Wednesday 12 September 2012

Zakka Style Gets Whipped

The end is here and I am mighty sorry for it.  We all knew it would end one day but who would have thought, when we started out on the Zakka trail in April 2012 that September would come around so quickly.    The last project in the book is the Nesting Boxes designed by Laurraine of Patchwork Pottery
This project, out of all of them, is the one that I have waited for – the one I would’ve purchased the book for.  I know that some are finding it a tricky project but I have now made the small and middle boxes and I love them.  I will make them for gifts.  This week’s blog host, Kati, has constructed Christmas boxes – check them out here – they are really cool.

The Crafter’s Apprentice has devised an alternative method of constructing the boxes.  However, I followed the instructions in the book and have a few tips that might make things easier.
1.         I quilted the bottom flower twice, one small and one larger (shadow quilting).  This made my bottom firmer (if only I wasn't talking about the fabric box!).  Also, once the bottom has been constructed, iron it with a very hot iron (now I'm glad I'm not talking about my bottom - ouch!).  This will fuse the batting to the fabric making it even firmer still.

2.         Use double fold binding on the top edge.  This will make stitching it quicker and neater.  I cut 2” strips as directed in the pattern but folded it lengthwise and then aligned raw edges before stitching on.  I found there was enough to turn over and slip-stitch in place (see page 25 in the book).  Any problems come back to me and I will do a diagram.

3.         I had found the bottom fiddly when constructing the little box but after chatting to Laurraine she recommended that I stitch the bottom in, opposite sides first.  What this means is that, when stitching bottom in do it in the following order - it is much less fiddly and works well:
                          
4.         Also, I found that the box bottom was neater when I whip stitched lining-to-lining.  This will only make sense once you start to do it.

As for coming to the end of the Zakka trail – I will miss it more than I can say.  I have loved the sew-along; loved the people, the friends, most of the projects, the learning.    Without this Zakka trail I would not have made my first purse, my first mug-rug, my first bag, my first rag ribbon (okay – let’s forget that one!!!), my first fabric box.  And I would not have made my mug rug patterns which are selling like hot-cakes over at Craftsy.     
I must remember that it is the book, Zakka Style, that pushed me on this journey.  A fact that is easy to forget bearing in mind that I would not recommend this book to anybody in its current format.  A beginner would be frustrated and confused – as would a seasoned pro.  It is a disappointing book in that some of the cutting measurements are incorrect, many patterns were not tested at all (obviously) and there is an absence of diagrams throughout the book.  Rashida is compiling a list of errors so that any reprint can be adjusted.  Contact her through this Flickr threadHowever, where the book does stand proud is on the designs – most are innovative, functional and inspiring. Also it has to be said, this sew-along would not have been as good or smoothly run as it was without Lindsey's efforts week after week.  

But, as they say, when one door closes another opens.  I am looking forward to the Handcrafted Holiday Sew and Stitch-along which is due to start next month and I have plenty to do until then.  My block  for the Glorious Autumn Block party  is designed and made ready for 4th October, as is a matching little wall quilt which I will be adding to the pattern shop next week. 

I am hoping our paths will cross on a new trail and we will all continue on our journey together so ..... until next week.

19 comments:

  1. Thank you once again for all your tips on the project. love your landscape version.
    And I agree on every point concerning the book. How wonderful that it inspired you to start to write patterns .
    see you at the holiday sew along!
    and thank you for advicing me on the book in the previous post. I think I should get it.

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    1. Woohoo - am so glad you will be on the same trail as me still. That has brightened my day.
      xxx

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  2. Your country landscape box turned out so beautifully!
    It is amazing how the Zakka Sew Along journey led you to so many "firsts" in a fun way , beside your fellow journeymen. (Or should I say journeywomen?)
    I like your summary picture, too.

    Can't wait to see what the Handcrafted Holiday Sew and Stitch-along will have us making! I think I am going to wait until YOU try it first... then you'll figure out the best way to do it ! So do it for Monday posts...ok? teehee

    Susie

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  3. Pretty! Thanks for the tips. I'll check on the new SAL and I might meet you there.

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    1. Hope so Vexa - would love the opportunity to get to know you and your work.

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  4. Loving the patterned fabric on the box with the hills and houses, it's like a panoramic scene. I've noticed checks and ginghams are pretty much in all of your projects like a creators signature. You have a very good eye for fabrics, colours and design. I especially love the rainbow cloud mugrug, very eye catching.

    Keep up the awesome work and the blogging, it's always good fun to read your posts. I hope the next SAL is just as captivating, as Agnetha Faltskog once said 'My path has not been determined. I shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones.'

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    1. I hope you will be joining us on those experiences and milestones Alyx.
      xx

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  5. I love your box, the use of the pictoral fabric is a great idea.

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  6. Your boxes turned out darling, and as always, I appreciate your tips! (THANKS!) Hope to tackle mine tonight. And I'm with you....a zakka-less week just won't be the same! This has been great fun!!

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  7. I hope you keep in touch Debbie. Are you doing the Handcrafted sew-along over at SewMuch2Luv?
    xx

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  8. Amanda you have been a pattern tester for a lot of us simply because you are so efficient at getting the projects posted each Monday...but I want to thank you sincerely for that. Your post is usually first on my list to read before I attempt each project. My Zakka book is full of notes of your corrections and tips - I feel like you ought to sign it...or at least become a must-run-it-by-her stop for al future craft book authors. So glad your scotty dog, hive and other patterns are selling well and fetching you some pin money. Not sure if I will join you on the next handcrafted adventure because I read words like crochet and knitting on the initial post, however I will be following your blog regardless. And remember that you can always link up your latest fabric finds each 'Sunday Stash' link at Finding Fifth. You are welcome always with a virtual cup of tea and a biccie.

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  9. ooo I forgot to comment that your boxes are very sweet - like storytime illustrations...but it was your 2 bottom comments that made me spit my tea over the computer with laughter! No joke! Hasty wipe up was needed.

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    1. Thank you for your comments. I have enjoyed your company and am so glad I wont be losing it. I am sure we will share another expedition into the world of sew-alongs. I too will follow you as always.
      xxx

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  10. Fabulous boxes and fabulous post! You had me howling at the bottom comments and I spit tea all over my computer too :o) Your notes on the box construction are very helpful as the book editors unfortunately omit crucial steps. I'm happy you enjoyed my pattern and I must admit your boxes are the sweetest I have seen. Hugs, Laurraine

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment. I loved your box pattern and your style - it is unique and inspirational. It is your pattern in the book, more than any other that I would've purchased the book for. I also really enjoyed making your tea-cup pouch.

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    2. Oooh, I already said that in the post - giggle - what am I like?

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  11. Great job.. getting a jump on the holidays... love it all

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  12. I popped by your blog after seeing your first projects for the Handcrafted Holiday Sewalong - you do lovely work,and all kinds of fun projects! I'm looking forward to seeing what else you post :D

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