Busy Elf

SInce my Christmas gifts to others do not appear to be willing to make themselves, I got to work on Friday and Saturday.  I purchased this fabric at a wonderful shop called "Charming Lily" up in the Spokane area this summer, with some sort of half cocked idea to make a quilt with it.   Making the decision that I probably wouldn't really be doing that, I used the fat quarters to make zippy bags to give the gals at work.

I used an assembly line technique to construct the bags, and it worked wonderfully well.  I sure do love putting in zippers.  I have done so many of them, that my results are great every time.  Practice practice practice, if you are "zipper phobic". 

The pattern I use for the bags is called Zippy Strippy by Teri Atkinson.  I have a tutorial for putting in the zippers if you would like to refer to it.

I also started up another Sew Together Bag, but had to stop just at the point where I need to put in the long 18" zipper, because of course I don't happen to have a matching one on hand.  This is my second STB and it did go faster than the first one.  If you have ever made one of these bags, do you agree that the trickiest bit is attaching the side panels?  The layers of fabric are so thick, and it isn't easy to make everything line up according to the proper places.  I did learn to trim down the seam before attaching the side binding, which helped.  There is a great tutorial by Quilt Barn for constructing this bag.  I don't think I could have done it with just the pattern alone.

I promise to show a photo when I get that last long zipper in!

Comments

[Mary]

I absolutely love these bags. I've made 7 so far. I didn't find the tutorial until after I made the first two and it is a great tutorial.

[Diane Linford]

I love making those Zappy Strippy bags. You're the one that introduced them to me--thanks. She also has a change prose pattern that is fun and easy to make. The name escapes mr at the moment. It's another great gift idea.

[Diane Linford]

I just looked at my comment above. I wrote it on my iPad in the dark, and you can sure tell. Zippy, not zappy, purse, not prose, me, not mr. So dumb.

Anyway, the other pattern of Terry Atkinson's that I like is Cash and Carry. (All spelled correctly). It's quick and fun to make, and the same zipper construction. They also make great gifts when you want a change of pace from the Zippy Strippy bags.

[Barbara Anne]

Your energy and the happy little Zippy Bags you've created are enviable! Well done!

Perhaps you'll inspire me to make one of these little bags - have fabric, have matching zipper, so all I need is to finish the machine quilting on the Scottie table runners, and just maybe ...!

Thanks for the links to the excellent tutorials!

Hugs!

[pam Hansen]

As soon as I finish the stockings I started, making these bags is my next on my list. It's a fine foggy day which makes it a great day to sew.

[Jan]

'Tis the Season for lots & lots of Zippy Strippy bags…toss in some Cash & Carry purses & you've got a bunch of great gifts! I filled a Z/S bag with notes cards, pens & pads for my card group gift last week! Your zipper tutorial is t.h.e.b.e.s.t.!!! It works nicely with several other bag patterns, too!

[Debra Kay Neiman]

Jan at Sew and Sow Farm sent me over to say hi! I am now a new follower of you too. Love the assembly line idea - always make more than one. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

[Debbie R.]

Great zippy bags! Your co-workers will love them. As for zippers, I guess I need to practice, to get over my phobia :-) Usually I would do just about anything to avoid putting in a zipper.

[ina]

beautiful! lucky co-workers. ;p

[Jeanna]

That fabric is perfect for these bags,

[Jocelyn]

Great bags!

[Sinta]

I am loving all the little bags you are making!