Sunday, April 3, 2016

Double zip pouch and SAL updates

I did a little experimental sewing today.  I've made a number of little zippered coin purses and I use them a lot.  They are handy for carrying my credit & ID cards, some paper money and some change in a compact, light-weight format.  The only annoying thing is that change gets buried at the bottom and it's difficult to see what's there to pick out the right coins.  So I decided to try sewing one that had an outside zippered pocket to use as a separate compartment for the change.  I had always been afraid of doing that because of the added bulk in the seams.  So today's test was just done with quilting cottons and no cross-stitch fabric, interfacing, or batting.  It worked out very well, but next time I'll place the side zipper a little higher.   I wasn't sure where to put it.  The pouch measures about 3.5" x 5", about the size of a recipe card.

I found this You Tube video to be a very clear tutorial on how to do this.  I didn't follow it exactly, but it's more or less the same technique.  I've also found it easier to use a zipper that's too long and shorten it on each end.  Trying to line up the metal pieces at the end of each zipper when you sew it in is just too fiddly an operation for me.




I'm up to date on the Snowlower Diaries Calendar SAL now too.  I made a few color changes to brighten it up, but not much.  That bunny and squirrel are just too cute. 

I also completed part 6 of Ele's ABC SAL.  Why does that peacock look like a dinosaur to me?  We just got part 7 and I I think may be going rogue on that one.  We'll see.

22 comments:

Daffycat said...

Well done on your little purse! The colors are lovely. I still haven't tried zippers yet...but I'm getting there!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Your zippered pouch is great! I need to get back into the sewing room. It's been a beautiful day today but I've been stuck doing taxes.

KimM said...

Love your little pouch. I'll have to give the pattern a twirl....though zippers and I don't get along well.
xx

Ranae said...

Pretty coin pouch. I've been thinking of putting in a zipper on a bag, but not sure about that. The stitching is so cute. I need to that calendar stitch along, I have them printed, that's a start, I guess.
Take care

Robin in Virginia said...

Your SAL pieces look great. That squirrel and bunny are too cute! Your zippered coin purse turned out super. Way to go!

CalamityJr said...

Love the little zipper bag, and your stitching finishes look great. I like the changes on "April ".

Jane said...

the little zippered pouch has come out really well, love that fabric too.

Preeti said...

Your zippered purse is lovely!! Great progress on your projects too.

Mii Stitch said...

Wow, I am really impressed with your zippered pouch!!!
How cool is that?? Will be handy too for sure.
Still love the Snowflower designs on the SAL, your version is really pretty.

Vickie said...

Great work Annie. I am anxiously awaiting the May SAL. I agree that April is very cute.

Irene said...

che bello stiamo ricamando lo stesso SAL

Penny said...

You did a nice job on your pouch, Annie. The April installment is sweet - I think it is my favorite so far. And I can see the resemblance to a dinosaur on your ABC piece. :)

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

You are a master of purses and zippers

Carol said...

I'm so impressed with your little pouch, Annie--and TWO zippers! I can't even get up my nerve to sew in one... Maybe I'll check out that You Tube video and see if it gives me any confidence. I remember sewing back in high school and getting such zipper anxiety when I had to put one in a dress or pair of shorts. Lovely blue shade, too--much nicer than that of my loaner car :)

Your SAL's are so sweet (even with the dinosaur peacock. The bunny with his giant carrot is adorable. Well done on keeping up with them each month.

Have a great day...

Cindy's Stitching said...

The purses are so cute. you a great job.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

You the woman Annie! I HATE zippers with a passion...putting two in that size project?! I bow to your sewing prowess!
:) It is cute AND functional!

Sandra said...

Love your little bag! That is my favorite shade of blue ;) The SALs are looking so sweet!

Brigitte said...

So great, your new zippered pouch. With TWO zippers, wow. I have never done a zippered pouch but after watching the tutorial you linked to your blog entry it shouldn't be too difficult. It's a really good one. Thanks.
And great to see the April monthly finished. So far none of there four designs were disappointing I think. But I still have to stitch them :)

Annette said...

WOW!! what a great job on the zippered pouch, with two zittpers. And so beautifull sewn... really great job!!
Your SAL's looks so Pretty..
Your needles are doing a great work..

Sheryl said...

Lovely pouch Annie, such a pretty fabric.

♥ Nia said...

Awesome work!! :D well done!!

StitchinByTheLake said...

Thanks for the link for this - I have the same problem. I love the zipper bag I use but the change gets lost. :) blessings, marlene