zippers make me quake in my boots

groovy, fun, amazing, frustrating, unbelievable, incredible, satisfying:

putting in a zipper

Wow.

I did it.

Once again my sewing guru cheerleader Karyn encouraged me to try out a new sewing skill by making little zipper pouches to sell at my weekly market. Zippers? Uh, maybe not, I thought. But she kept on me and even sent me lots of zippers so I'd have no excuse not to try.

The first thing I had to figure out was if my Beastie sewing machine came with a zipper foot. This magical device attaches to your sewing machine in place of a regular foot.

How is it different? The zipper foot's designed much narrower on one side. This allows you to sew that zipper right up close to the edge of the teeth. I tried sewing with the regular foot and with many sighs and fabric tugging later I found myself climbing the loft of the workshop in search of the box ol' Beastie came in.

I found the dusty box tossed into a dark corner and proceeded to fish around inside for said zipper foot. Finally, I spied something shiny and there it was! I hoofed it back down the ladder and into the studio where I sat staring at the current foot already on the machine. My face scrunched up. How to get it off? No idea.

This is probably the point where I should mention that back in the olden days, when Beasty came into my life, I wasn't exactly an organized person. In fact, I tended to lose things a lot. One of the things that I only now realize I should have taken better care of is the manual. Yeah, that would be the sewing machine manual. Its gone MIA. In fact, I'm not sure I ever remember seeing it. Well, probably I did see it once, way back in my idealistic glory days when I thought I'd be sewing up a storm on that machine rather than sticking it in a storage area for, oh, about twenty years.

But the point is, its gone. And likely it'll never be seen again.

So I'm sitting here staring at this zipper foot in my hand and looking back to the foot on the machine and I can't seem to figure out how to attach it. Finally, I see a screw that detaches a big ol' piece of the machine and I decide that my little zipper foot must be missing something.

Hum, funny how it never occurs to me to check the internet on how to install a zipper foot or even to pick up the phone to ask my cheerleader sewing guru, or for that matter, my mom even. Nope. Instead I hot foot it on down to the sewing machine shop where I figure I can buy the required attachment.

Now a little note here about the local sewing machine shops who shall remain nameless. I've been in two of them in town and I always feel like I've just interrupted them and I shouldn't have come in to disturb their afternoon. Because each of the few times I've gone in the employees are always sitting at a sewing machine working on a project. How groovy to be able to sew on the job?

But like I said, the "you just interrupted me" attitude has often made me turn to the internet in search of whatever item I'm after. It seems they were simply "unable to help" me because I didn't know the model number of my machine.  Y'all, I swear wrote down every number I could find on that Beasty because I figured something like this would happen. But none of them seemed to be this elusive and required model number.

It seems that there are a couple of different kinds of zipper foots (feet?) and I HAD to know the model number in order to get the right one. Finally, forcing myself not to let out a deep sigh, I explained that I indeed had part of a zipper foot that came with my machine but I was missing some sort of attachment part. The woman stared at me blankly. I think she might have blinked once. Then she very slowly explained that there was no other attachment part. Hum.

Turns out that those darn things snap off! And then you can snap on a different one! Who knew?! After this shocking revelation was demonstrated for me I sailed out of the sewing shop without opening my wallet once. Wow. I think I can do this!

And do it I did. Many, many, times. I think I might be only slightly addicted. Thanks Karyn! Another check mark on the list of sewing skills to acquire.

Pattern: Zipper Pouch

What I learned:

Pins just get in the way. I gave up trying to pin the zipper to the fabric and just held it on there while I sewed. For the most part this worked just fine.

Sometimes the needle will push over farther to the side when you get to the end and are sewing next to the zipper pull. To keep sewing a straight line I stopped sewing before I got all the way to the end where the zipper pull was. With the needle holding the fabric I raised the foot leaver. Then I reached between the fabrics and unzipped the zipper about half way down so that the zipper foot wouldn't be pushed over by the size of the pull. This only happened with certain zippers with a slightly wider zipper pull.

I accepted the fact that I would mess up a few. And of the dozens I made, I did indeed mess up several. These are sitting in a basket in the studio, patiently awaiting a seam ripper attack.

The fun part is deciding which fabrics to use. I put a different, coordinating fabric inside all my little pouches. And I had to gussy them up with little festive beaded pulls.

