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The Emporia => Official Sewalong Voting! => Sewalongs and Competitions => Previous sewalong entries => Topic started by: SewRuthieSews on March 03, 2021, 17:00:11 PM
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"Let’s get Zippy - " March 1-31 2021
Rules: Sew absolutely any item which has a zip in it - garments (full or toy sized), bags, accessories, and home furnishings all included.
Timeframe: Construction starts on 1st March and the item must be completed by 31st March
All entries need to be uploaded with the template and at least one photo by 6th April
Template: Please submit your entries in this thread using this template
Details to include:
Your User Name and Entry Number (if entering more than once )
What is it and for whom (if applicable)
Fabric and Pattern/instructions used (commercial or self-drafted, anything goes)
A short description on how you made it, any problems overcome etc.
Up to 4 photos (for example the starting point, fabric pattern, a progress shot and maybe 2 views of the finished article)
PLEASE INSERT PICTURES WITHIN YOUR TEXT!
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Anyone planning on participating in "Lets Get Zippy"?
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I am thinking about it, I have a box of 14" zips all different colours so this may prompt me :ninja:
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Not for me this time. I'm working on my 3 piece spring collection as well as the 2 Darksider quiltalonga blockathons.
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I’ve got just the pattern!
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I'm waiting for a zip so haven't cut out yet!
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Well obviously this competition just calls out to me being a bag maker! Although I have made a few projects this month (all of which include zips) I decided to go for this bag as it has the biggest zip and was a new pattern for me.
Name: RJR_38 Entry No.1
What is it and who for: It is a 'bowler bag' No set use in mind but I like it so will probably keep it for me.
Pattern and materials used: The pattern is by Blue Calla and requires a 36' zip. The bag is made from cotton, foam and distressed faux leather. I chose a No.5 nylon zip which I threaded on 2 simple zip pulls to make a double opening zip. I chose these style of pulls as you can also thread a padlock through them if you wanted to use it as an overnight bag. I also used my rivet press to ensure handles were securely attached.
Problems overcome: No major ones. Top stitching this was a little tricky in places as it really pushed my domestic machine to its limits (faux leather and foam combined). However, I managed it using a microtex needle, Teflon foot and reducing the pressure foot pressure to minimum while going very slowly!
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@RJR_38 wow that looks great! I've not made anything more complex than a shopping bag, so guess there is considerable skill involved.
I am planning to make a strangely shaped cushion for my friend's kitchen window seat. Its an old house with loads of great features and the window seat is not rectangular. However she's made me a basic template out of newspaper and popped it through my letterbox.
I am planning an inner which I'll make the right size/shape and sew closed by machine, then an outer with a zip closure.
its in a soft green colour so hoping the zip box has something vaguely suitable.
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Charley. Entry No 1.
What is it, and who is it for. It is a hoodie made for my littlest grand daughter's birthday, age group 3 - 4.
Pattern is from Burda magazine (borrowed from friend) 1/2020 easy for kids.
Fabric is some very colourful fleece given to me by a friend, the grey hood lining and band is left over from another project, I did not have any ribbing, and no time to wait for delivery either.
I choose a red 5 separating zip, 16 inch, this is first time I have used a separating zip, I had to shorten it by 1 and half inches.
No problems, other than the thickness of several layers of fleece in some areas. I used a purple tip needle with my Janome, and walking foot.
I only have the finished photo.
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@charley I love the bold fabric!
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@charley I love the bold fabric!
Thank you, your bag is wonderful.
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@charley , that looks great!
I have just finished making the inner cushion for my friend's window seat, and its flipping huge. No zip on that I just hand sewed the gap shut.
Now to see how I am going to construct the cover, what zip I could use and whether I have enough fabric to pipe it, it least round the top edge.
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Kad's entry
The Criss-cross shoulder bag from ' The Complete Bag Making Masterclass' by Samantha Hussey - for me (DD will not be getting this one )
Made from leftovers from various projects - pleather offcuts from DD Moto jacket last year.
- lining and front pockets from various quilt projects.
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I did the strap a little differently to the pattern, in that I used black twill tape to back the strap, rather than it all being interfaced pleather - should be better wearing.
The pattern includes a zip bridge which splits the lining,
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a zipped pocket with hidden zip tape - new to me method
And a zipped divider pocket
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This book was a present from DD, she's had 2 bags from it already and I suspect she'd like one or two more 0_0
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No sign of my zip so it doesn't look like I'll get mine made. I haven't cut out in case it doesn't arrive as I can use fabric for something else.
Some lovely entries so far!
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Wow @Kad, that looks great!
@Helen M All sounds very wise.
I've used a repurposed zip from the box of zips for my project, the window seat cushion cover is a sage green and the zip is off white, but I needed something really long to give me a fighting chance of getting the cushion insert in.
The zip is now in using what is apparently a version of the hidden zip tape method, but was more around how I could make it work with the seam allowances I had.
Piping strips next!
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Some lovely makes in this lot! Makes me want to get baggy again , I can see there would be a lot of people to ask for advice!
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I am always in awe of people who make wonderful bags. I just make tote type bags as an when I need them - shopping, or for using as a wrap for presents.
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I've finished my project, but its gone to my friend already and no photo of the zip in the bottom of the cover.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHI9caVNS5E/YFpX8NT-ffI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/hcX82K7t0fYvQG2Vnj6Rv_NVJDzHd28igCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Green%2Bcushion.jpg)
It fits the oddly shaped windowsill and she's happy, so all good.
