sewers - a sewing tip, a tool you've found indispensable, your Mom's words of wisdom, or just some encouragement. I'll pick the winner at random.
And thanks for reading!
Wow! It looks awesome!! Great job!
Posted by: Jody | March 14, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Congratulations with your 50th post! Of course my tip for New sewers is to visit your Flickr group. And buy Amy Karols book. It's great for new sewers as you learn quite lot of basics with every project from this book. oh, and buy a seam ripper. I use mine all the time.
Posted by: Nicole | March 15, 2008 at 06:39 AM
Love the little wristlet! Congrats on a really inspirational blog!
Posted by: Joan J | March 15, 2008 at 07:27 AM
I think your wristlet looks lovely! I am still terrified of zippers. I have the pieces for a zipper pouch all cut out and waiting to be sewn, but I just haven't been able to tackle it yet. Maybe your post will inspire me to be bold.
My best advice to new sewers (although I am one as well, so this might be the blind leading the blind here...) is to change your sewing machine needle regularly. I used to have sooooo many problems with my machine jamming, and it was horrible. When I started changing my needle on a regular basis (not every time I start a new project, but every few small projects and definitely before starting anything big), all of the problems disappeared! Such a little thing has made sewing a million times easier and less frustrating for me.
Posted by: Alli | March 15, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Best advice my mom ever gave me for sewing was that half done is never finished. I have a tendancy to just finish whatever I am working on and it's not what I wanted it to be. It took a few projects, but it really is worth tearing it apart and fixing what I didn't like about it. In fact, I just made a new purse for myself and it isn't still enough. I love the fabric, I love the pockets, and the size is perfect. It doesn't have any body to it though and it sits waiting for me to rip it apart to put interfacing in. It's how you learn...admiting to and fixing your mistakes!
Love the blog, keep writing!
Posted by: Jenn | March 15, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Congratulations on your blog! You must be very proud. I love reading your blog. It is nice to have other sew-ers to relate to when most of the blogs seem to be by people much more experiencd than myself.
My tip for new sewers would be to go slow...every time i try to hurry and cut fabric, it turns out crooked. And the same with my stitching. The slower I go, the better my finished product looks! Hopefully, I won't have to be a slow poke forever though.
Posted by: Crista C. | March 15, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Karen, the wristlet looks great! I love the fabrics (as always), and nice work with the zipper!
Let's see, a tip for new sewists . . . Well, one thing I've found helpful is making notes on patterns after I've done a project. If there's something that's clearer in retrospect, like "pin every few inches", I mark it on the pattern so I can see it the next time.
Well, I hope I win an original Karen creation! ;-)
Posted by: talya | March 15, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Hi Karen, I just stumbled upon your blog and I'm so happy - at last, a "new to the sewing/blogging world" person - like me!
Let's see...tips or tools...the other day I picked up a rotary mat, cutter, and non-slip ruler. Soooo helpful and satisfying.
Congrats on your 50th post!!
Posted by: Paige | March 15, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Very cute wristlet! I am a super beginner at sewing, and the most valuable thing for me is to have a person who I can ask questions. That is better than any tool, device, or piece of advice :)
Posted by: Linda | March 18, 2008 at 04:26 PM
CUTE! My father-in-law made me a seam ripper for Christmas (he's a wood turner), and it has gotten plenty of use! Guess that shows you where my sewing skills lie...haha.
Posted by: Sarah | March 19, 2008 at 09:43 AM
great! I won't bet that I will win your give-away, so how can I buy one of YOURS that you previously sewed???
Posted by: Nancy McCarroll | April 06, 2008 at 06:46 AM