Putting in a zipper is a skill that can be learned. A knowledgeable support person goes a long way in helping you master this sewing challenge. You can do it!

The monkey and owl zipper pouches are available in my shop. All the other pouches will be available at my weekly market which starts April 19 (so soon!). So if you see a pouch you can't live without email me and I'll put it in my online shop for you.

Comments

[Louise]

Felicia! A kindred spirit who has overcome the Zipper Fear... These little pouches are very cute and they seem to be reproducing in bucket loads!

[Bethany]

Oh girl,
I'm so proud of you!! Way to go...and boy you sure are going to town with your newfound skill!! Yay!!
Oh and BTW I totally understand the "snobbish sewing ladies" and their pre-occupied looks....never mind them, you did it and now who knows what you'll be learning next :)

[Karyn]

I'm a proud proud Mama let me tell you! I think you've done a TERRIFIC job! Love them all!

[decadentdiamond]

Ooh.. I want one..

The zips look beautifully sewn, I must admit though, I really hate putting zips in, but when I do, it feels like a HUGE achievement!

The last zip I put in was a few months ago before I finished university, it was a side zip but instead of an open seam, it was going into a dart and not only that, it was sequined georgette fabric! .. The pain..

[Jenn]

Thanks for the comment on my blog. I only had a brief moment to scroll through your this morning (silly work gets in the way!) but I can't wait to come back! I LOVE your little pouches!!

[Mouse]

Those bags are super cute! I love the fabrics. Good luck with them.. I'm sure they'll sell like hotcakes!

[Kerry]

I want one! I love the fabrics you chose. They are sure to sell like hotcakes!
Nice work with the zippers!

[Dawn]

Great zipper action! Every pouch is great!
I need to master the zippered pouch, too.......

[Tracey]

Way to tackle that fear! Now zippers are scared of YOU! I'll save your site and reread when and if I'm ready to tackle the big bad metal one!!! :)

[Karen]

Hi. Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. You have done well with those zips, I avoid them if I can, well done!

[Lori]

Hi, Thanks for visiting, happy you liked my bunny box! making them has become addicting! Today I'm starting one to resemble a cake all with pink and roses! Bravo, on the zippers, now those I can do, button holes? Well that is not my one to conquer! Looking back you've some wonderful photos of where you live! Will visit soon! Lori

[Nicole]

I too am scared of zippers, mainly on small little things. Thanks for your comment on my Palm pocket. Notice I didn't use a zipper on that either. Hmmmm... Maybe I need to seek out a full tutorial.

[girlville]

oh, that's wonderful that you made those zipper pouches. i too have a BIG fear of zippers. maybe though, you have inspired me to at least try...

[Amanda]

I avoid patterns with zippers at ALL costs! There are so many patterns I've wanted to do, but they have zippers!! So I just modify a similar pattern that doesn't have a zipper. Your pouches look good!

[Sarah]

Congratulations!

That manual should be available to download somewhere on the internet.

[erna]

That pouches are so cute! And you made a looooooottttt of them! wow... I bet you're going to sell them all! they look great!

[daisy janie]

Very nice work! Once you get the knack, it's a breeze. I have come to accept the fact that if I want to sew certain things, I will have to change presser feet, change thread and change needles....but I will not pin and I will not slip-stitch. We all have to have our limits, right?

[Randi]

Wow! You had a lot of practice too!

I hardly ever use zippers, and when I do I am always frustrated with putting them in and how they turn out. Maybe someday I will master them!

[Brenda]

Great little pouches!

[karla nathank]

Great fabrics, and cute bags! Good luck with them.

[pam]

Those are way cute! I think they'll be a hit for the market.

[Annie]

I try to avoid zippers at all costs! Button holes, too! Thanks for visiting my blog. Now I've found another fun blog to add to my reading.

[BeckyKay]

Congratulations! I am still trying to get up the nerve to figure out zippers!

[Bunny]

The pouches look great! One of my local sewing machines stores is the same way. It is like they don't really want to be bothered to sale you something.

[Karen Young]

Your sewing skills are just getting better and better. Way to go my dear.

Karen

[Julie @ Letter9]

Whoa... the pouches are multiplying right before our eyes, aren't they? : ) Looking good.

I just conquered my own zipper fear... the fear of the invisible zipper. In the end, it was no big deal and I'm SO glad I learned how to put one in because they look SO much better in skirts than regular zippers.

Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting, by the way. Always nice to see a new face and to be introduced to a blog I hadn't found yet.

[bethany]

I had to laugh because I have gone through the same exact thing!!! Your pouches are very cute and should be big sellers!!!!

[Michelle]

Look at how great you did! Those are fantastic, and you make me feel like there is hope for me yet. Nice job, those fabrics are all so fabulous. My favorites are the monkeys and that retro radios one, so cool.

[from my cherryheart]

CUTE bags!!!!

Thank you for visiting my blog so I could come and visit yours!
Your blog is so FUN and HAPPY!!!!

Hugz, Dolly

[Periwinkle Vintage]

Felicia, I LOVE your little bags! Good girl, learning to face the scary task of zippers! With my new sewing machine, I've been afraid to try to put in buttonholes. Such a big baby.

Thanks for visiting my blog!
Cheryl

[shannon]

I'm still afraid of zippers, but the more I see such sute little pouches, the more I want to make lots and lots of them! Some day soon I'll attempt it, but for now I'll just admire your work. Great job! :)

[Jennifer]

Yay for learning new skills. The pouches are very cute.

[YayaOrchid]

Wow! Zippers, eh? Funny, I consider myself an 'intermediate' sewer and I have yet to sew on a zipper. I'm scared to!

Felicia, may I say I LOVE your blog! I'm glad you posted on mine, and I thank you. I'm glad I found yours. I feel like we're kindred somehow. I'll have to come back and peruse slowly. You have some beautiful pictures of your terrain.

[Chara Michele]

Good job conquering the zipper! It really isn't so bad is it :)

[jenn desjardins]

God bless you...you are truly a brave women!!!! Zippers are very frightening if you ask me!

[Anna]

cute pouches!!! you have now given me hope that i can try this task. i have been quite the chicken when it comes to zippers!!

[rochambeau]

BRAVO Fluffy!! standing ovation!! Here~Here!! Your zippered pouches look fab! So very proud of you!! I share in your zipper joy!! Yes!! Every now and then I am able to remember how to install a inviable zipper and when I do, I simply can't believe it! You go girl!

xo
Constance

[Suzie Sews]

Thanks for leaving a lovelly message on my blog, I am so pleased you did as it brought me here...to see your new skill in action has really inspired me...like you pre learnt skill...welll zippers filled me with dread...and i knew I had a zipper foot too, so I think I might have a bash. Love the owl zipper, super cool fabric.

[Katrina]

Everything looks wonderful! I would love to know where you got your polka dotted fabric from, the pink and it looks like brown or green?

[sadira]

Congratulations...I have yet to use my zipper foot!!

[Crisanne]

Wow, a zipper. I'm still very, very afraid of zippers.

[Lisa Hessabi]

What beautiful bags you make!! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm a fairly new blogger, so any kind words are greatly appreciated! Cheers!!
Lisa

[Jennifer]

congrats on your sewing successes, Felicia! You make me (almost) want to get mine out of the cabinet it's stored in... although I think I'd probably sew paper, not zippers!!

[Tamar]

Oh yes, I have the zipper fear too. Even though I have had some successes! Maybe someday I'll be able to accept that zippers are not the enemy. Clearly you have, because your pouches look fantastic! I love the beaded pulls, too.

[madmommy]

So cool! I love the pouches. I think I did the same thing to learn zippers. My first pouch was inside-out, but it beats learning on something like a skirt! You go girl!

[Tif]

Yay! Good for you!

I love making things with zippers. They are so quick and fulfilling.

[Tara]

Yay! They look perfect! I recently conquered the zipper battle too! I've been making zipper pouches like crazy ever since. Pretty soon every one of my friends and family members will have one as I keep giving them for birthday gifts. LOVE the cowboy hat fabric and bird fabric! I need to find some of that!

[Marie]

I really enjoyed reading your post. I laughed out loud a couple times too. Thanks for sharing. I'm loving the new zipper pouches, especially the monkey one :)

[Brigitta]

you clever girl!! I totally love the floral pouches, I really have problems finding that kind of material over here :-(

[Yolanda Elizabet]

Finally you have overcome your fear of zippers. Well done, my dear and thanks for that fun story about you in the local sewing machine shop, I cracked me up!

BTW you have been busy perfecting your newly found skill!

[estee]

I love your blog. And, love your story about zippers... one of my fears. Now, I wonder if my Old Singer comes with a zipper foot???

