Zip It!

 I have literally spent a decade avoiding zippers.

Um, sewing them in, not wearing them. I think I use zippers pretty well every day.

But sewing them? *shudder*

Why, oh, why, did I have this distaste/horror? I think I can pinpoint it- high school home ec. I think that course did more to turn me away from sewing and cooking than it intended.  I took the class because I so enjoyed those things, but after that class, whoof. Interest gone. To take two such interesting and expansive subjects and turn them into the same dry information that has been taught in that school since the 50s has got to be some sort of sin...

Fortunately, the damage was temporary, and now I could, and do, happily spend entire days cooking and sewing. But I was avoiding zippers all this time. Elastic band pants, button hole sweaters, purses with flaps and buttons.

I've been teaching a couple of beginners sewing lessons, and it's been a great driver for learning. I realized I should try some things I might not have otherwise tried, in case they ask. I can't just say "Uh, well, I haven't done a zipper in ten years, but what the hell, let's see what happens!"

So I looked around for some good tutorials, and for a project I liked, something I could use. I don't have a single clutch purse- something to do with having a toddler and always carrying an unstylish backpack, I believe.

Soon, I came across this:

http://www.noodle-head.com/p/tutorials.html

I decided to make the gathered clutch, and I had just the fabric! Unfortunately, the zipper I bought was 2" too short, so I had to make some adjustments to the size, which means it doesn't fit my whole wallet- but I think the idea is to pare down for a clutch like this anyways- keys, phone, essential cards- maybe lipstick if I am feeling fancy ;)

Inside- and zipper shot!

I cut out the pieces one evening before bed, and was able to assemble the entire thing while Lena napped the next day, so it is pretty quick. I think she woke and cuddled on my lap while I trimmed the extra thread, but really- it was basically a nap time project.

The zipper- totally not a big deal. I'm going to have to do more, and practice, but this was a great project for re-learning, and to encourage me to try other things I've avoided- built-in pockets, anyone?