Thursday, September 9, 2010

Zipper-me-up Challenge for September

Some people can pop in a zipper with no effort or fore-thought. They are not zipper-phobics.
Some other people just gloss over a pattern that has a zipper and move on to the next zipper-less project they find.
I was one of them until early July this year, when I took a deep breath and, following some online tutorials, discovered that I loved playing with zippers! You can see some of the things Blossom and I made back then HERE and HERE.
To start this Challenge, I knew what my first project would be. I need a new make-up purse so I grabbed a fat quarter of fabric that I love (but have never found a use for), another co-ordinating print for the lining, and made a very simple pouch.
Now, this isn't some fantastic zippered item, but I wanted to make something simple first, to encourage those who really do shudder at the idea of playing with zippers to have a go.
I didn't use a tutorial - I managed to make this without a plan - but I did make use of the lessons I learn previously, making those smaller cosmetic cases in July (the link to the tute is HERE)...
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Now to share with you some great zippered tutorials I found on the wonderful world-wide web!
1) A cute little money purse from Noodlehead can be found HERE...
2) A wonderful wristlet from Jody HERE...

3)The sweetest zipper-daisy from Linda HERE...
4) and also from Linda a new embellishment for those ballet flats HERE!
5) These are just beautiful! Felt zippered purses HERE from Julie! (This is my favourite zipper idea so far!)
6) ...and last one for tonight, this really unusual zipper bracelet from Becky HERE.
Ok...one more!
This last one is a tutorial from Lisa showing how to insert a concealed zipper in a bag...
You can find it HERE. This is a great site with lots of bags to make! 
~~~~~
Now...are you ready to play with those zippers yet? :-)
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

11 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

Thanks for all of the terrific zipper links. I will conquer the zipper.

FlourishingPalms said...

I'm not a zipper-phobic, but the only zippers I've sewn with lately are invisible ones, for the skirts I've been making. I can't even SHOW you those! (giggle) Thank you for these inspirational ideas.

Jocelyn said...

Thanks for the tutorials. I used to be able to put zippers into garments, but have stayed away from them in the crafting area. Hopefully your tutorials will help me regain the confidence.

Allie said...

Gosh these all have me wanting to get out my zippers - what great projects, Jenny!

Oh Sew Addicted said...

Thanks for all of the "zippy" ideas, Jenny! I will look at them all! I have already made my first "zipper" project and I will post it to my blog tomorrow on Friday Sew and Tell! I have made a really cute bag! I can't wait to show you! I am gaining confidence with the zippers and getting better! Thanks! Have a great day!
carla louise
www.ohsewaddicted.com

Melody said...

I am one of those zipper phobics. I will look at all the zip tips and hopefully give them another go - it will be good to say goodbye to velcro.

Carrie P. said...

One day I will get brave and make something with a zipper. I do like that little felt bag. I just added her blog to my list. Thanks for sharing.

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Jenny,
This post is fantastic!
I've recently started adding zippers to a few things and gosh they can be veryyy tricky, especially with lined bags.
Happy creating,
Hugs,
Anna

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

These are great. I'm going to get over my zipper phobia! These are all to cute not to try them.
Thanks girlfriend!
xx, shell

Sew Useful Designs said...

Wow - who would have thought that zippers could be so attractive when made into flowers? Those slippers/shoes are fabulous too! Lots of inspiration sweetie - it's going to be a great challenge!! :-)

Hugs sweetie! Vikki xoxo

KaHolly said...

I guess I was busy when you posted this! Funny, even without your challenge, I've been determined to conquer my zipperphobia, too. Easch attempt gets better and better. ~karen