Video Tutorial: How to Insert a side panel zipper into a bag

Zippers can be soooo tricky.  They like to move around when you sew, even if you pin.

Below is a video link tutorial on how to install a side panel zipper into a bag, or 

anywhere you want to instal a zipper.

The bag I am demonstrating with is Swoon India-small size (affiliate link).

Also, ignore my ignorance of shapes.  Anytime I say a shape name, I am referring to the rectangle.

My mind was distracted by not screwing up the video. I can't seem to get anything perfect.

How to install a size panel zipper Video

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong Day 4: Finish!

Last day! All that is left is putting everything together.

Take the zipper top and the exterior bottom panel.

Pin short sides together-move the lining top panel out of the way.

Diedel*Bug Handmade Tiny Explorer Backpack

The moment we have ALL been waiting for!  Diedel*Bug Handmade has released the 

Tiny Explorer Backpack.

Waste no time; go get the pattern NOW!

Size: toddler to preschooler to 6 or 8 years old

 Pockets: two exterior side pockets, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 interior zipper pocket

Materials

• 1 yard quilting weight or home decor for exterior
• 1 yard quilting weight for lining
• 2.5 yards Shape-flex SF 101 fusible interfacing
• 1/2 yard fusible fleece
• 44" of 1" wide webbing
• 6 yards piping (2 pre-made packages)
• Two 1" strap adjustors
• 10" of 1/4" wide elastic
• One 18" all purpose zipper
• One 7" all purpose zipper
• Coordinating thread

Difficulty: 2 out of 5

Cuteness: 12 out of 10

Tutorial: clear directions and pictures with each step

BEST part of this pattern: Cookie Dough can start carrying her own stuff!

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong day 3: Handles and Main Zipper

As promised, to day is easy and fast. 

We will sew the handles on the exterior main panel and construct the main zipper.

Handles

Take an exterior main panel and one handle piece.

Position the handle ends 2" from the side and 

the bottom of the handle end 2.25" from the top.

Pin in place.

Make sure your handle isn't twisted.

PRP Favorite Vacation: Bavaria

This week's Project Run and Play theme is Spring Break. 

The goal is to create an outfit inspired by your favorite vacation spot.

Oh my!  This was an easy decision.  Bavaria, of course!

We lived in Italy for 2.5 years and made more trips to Munich/Bavaria than any other place.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from our travels. 

They make me happy and bring back so many great memories.

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong Day 2: Prep Work

Day 2 ladies!

We will work on all the prep stuff which includes the handles, exterior zipper, making the pockets and basting the piping.

Do NOT be scared of the piping.  I'm not sure why it seems intimidating.
It is the easiest way to add serious pizazz to your work.

 Grab your interfaced handles.  Ignore that my interfacing is short.  sigh. It's not worth explaining.

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong Day 1: Print, Cut, Stabilize

Welcome to the Swoon Dorothy Sewalong! I am so glad you are here!

Let's get started.

You can find the pattern here (affiliate link): Dorothy Day Tripper

Materials:

1 yard exterior fabric, quilting or home decor weight
1.5 yard interior fabric, quilting weight
2 packages of pre-made piping
3 yards Pellon Craft-fuse 808 or mid-weight fusible interfacing of choice
1 yard fusible fleece (Pellon Thermolam)
1/2 yd light-med interfacing (you can use Craft-fuse)
24″ all-purpose zipper (22" zipper will work as well)
2 9" zippers
Coordinating thread

We will be making a few changes to the pattern.  I am changing the handle style (it will still be shoulder bag length) so that we can install a zipper pocket on the exterior.

If you do not want to make those changes, then you will only need 1 9" zipper for the interior pocket. 

Cut out all your fabric and stabilizer according to the pattern pieces but  

DO NOT CUT THE HANDLES!