Today I'm reviewing a zippy pouch pattern as part of Jennifer of Ellison Lane's The Crafty Traveler series.
It should be noted that I sew quilts. And pretty much only quilts. I can tackle an easy pillow. And curtains are a cinch. But anything with a zipper is waaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone. Like if I'm Earth then sewing a zipper is at least three galaxies away.
But, one thing I've wanted to add to my traveling gear is a few zippered pouches to hold things like cosmetics, my small video camera, and cell phone and tablet chargers. So, I looked around on the Internet with the search words "cosmetic case pattern" and then chose one from the much trusted source of Sew Mama Sew. The pattern I chose is the Sew Spoiled Cosmetic Case by Leah Williams. The free PDF of this pattern can be found here.
The pattern calls for fabric, interfacing and a zipper. I wanted to make mine a quilted zipper pouch instead of just interfaced fabric so as to have the additional padded protection for my video camera. I made that alteration on my own.
Look!! That is the first time my zipper foot has ever been on my sewing machine. In fact, I needed my machine manual to even identify the zipper foot.
Anyway, the pattern's written instructions were clear but I was super glad that there were so many close up photos included with the pattern to show me exactly what to do.
The numerous photos in the pattern is what I credit for the success of my zipper installation.
The bag came together well but certainly doesn't look as professional as the pattern photos of the completed project. I blame that solely on my choice to have quilted outer fabric panels, as I think that the interfaced fabric would have made the construction easier. Plus, the trapezoid shape doesn't translate very well to a quilted version and I wish I had just made it rectangular instead. That being said, however, I am kinda proud of myself for tackling a zipper and this bag will be a welcome addition to my traveling luggage arsenal.
Here’s the Blog Hop Schedule:
2/3: Patchwork Posse & Fabric Mutt
2/10: Golden Willow Quilts
2/13: Between Quilts & The Sewing Chick
2/17: May Chappell & Modern Handcraft
2/20: Bryan House Quilts & Love By Hand
2/24: Petit Lyons & Sew Many Possibilities
2/27: Owen’s Olivia
3/3: Old Red Barn Co. & Go Go Kim
-dana
Great job kiddo...going out of your comfort zone!:)
ReplyDeleteNow that you have found your zipper foot to world is your oyster!:)
Fabulous job! I've only put them into the girls dresses, never a project that small. I just might have to give it a try. :)
ReplyDeleteDana, you did great! Look at you- you're practically a zipper pro now. :) Watch out- you've made one pouch (and a duffle) so I have a feeling you've just begun.
ReplyDeleteLove the decorative stitches on your bag! Super cute.
Thanks SO much for being part of the hop my friend. Can't wait to see you in 2 weeks!!!
Three galaxies away! You crack me up. Great job on this project. Scaring yourself once in a while shows a lot of guts!
ReplyDeleteI thought zippers would be super complicated, but when you have the right tools and tutorials, it's pretty simple. I didn't realize my machine came with a zipper foot either until I looked on the cheat sheet on the lid of my sewing machine. So handy!
ReplyDeleteYay! A new zippy pouch! Love them and that lovely AMH fabric you chose. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYou know what they say, "first time's a charm". It looks great. Are you ready for more zippers now?
ReplyDeleteI am a make-quilts-almost -exclusively girl too but am trying to branch out. I don't know why patterns intimidate me sometimes! I think your pouch turned out great and now I'm thinking I should make a few before sew south!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the zipper. I am pretty much a quilt only girl, but I did try some zippered pouches for my girls.
ReplyDeleteNow both DD want to learn to sew simple clothes so I guess I will have to see if I can manage to getthem started. They seem to think that I can figure anything out.