How to Sew a Zipper Pillow & Material List

Please review the simple video I posted on February 21 on "How To" make your pillow with zipper:


Materials

• 18 x 18 pillow insert (Ikea has there and they are priced for a budget and are really nice).
• 1 yard of fabric
• 18 inch zipper (I was only able to find an 18 inch zipper at Joannes and Walmart if you can find a 16 or 17 inch even better. We can cut them down in class as the tutorial below does)
• matching thread

Important: Please thread your bobbins at home if at all possible! Use your manual to figure it out. Most machines have instructions right on them to guide you. If you do not know how to do this, please ask me and I will show you. Take notes so you can refer to them later. :-)


Click the title "How to Sew a Zipper Pillow" for step-by-step instructions on how to make this pillow.
This variation includes making a basting stitch with your machine for where the opening for zipper goes in the pillow. This is ripped out with the seam-ripper once once the zipper is sewed in. 



How to Sew a Zipper Pillow (<-- click)

We are not making cording for this first pillow, Abby had brought some in so the post below is for her and her second pillow.  Maybe someone else would like to try this as well for a second perhaps matching pillow?


*This shows the cording and how to put in the zipper with it. Not hard, but even the pros complain about zippers:


Click on the title below:

How To Make Pillows With A Trim Edge & Zipper Closure  (<-- click)

© isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/

how to sew a zipper for your pillow

Blankets, aka Blankys ;-)

Hi my lovely, sewing, students!

After some thought on the next project, combined

I think we should work on blankets and then make pillows to match.  These are not hard, they just require time and lots of care and focus. When you are at home, you should be working on sewing these together either by hand or by machine. If the machine intimidates you at home then get a needle and thread and start stitching!

An adult sized throw blanket is 56" x 60".

I like to back them in something soft, fuzzy and thick! This makes them super irresistible and most definitely worth searching for in the house when lost as your favorite blanky! Yes, blanky... I said it. Even grown ups have a favorite "blanky."

Left:  © zozobugbaby.bigcartel.com/product/patchwork-throw-blanket

Below are some other ideas for the front of the blankets... I just love the favorite T-shirt idea, though I think ONE favorite T-shirt as the theme and surrounding it with complimentary larger and smaller patches is a better design idea.

 I have some others to add from Pinterest, but I need to get ready for class so I'll close for now. See you there!

With Love... Mrs. Estes (Mrs. Cass)

T-shirt blanket: http://totallystitchin.net/

Finishing up Aprons

To all my lovely sewing ladies...

Let's finish up those aprons in class, and decide on our next project. I'm thinking something simple like pillow cases, baby blanket or pillow. Let's vote in class. I'm going to arrive at 1pm tomorrow to set up and get things going early. Feel free to stop in early if you don't have class and get a jump start on your projects.

For our class party before Christmas break (last class before break): 

I'm planning a small craft in class, such as an ornament and then a time of fellowship. No sewing machines that day :-) I can bring some cider or hot chocolate. Bring Christmas CDs and we'll listen to music. Any other ideas?

Over the break, I would like to have all of you over to our home for a sewing lab/potluck to get any projects done that you need to finish AND fellowship. Since most of you are older, I'm thinking an evening would be best? Please let me know of your availability. Parents welcome to join in on the fun and fellowship. Bring guitars and voices to sing if you like :-) Tis the season for caroling! 

BTW--Just in time for the holiday season is this wonderful project for a Casserole Carrier. Follow the link below for a detailed tutorial...

http://2littlehooligans.blogspot.com/2010/10/casserole-carrier-tutorial.html

Grace and peace in Jesus,

Mrs. Estes

Bring Your Aprons and Machines Reminder...

Hi ladies,

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. The days in between our last class have warped past me like as in warp speed! Eeek!

I'm working on the apron just like you and hoping to be done or close to done by tomorrow when I see you. Wanted to finish but was altering 3 costumes for my children. Proof that sewing is an invaluable skill!

Below is a tutorial on how to sew on curves on the machine. We have some curves on our apron and so I think it will be helpful to you all.



**Please note what she said about the paper dulling the needle. This reminds me to tell you all to change out your needles on your machines. I think some of the machines that are jamming by shoving the fabric into the machine and knotting perhaps have this simple solution to an annoying problem. Change those needles frequently! :-)

Plus another demo of the chain stitch:



Hint: I think using a thicker thread meant for embroidery (like she is using here) for the smiley face on our monkeys will help make our smiles stand out more.

PS- The original instructions for the Sock Monkey

Please click this link below:
http://www.craftbits.com/project/sock-monkey

Improvising is good

Hi all,

This week we are going to move onto cutting out the patterns for our aprons and then hopefully pinning them down to the fabric... and yes we'll still be catching up on the sock monkeys. No worries though, remember that everything learned as a workaround makes us better at our craft. Improvising is always key and in every project there is some of that. Life is 3-d not flat like the instructions on the paper. :-)

I will have a handout that simplifies the sock monkey project to for each of you, so that you all can take home and finish your own Mr. or Miss Sock Monkey.

If you are still working on Sock Monkeys, YES-- bring your machine. If not, plan on working on cutting and pinning your pattern and YES bring all your other supplies even if you don't bring your machine.

Hugs to all...
Mrs. Estes