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Wednesday 12 October 2011

Zippity-doo-dah!

Today I seemed to flit from one thing to another without any discernible 'results' for a while, so I thought I would battle those niggling fears and go for the zipper!

I bought a couple of 4" zips the other week, and reckoned I would try to make a lined purse, just to see if I could. 

I could.

So I made two...







These are both made from charms from Cindy's Japanese Fabric Swap, and lined with some left over Just Wing It.  I wanted to keep the first attempt small and simple, so I didn't go for the fancy zipper-ends.  I used Ayumi's tute for the zip bit - and I will definitely be making some whole fabulous pouches once I get some longer zippers.

I am pretty pleased with the results; I still need some practice, but I don't think the recipients will be too critical on their 5th birthday.  I think bigger will definitely be easier, and to be honest, the zip bit was the easiest part.

Before I forget, in the turmoil of school runs, ballet, Beavers and parent's evening, trying to find a birthday party venue and remembering to have cup of tea, I received this parcel from Pink Castle Fabrics...


... some great sale bargains and more Little Apples.

I also decided on the man-quilt pattern, but as the 'man' keeps a beady eye on this 'ere blog, I will show you, and him, this one picture and no more until a birthday in a months time!


Time to cut all the other pieces now!

25 comments:

  1. it is going to be a beautiful manly quilt! love that line. and the more i see those little apples the more i love them. my daughter would love them also. excellent work on those little zips. very cute fabric and your zippers look perfect!

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  2. They are brilliant!! What cute pouches. I've never tried zips but pouches are on my make for Christmas list!! I love the fabric for the man quilt and well done on your fabric deals :)

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  3. Curves - woohoo! You are a convert aren't you?! Love the little charm square zippy pouches. Where are you buying your zips from? the local sewing shop stocks dismal colours.

    HaHa! I just got 'suckweas' for word verification!

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  4. Gah!! Awesome zippers first time... trust you :-P lol What a brilliant use of the japanese charms though, it just wouldnt have occured to me they'd be enough for that kind of thing, and they look great. Dont envy you organising a birthday party... oh boy! Good luck with that, I hope you find somewhere suitable!

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  5. Oooh! I hope 'your man' doesn't have to beat it out of you!!! It looks like a great project! And those pouches are so cute! They are still on my 'to-do' list!!

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  6. Check you out and your zipper pouch factory! lol Aren't they just the cutest things I've seen all day! Happy birthday party planning!

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  7. Very cute purses, you could tell who they were destined for straight away...but will they fight over them?! As for the man quilt...looking clever already!

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  8. lovely pouches the fabric is so cute love the camel :))

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  9. Love your fabric choices!! Love Ayumi's tutes!

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  10. Thanks for the japanese charm inspiration, I still have quite a few lingering around in the sewing room, I too never thought they were big enough to make purses but now I know!

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  11. WTG on the wee purses, and for using some of those charms up! BTW, those 'fancy ends' make the zippers easier to sew, just saying... ;o)

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  12. Your little zip pouches are so cute. You did a great job and I love the fabrics. I also really like the fabric for the man quilt.

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  13. Perfect purses. Yes the zipper foot has revolutionised inserting zips. So you have a blue and pink twin too? 'Our'twins are 4 in November I seem to remember there is a year between yours and ours. Amy has decided not to do the party in the house this year (with a little prompting from me)Hope you manage to find a venue

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  14. Your wee purses turned out great! Lovely girly gifts. Intrigued by your man quilt! Jxo

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  15. Thought you must have been in my stash when I saw the wee pouches....same swap. Recommend Zipit for zips.....love the man fabric eagerly await the reveal.

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  16. Your zippy pouches are great! I love the way the man quilt is looking. I am waiting for a Pink Castle package with some of that same fabric! You've made me very excited for my postie coming today!

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  17. Well done brave girl. I MUST try a zipper one of these days...

    Also, I dont think I got that camel charm. Its so cute!

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  18. Yes, great little pouches - zips are usually easier for me than everything else lol! Like Sheila said Zipit on Etzy for zips. Fab service great prices and choice! I love 1934 can't wait to see the whole quilt!

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  19. Love the pouches, I really must remember to look at Zipit! Love the look of the man quilt!

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  20. I'd call that a really successful day! So far I have just got wound up trying to book a last minute holiday!

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  21. Good for you taking on the zip! The pouches are adorable! (love the fabric!!)

    You know, I've not been a little apples girl, but that little pile of fabric makes my heart flutter today. Thanks :)

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  22. Lovely little pouches. You did great.

    Great fabric parcel, too. I love those little apples. Need to decide what to do with mine! Do you have any ideas for yours?

    The man quilt looks great so far. The man will love it.

    Sorry I've been a bad Bloggy friend. I need to get better with my reading.

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  23. the purses look great - I especially love the fussy cut camel! The man quilt fabric is looking fab - is it for husband? Has he started reading the blog?

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  24. looking forward to seeing the man quilt in all its glory. Your little pouches are great, lovely fabric

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  25. I didn't know they even made zips that small! Another vote for Zipit here!Fabulous all around. I love the 1934 fabric for the manly man quilt. Good luck with the party!

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