Testing Patterns

When someone creates a new pattern they like to have people test that pattern before it goes public. The testers look for not only errors in the pattern itself but things like grammar errors, measurement errors and everything else that could trip someone up making the pattern. 

I was simply elated to be chosen to test out a pattern for the Tiny Zippy Box by Michael Ann. This isn't her first pattern and she has some really cute baby stuff on her website too MichaelAnnMade. 

I was sent the pattern and was given a week to complete the Tiny Zippy Box and then send in my results as well as any recommendations.

I chose to use a line of fabric by Art Gallery called Maker. Since this is a little box that would be great for toting around your hand sewing items, I felt that this fabric choice was perfect for this project. 

I have to say the project was an overall success. I had a few issues here and there, but most of that is because I'm a beginner sewer and I'm still learning how to read patterns and learn the lingo. 

While my first run is by no means perfect, it photographs really well- which is what is important :). I learned a few new tricks for sewing around corners and using various types of interfacing. I put in the binding by hand which I think saved me a lot of grief trying to get the bulk to go through my sewing machine. I was quite happy with the way the fussy cutting turned out. It was really my first time trying to line up fabric and make it directional and intentionally placed. 

Michael Ann is planning to release the pattern for sale later this week. So check her website michaelannmade.com to purchase. If you're an instagrammer check out #tinyzippybox to see how the other test pattern people completed theirs. 

Sewing Level: Intermediate

Cost: $12

Time: 6 hours

Let's Sew Together!

If you Instagram #sewtogetherbag you will find about a bazillion posts about these cute little bags that you can take with you when you are sewing at a friends house. Again, my desire to have a sew together bag came because of my need to store my new littlehexies (more later). 

These bags are a little tricky for the beginner sewer so I'm glad I had a friend that did a sew along with me on this project. 

We found this great Sew Together Sew Along at The Quilt Barn.  She has a 5 day tutorial with GOBS of pictures. I found it pretty easy to follow along with her. 

FIRST you must purchase the pattern. I found one on Etsy (search: sew together bag) or you can go to the source and order a digital copy Sew Demented. The pattern will cost you $12. 

Gathering your materials is the fun part. I ordered most of my fabric via etsy- thanks to my dad for the gift card for my birthday! I used all fat quarters and piece my pockets together. You could use all one fabric but piecing the fabric makes the bag really unique! 

Understanding the Fat Quarter has been tricky for me for some reason. So here's a picture to help cement it in your head. If you get into quilting FQ's will become your friend! 

I also ordered my zippers from etsy. Zipit Zippers  has a great deal for zippers. You'll need a whopping 4 for this project. Zipit even has a set up order for the sew together bag. Get all 4 zippers for $2.30 +SH. I went with plastic zippers for this project. They are easier to install than metal. 

So here's my WIP (work in progress). 3 of the 4 zippers installed. 

I really didn't run into too much trouble until I had to put on my zipper tabs. It was basically the 2nd to last step to finishing the bag. Quilary  had a tutorial that at least gave me a different view of putting the tabs on. I should have taken some photos of my process. If I make another I'll update this post. 

Here's the final turn out. It's  10" x5" x5". It has 3 zippered pockets and 5 sections. It'll hold a pair of scissors and TONS of other items. There is also an optional pin cushion and needle landing  that you can install. 

Sewing Level: Intermediate, installation of zippers is nice to know but they do a good job of walking you through the process

Cost: $22 + pattern cost ($12)

Time Commitment: 15 hours, It took about 4-5 nights of 3-4 hours each