I've made some progress with the bag and overcome the purse zipper issue. Yea!
But first, about the interfacing. When I first started ironing on the woven interfacing, I was NOT impressed. The interfacing shrunk SO MUCH with the steam of the iron, that it rippled the holly crap out of the fabric. I had to rip it off several times and try again only to get the same result. OK, I didn't exactly follow the instructions to the letter --I didn't have a wet cloth laying on top of the fabric. I just couldn't believe how much the interfacing was shrinking. After using the wet cloth and not letting the iron sit for as long as directed (10 sec.) it seemed to work better. But frankly, for the price of this interfacing and the potential to totally skew your cut fabric pieces and mess them up, I don't think it's worth it. I would rather use the cheap non-woven fusible interfacing that doesn't do this at all. The difference is very minor. Sadly, I had already bought enough of the woven fusible for two Sophia bags. That's what I get for planning ahead and trying to save myself another trip to the store. I ended up using the cheap non-woven on the fabric first and applying the woven fusible as the second layer.
I pre-trimmed the seam allowance off the Timtex and zig-zagged it into place on top of the Thermolam fleece interfacing so that the exterior of the bag would still have a bit of soft cushiony feel.
I got the rest of my very expensive dot fabric in and made the cording cutting 1 3/4 inch bias strips as recommended by those who have already made this bag instead of the 1 1/2 inch specified in the pattern. That went pretty smoothly.
I ended the zipper saga yesterday. I bought two white 24" coil separating zippers that are exactly the same coil material, weight and have the same pulls as the C&C purse zipper. I cut off the end of one zipper completely off. I then cut of one end of the other zipper off to get the slider off. I threaded the slider in the opposite direction onto the first zipper ends. I zig-zagged the ends shut using the measurements from the 22" purse zipper and voila, purse zipper. I have to admit I was pretty happy with myself for getting this to work. So this would be my tip contribution to anyone that hasn't made this bag yet or who will make another for those that don't' want to use the black, navy, or brown colored zippers.
I've attached the piping and now am working on sewing the bag together. I've borrowed my sisters old Bernina in case my little Kenmore can't handle it, but I haven't had to use it yet. Which is good, being that it apparently wants to take up all the electricity in the room and keeps blowing the GFI. I have to plug it in to an extension cord going to a non-GFI outlet!
But first, about the interfacing. When I first started ironing on the woven interfacing, I was NOT impressed. The interfacing shrunk SO MUCH with the steam of the iron, that it rippled the holly crap out of the fabric. I had to rip it off several times and try again only to get the same result. OK, I didn't exactly follow the instructions to the letter --I didn't have a wet cloth laying on top of the fabric. I just couldn't believe how much the interfacing was shrinking. After using the wet cloth and not letting the iron sit for as long as directed (10 sec.) it seemed to work better. But frankly, for the price of this interfacing and the potential to totally skew your cut fabric pieces and mess them up, I don't think it's worth it. I would rather use the cheap non-woven fusible interfacing that doesn't do this at all. The difference is very minor. Sadly, I had already bought enough of the woven fusible for two Sophia bags. That's what I get for planning ahead and trying to save myself another trip to the store. I ended up using the cheap non-woven on the fabric first and applying the woven fusible as the second layer.
I pre-trimmed the seam allowance off the Timtex and zig-zagged it into place on top of the Thermolam fleece interfacing so that the exterior of the bag would still have a bit of soft cushiony feel.
I got the rest of my very expensive dot fabric in and made the cording cutting 1 3/4 inch bias strips as recommended by those who have already made this bag instead of the 1 1/2 inch specified in the pattern. That went pretty smoothly.
I ended the zipper saga yesterday. I bought two white 24" coil separating zippers that are exactly the same coil material, weight and have the same pulls as the C&C purse zipper. I cut off the end of one zipper completely off. I then cut of one end of the other zipper off to get the slider off. I threaded the slider in the opposite direction onto the first zipper ends. I zig-zagged the ends shut using the measurements from the 22" purse zipper and voila, purse zipper. I have to admit I was pretty happy with myself for getting this to work. So this would be my tip contribution to anyone that hasn't made this bag yet or who will make another for those that don't' want to use the black, navy, or brown colored zippers.
I've attached the piping and now am working on sewing the bag together. I've borrowed my sisters old Bernina in case my little Kenmore can't handle it, but I haven't had to use it yet. Which is good, being that it apparently wants to take up all the electricity in the room and keeps blowing the GFI. I have to plug it in to an extension cord going to a non-GFI outlet!
What a fantastic idea on the zipper! I'm going to have to remember that trick!
ReplyDeleteThis bag is going to be cute as! Phew, I'm glad it's not just me who has buggered interfacing up from not reading the instructions. Love the fabric, I can't wait to see this finished.
ReplyDeleteThat zipper solution IS genius. Found your blog through flickr and I love it!
ReplyDeleteOh - I'm on the edge of my seat. I'm stuck at the zipper!!!!
ReplyDeleteDo you remember where you placed your needle when you started the zipper? I know it says 'below the tabs', but is that below - closer to the end, or on the other side, twds the middle of the zipper?
Oh - I hope you see this.
I love the patter you used!
I never knew the trick about the zipper - makes perfect sense. I'm using the brown (boring). At least it isn't THAT visible!
carri
Carri,
ReplyDeleteI actually don't think it really matters too much where you start sewing the zipper because unlike a pant or skirt zipper, for the bag, you need to sew all the way around the zipper. Start right below the tab just means, start at the top of the zipper usually where the little metal stopper is, just a smidge above it.
Just make sure you have the zipper pinned in place and lying flat with the fabric so it doesn't start to get pushed ahead as you sew it. Hope that helps.
Good luck!