But it was worth it. I managed to get through the two different oilcloth zipper pouch patterns before my machine did a final cough and died. I should have realised there was something wrong during the sewing due to the fact it sounded like I was operating a steam engine. Now the real adventure begins though…trying to get a sewing machine fixed in rural Italy.
I’m feeling better today. Thanks to Lemsip Max for another beautiful sleep. I was even feeling well enough to host our weekly sewing class here this morning. We made 2 more zippered pouches (all using different techniques). My previous zipper fear is almost gone. Almost. Here’s what we did today…
I’ll be making more of the green and blue one for sure. The pouch with the buttons and visible zipper is a little too fussy for my taste though. I’m happy I learned how to do it but I’m not sure I’ll be producing too many of them for Christmas gifts.
I don’t think I can see another piece of felt in my life. I have spent the last weeks cutting out little round pieces of felt and sewing them into garlands. Originally I wanted to sew a few for our tree. In the end I have enough to decorate the entire town where I live. I have a burning pain that resonates up my right arm from all the scissoring I’ve been doing. But I’d say it was worth it.
I have mastered the zipper! Well not really but I did successfully make a few zipper pouches today. It might have helped that I had a friend help me through it step by step. And it also might have helped that she’s a clothing designer and ex-Missoni designer. In any case I’m ecstatic with the results and will be sewing a lot of these pouches in the coming weeks (Christmas presents?).
I don’t know what has come over me. As soon as Halloween was over I was mentally planning and thinking about Christmas decorations. This is not normal for me. Usually we spend the holidays in Canada or Belgium but this year we decided to stay in Italy at our own home for once. And we’re all really excited about it. Of course we will miss being with our families but the thought of decorating our house and having a cosy Christmas morning in front of the fire is very appealing. So by November 1st I was already busy sewing the first of our Christmas decorations…
Our theme this year is definitely red and white. We will do our whole tree in just those two colours. We went to the fabric shop and purchased some felt and this was our first project. A simple garland using silver thread. After we made this one I saw one of my twin daughters cutting up some tiny hearts. She said she was making a heart garland for her twin sister to show her how much she loves her. Seriously! I almost melted on the spot.
This summer I made this oversized beach purse for my friend for her birthday. It’s made from a buttery yellow linen and a soft beautiful floral cotton. It’s actually reversible as well. It’s a very easy pattern that sews up in an hour. Next time I’ll add some interior/exterior pockets as well. And from what I’ve seen my friend uses it a lot!
A few weeks ago I decided to make some chef hats for my kids. Don’t really know where the idea came from but I holed myself in my sewing room for an entire morning and came out with these. The kids loved them. And as you can see from the Kiva Kids post they actually wore them in public (so did their friends). I think all my friend’s kids will be receiving them for Christmas this year.
I’ve been sewing for years. I absolutely love it but have never really learned the basics. Slowly over the years I’ve managed to teach myself some of the most important techniques you need to know to be able to sew the absolute basics. But there’s one thing I’ve had a mental block about for years. An irrational fear of. Something that has held me back in my sewing adventures. The zipper. So this morning I decided that I would have to try to sew a simple lined zipper pouch. I dug out my zipper box. Over the years I’ve accumulated all sorts of different size and colour of zippers. Waiting for this moment.
Here are all the pieces I’ll need to make my lined zipper pouch. Doesn’t look too intimidating yet.
Wish me luck.
{update: the zippered pouch didn’t turn out as well as I would have liked. There were a few minor hitches along the way (how did one of the interior linings end up on the exterior?). I’m going to try again today. I WILL succeed at sewing a zipper!}
About
Jillian in Italy Interview by Classic Play!
Jillian In Italy interview on Pret A Voyager
Embroidery With Kids
Father's Day Origami Garland
Miniature Bulletin Boards
Surprise Activity Garland
Italian Crostata Recipe
Snail Mail Booklets
Doily Fairy Lights
Jan Fabre Exhibit With Kids
Japanese Handicrafts
Miniature Waffle Cookies
Jillian In Italy 