Sunday, 14 September 2014

Double Zippered Pouch for Zippaphobes

Sometimes a pattern comes along just at the right time and so it was with Amy’s Double Exposure Zippered Pouch – I had a morning free and wanted some fabric fun.

You most probably know already that Amy is my American sister.  As such it is my sisterly duty to try out any pattern she creates.  So, with much regret (cough-um-splutter) I passed on the housework in favour of being a dutiful sister and I set about choosing fabrics and ribbon.    
http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/double-exposure-zippered-pouch/108259?ext=craftlet-pattern
Amy's snazzy Double Zippered Pouch pattern
Now I am a mini quilt, mug-rug maker – inexperienced in zips, pouches and bags.  In fact I am something of a zippaphobe (yes, that is an actual word as I made it up to cover the fact that there isn't an actual technical term for somebody who is afraid of zips .... and remember, you heard it here first.)
But I wasn’t daunted for two very good reasons.   Firstly, I have come across Amy’s patterns before – her Anita tote pattern was the first pattern in our Across the Pond Sew Along. 
http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/sale---anita-vacation-tote-pdf-pattern/24738?ext=craftlet-pattern
My version of Amy's
Anita Tote Bag
It was this pattern that introduced me to Amy’s tutorial pattern style.  With lots of pictures and clear instructions the tutorial style is perfect when you are lacking experience and facing new techniques.  
The Anita Tote pattern
suitable for all you zippaphobes!

And secondly, Amy taught me how to sew a zip in the back of a cushion that is really easy yet looks professional.
http://eamylove.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/free-tutorialpillow-backs-with-covered.html
My first zipped cushion back following
Amy's free tutorial

Therefore, the double zippered pouch seemed like a fun project especially as fabric and ribbon was involved.  And I wasn’t mistaken.  Things I particularly liked about this project:

1.         Quilting of the fabric – you do it before sewing it all together.  Quilting is so easy when you are dealing with flat rectangles of fabric and batting.  (You don’t have to quilt the fabric if you don’t want!)
2.         Adding the zips - this was simple as the zips lie on top of the fabric and not between the seams.  You don’t even need a zipper foot.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/15052737088/in/photostream/

3.         Ribbon.  Who doesn’t like to play with ribbon?  In fact I couldn’t make up my mind – I got it down to two polka dot ribbons but couldn’t decide between them - so I used them both.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/15052617720/in/photostream
4.         The opportunity to play with fabric, pattern and trim.  This makes it the perfect make-do project as you can use whatever you have to hand.  Which is a good thing because I got home from the zip shop to find I had purchased one ordinary cream zip and one cream dress zip.  What to do?  But the answer was in the pattern - Amy suggested using two different colour zips.  Replacing a cream zip with a turquoise one adds to the project and nobody will ever know I made a mistake (ssshhhhh, don’t tell).
My only complaint ...... this project didn’t take more than an hour which meant there was plenty of time left-over for HOUSEWORK (yuk, cough, splutter, urgh!).

11 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you Melody - it was the hardest part of this project - picking the fabrics and ribbon.

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  2. Your pouch is amazing, the zips are great. Perhaps I will try putting a zip in something. The fabric is very pretty.

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    1. I can recommend Amy's free zipped cushion back tutorial as a first zip project. It will leave you confident enough to tackle pouches and purses.

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  3. Your pouch looks wonderful, and I especially like the different zipper colours and ribbons!! You make it all sound so easy...perhaps I will make one this morning and also neglect my housework!!! Sounds like a plan!!

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    1. Any plan that includes neglecting housework gets my vote, Sheila. I say go for it.

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  4. Your pouch is lovely and you look like you're an expert now at zippers! I love Amy's patterns too. Anything that can be made in an hour is a winner with me.
    Julie @ The Crafty Quilter

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    Replies
    1. I wouldn't say I'm an expert but I am certainly more confident thanks to Amy.

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  5. This turned out so very cute! I like the ribbon choice and the blue zipper.

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  6. It turned out so nice! I love your polka dots ribbons! Well done you zippaphobe, lol.

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  7. This is a pouch to fall in love with while using... and while staring at , with all of it's delightful colors and details!
    Susie

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