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Stitches Entry
Projcet bag for my daughters knitting with pockets and handle
my own design made from left over quilting blocks.
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I wish I could master zips ...OH has just broken one on his favourite jacket :S Still, the shops will be open soon so he'll have to disturb the wallet moths and get a new one......I'm too old to master zips :D
Everyone is very clever,they look amazing <3
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@Stitches what a great idea, its worked out really well
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I wish I could master zips ...OH has just broken one on his favourite jacket :S Still, the shops will be open soon so he'll have to disturb the wallet moths and get a new one......I'm too old to master zips :D
Everyone is very clever,they look amazing <3
You aren't too old @Lowena! Zips are not difficult, seriously. If you can sew a straight stitch (I know you can from your quilts!) you can install a zip. I'll admit I had a good teach at school, but honestly it's not difficult.
PS Not suggesting replacing one in a man's jacket is simple.
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Thanks @Helen M but I have tried to put zips in cushion covers before now and ended up binning everything. I know my limitations and so I'm in awe of the zippy work of others.
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Some lovely work on here.
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I have heard of a 'hack' for jacket zips @Lowena. Just cut all the zip teeth (just the zip teeth) off from the ruined zip in the jacket, and sew/stitch the new zip to the remaining zip tape in the jacket. I have not done this, but I have heard of others using it. I think two rows of stitching may be needed, but not sure about that aspect of the hack
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@Kad that is a lovely and neat recessed zipper at the top - I find those the hardest to get neat top stitching with as my machine is normally struggling by that point. I also really like the inside.
I had considered that book before but wasn’t sure how helpful it would be when I am in so many bag making groups on Facebook. Would you recommend it?
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I got the book as a present from DD, probably because she fancied having one or more of the patterns made up. The first section covers internal pocket types, uses for zips, handles/straps etc. Specific dimensions aren't given at this point but instructions how to calculate dimensions for any size of bag are given. The second section covers patterns for a variety of bags and full size patterns are included where necessary. I also have the Lisa Lam book, but this one seems better organised with all the techniques in a separate section rather than scattered throughout the book as in the Lisa lam one. Personally, I like the book as I don't often follow patterns slavishly rather I harvest ideas and do my own thing. I don't have a Facebook account, (and won't) so can't compare.
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@Kad that’s interesting to know. I have Lisa Lam's book too. Whilst I like it because there are techniques I have found several mistakes in it.
I’m another one who doesn’t usually follow patterns exactly. I generally hate books that only allow you to make what is in there. I much prefer techniques to do my own thing. That goes for all sewing.
Soooooo, now wondering. :thinking:
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Thanks for the info. I can see why you like it - think I will stick to my fb groups though.
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Efemera’s first entry.
Pattern from Indygo Junction. I made their little 31/2” pillow into a pincushion filled with crushed walnut shells.
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Efemera’s second entry.
This pillow pattern from Indygo Junction. I added a second zip and made it into a pouch 41/2”x 71/2”
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Leaving it to the last minute as usual, but I’ve decided on a pattern for this challenge and have managed to find everything I need in my stash. Let the sewing commence!
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Well, I’ve finished it and decided I don’t like the contrast zip and binding, so some unpicking and a new zip is needed.
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@StitchinTime
I really like the contrast! If you added a black tassel or something to the zip it would finish it off and bring it together. I would also reduce the length of the zip so it didn’t have such a long tail.
Ultimately though, you have to do what you like
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@RJR_38 I think it was probably the colour of the zip that I didn’t like but it was the only one in my stash that was long enough according to the pattern. I’ve replaced it with something totally different - photos and write up to follow later today.
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StitchInTime’s entry
This is a fold out tray that zips up into a box shape which I made to keep my hand sewing patchwork bits and pieces next to me when sewing on the sofa.
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It is based on the free Zola Pen Case (https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2017/6/27/zola-pen-case-free-sewing-pattern) pattern, but I shorten it by an inch to make it less like a pencil case. I also omitted the snap on the end of the zip and just sewed the zip to the base to make the handle.
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I did try it with a bound zip as per the instructions, but I didn’t like the contrast fabric and zip I initially chose, so I replaced them with a lace zip which I much prefer.
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The lace zip does look better @StitchinTime especially with the fabric you used.
Did you add the lace to the zip or buy it like that - and if so where from please?
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@Sewingsue The lace zip comes like that and are widely available, either from eBay or several online shops. If you Google “lace zip” you should get lots of options.
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Thank you @StitchinTime
Added to my list of 'maybe one day' projects ;)
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@StitchinTime I think it was very clever to turn the zip into a handle - because of that, the lace zip definitely looks better. It is also a very clever pattern and I like the fact it turns into a box so I’m going to look up the pattern - thanks
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Clever design @StitchinTime and I do like the lace zips
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There is a larger and slightly different version of a zip up tray available from Aneela Hoey, but it is not a free pattern.
https://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/comfortstitching/2017/03/zip-up-tray-pouch.html
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There is a larger and slightly different version of a zip up tray available from Aneela Hoey, but it is not a free pattern.
https://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/comfortstitching/2017/03/zip-up-tray-pouch.html
It looks a clever idea, but have you read the last post in the comments section?
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@Sewingsue I’ve not tried the Aneela Hoey pattern so I can’t comment on its quality. To be honest, I would probably adapt the free Zola pattern rather than buy another pattern if I want a larger version.
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Please come and vote for your favourite at
Voting for "Let's Get Zippy" (https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,12526.0.html)