[Tizzalicious]

Those pouches turned out great!

I must get myself a zipper foot!

[sara]

Wow! That is the coolest monkey fabric! Wherever did you find it?

Zippers still totally scare the crap out of me. No matter how much I practice I can't seem to get it just right!

[Jessica Hood]

that monkey fabric is to die for!!!

[sarah mcBride]

the fabric you use is insane! What awesome zipper pouches You will sell out i am sure!

[Marilyn]

What great fabrics! These came out great!

[Thimbleanna]

Excellent job Ms. Fluffy! Now see, those zippers aren't so bad, are they??? ;-)

[leslie]

these are gorgeous!!! thanks for the tips!

[Cindy]

OK...since I can't even sew on paper...you got a double HOORAY from me! These pouches are absolutely adorable...is that one made out of an old pillowcase? Cute! And thanks for coming by my blog and leaving a comment. I 'preciate ya! : )

c

[beth]

ohh love your little purse pouches !!adorable ~~ thanks so much for stopping by my blog !!
xo,
beth

[Lynn @ theVintageNest]

I have been sewing for most of my life and I still hate putting in zippers. Your pouches are just charming. ~ Lynn

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

Well now I have a secret for you. I hate zippers. I'll go out of my way to not put in a zipper. I think I didn't inherit the gene that helps to sew zippers. Really. I can put them in. I just hate to. Maybe I'm just lazy. Looking at all your little zipper pouches almost makes me want to put in a zipper. Maybe...

[Penny]

Zipper happy, what a wonderful place it must be! I am still a little scared of all those teeth!

[Sharon]

Fabulous pouches! I've yet to conquer the zipper installation myself. Oy. Yours looks beautiful, though!

[Katherine]

Great job, Felicia! These zippered pouches are fanatastic.
When I first started to read this post I was all set to direct you to the tutorial I did recently on how to sew zippers into lined pouches all without hand stitching. As I kept reading and then seeing the lovely quantity of pouches it became obvious that you didn't need my tutorial. Way to tackle another sewing skill, Felicia! Wahoo!

[krista]

you've inspired me to face my fear...i bought myself a sewing machine today. *fingers crossed* i'm gonna create create create!

[Fiona @ Dragonfly-Crafts]

So nice to see that persistance prevailed. All your pouches look great and aren't zippers wonderful now !?
There are so many different tutorials around for easier ways to put them in and make pouches.
What a wonderful blogging world we have.
Fiona

[liz]

they look great!
it's so funny that i clicked over and read this today - i just started making zip pouches too, and i LOVE them!

i also want to try needle felting - have wanted to for years, but have yet to take the leap. your little felted guy looks so cute - you've inspired me!

[Marcia]

The little zippered bags are cute and fun. I got stuck on the Wonder Wallet and have been making one for every co-worker on her birthday. The monkey and owl fabrics are fabulous!

[val]

I've had my machine for 10 years and STILL haven't figured out how to use the zipper foot. I do everything without buttons or zippers. Man, I am such a troglodyte.......
I love all your pouches but the owls are TOPS!

[Lesley]

I love your pouches....and you did so many!! I made a few last week and they are strangely addictive.

I hope you sell them all :)

I've had very similar experiences in sewing machine shops!

Thanks for popping over to my blog and glad you like the little chairs :)

Moogsmum xxx

[Miss Sassy]

These are darling! Great fabric choices. I'm scared of zippers but you have given me confidence!

[robin~thrifty miss priss]

Oh my gosh! You are making me want to drag out my beastie and get a move on! zippers scare me too! I will have to try...but don't think I have the zipper foot! LOL! I was not too organized 20 years ago either!

[joyce]

Aren't these zippere pouches great? Once me and my sister learned how to make them were making a lot as gifts!

[Nancy ~ Fete et Fleur]

You are the zipper queen. I could never do this.

xx Nancy

[therese]

wow, i wish i could do that - overcome my zipper fear. maybe some day in the near future, 'cause this was inspiring indeed :)

[apple cyder]

What a fantastic stash of fabric you have! And I love your "things I learned" section....

[giabella designs]

I have put in 3 zippers and I really want to make zippered pouches but I end up spending so much time, many hours, seam ripping over and over again!!!!!! Anywhoooooo.....great job!

[Veronica TM]

i LOVE all of these, felicia!!!