Friday, August 6, 2010

From defeat to victory


Wednesday I wrote a blog post that I never posted.  I had been trying to figure out how to put in a zipper on a gathered clutch for a flickr swap, and gave up.  I went to the computer and poured out my frustrations, then suddenly stood up and went right back to the sewing machine for one last attempt.  Success!  I finally got that zipper in.  I went back to the computer and changed my post to a Wordless Wednesday, showing off my partially completed clutch.  I can't tell you how many times I opened and closed that zipper in awe.

A few of you noticed the seam ripper in the photo.  Yep.  That's because when I tried to do some topstitching on either side of the zipper, I paid no attention to the status of the lining on the other side, defeating the purpose of the zipper since there was no longer an opening to access.  No matter.  The hard part was over.

Clutch #1

Molly and I started working on this clutch at the end of June, but stopped when it was time to put in the zipper.  I was originally stumped by the fact that the pattern calls for an 8" zipper, which is not an actual zipper size.  Although I was afraid to shorten a zipper, Penny (Sew Take A Hike) provided the encouragement and I was able to accomplish that.  However, I still could not figure out how to install the darn thing.  Last Sunday afternoon, I packed the whole thing up and took it over to a friend's house.  Kathy sews a lot, took one look at it, and explained my obvious problem.  I was trying to use directions for a regular zipper to install an invisible zipper.  She did some figuring and finally sewed the invisible zipper in for me.  So, I never actually did any of the sewing on this one.  It looks pretty good in the photo, but is a little flat (no interfacing on the back exterior piece) and is ever so slightly wonky.

Clutch #2

Much better, but the little pouch that was almost never finished.  This is the one I thought had completely mastered me, only to go back and conquer it on the last attempt.  The tabs on the zipper ends slope down a little, giving the top of the pouch a slightly rounded look.  But it looks like it was intentional, so I'll say, as I always tell other people to say: "I meant to do that."  This one was supposed to be for my gathered clutch swap partner, but I think I'll make another one for her (also with Good Folks fabrics), because I now know I can do better.

Clutch #3

Not perfect, but getting pretty darn close!  This one is for my poor hexie swap partner.  I hope she believes in "better late than never".

I'm so pleased with myself, you'd think I had invented the zipper!
Now I'm off to practice by making clutches for a few more victims -- I mean friends!
And to remake the one for my swap partner.

With wishes, true and kind for zippered perfection -- Joan

21 comments:

  1. what lovely little bags. And now you have patience and perseverence!!!

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  2. Joan, you're so funny, and so critical of yourself! Every one of them is beautiful!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  3. That is awesome! Way to see it through. And those are the cutest little purses!!

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  4. Kudos to you! Zippers can be a real pain! Each bag is beautiful and I'm sure your partner will love it.

    Jennifer :)

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  5. Nice perseverence there Joan! I'm glad you've sorted the zipper problem out. I love this little pouch and intend to make one to match Caitlin's new bag.

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  6. Oh, I wish I were your hexie partner! But if not, I would totally take any "practice" bags you want to, you know, send on to someone who would truly love them. I have ordered bunches of zippers for bags, which I have yet to attempt. And I used to sew zippers into clothing all the time. I'm not sure exactly what is stopping me now...

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  7. What a cool way to package up the hexies - they are looking pretty darned close to perfect to me:)

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  8. Okay, Joan!
    You have inspired me to try something I have always been afraid of all over again! I always get nervous when it comes to attaching zippers to my projects.
    Your bags look great and your swap partners are lucky for sure!

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  9. They look great! I love the patchwork band. It's always really satisfying when you struggle with something a little bit. Now you will be able to zipper everything!

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  10. Great job on the zippers Joan!! Your clutches are really cute. Love the fabrics...especially the band on the second clutch.

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  11. Yay for Kathy! So happy she helped you get through that. I was wondering which part you needed that seam ripper for. Sounds like a very frustrating moment. But look at the beautiful clutches you created! They are gorgeous! Well done, Joan!

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  12. Joan- You Tube is my friend---so don't be afraid to have to go the computer for help. I am a You Tube taught sewer myself I always say!

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  13. I (tried) to make this clutch a few nights ago. I cut out enough stuff to make four of them, thinking it'd be a great way to make Christmas gifts for the women in my family. I made one for myself first. So frustrated. Everyone on the tutorial says how great and detailed the directions are... This was my first attempt at a zipper, too. First attempt at any sort of bag... I fused way too soon so my bag has raw edges inside. Plus, I couldn't figure out the zipper, either. I really wanted the cute tabs and everything... But the diagrams and directions didn't make sense to me. I still don't know when I am supposed to fuse the exterior two pieces... Like you, I'm going to take them to my mother-in-law, who is a more accomplished sewer than me for serious advice.

    Don't feel alone!

    Your clutches look great, by the way! Congrats on the finish!

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  14. nice job joan, I am so so proud :)

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  15. You are the bomb Joan, what a great job and so happy the perseverance paid off because they are wonderful.

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  16. If you figure out how to get square corners at the zipper ends, let us know! Pretty bags!

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  17. Good for you in persisting! They are so cute!! Nice work!

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  18. maybe a clutch/zipper 'how to' would make a good pmqg demo???? I know I could use a lesson!!!! beautiful work Joan!!!!

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  19. You totally rocked it Joan! I'm so proud of you for sticking with it, and honored that you decided to be a part of the swap. Your partner is definitely going to be blessed witht the beautiful clutch you made!!

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  20. i love my hexies... and my clutch!! ...and yes i believe in "better late than never" ;-)

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