Category Archives: Sewing

Executive Carryall

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We’re off to Quilt Market in Kansas City, and a few weeks ago Lacy and I decided to make the Executive Carryall (A16564) to take along.

However, it seems I was the one doing all the work, while Lacy slept on the job every chance she got! 

Lacy the CatLacy the Cat

I love working with Soft and Stable (A13750) used in Annie’s patterns. It makes the items look so professional, and it’s light weight for all the stability it gives to the projects!

Executive Carryall in Progress

Because it’s thick, I used Wonder Clips (A12995 and A12996) instead of pins when I got to this point. 

With all Lacy’s help, I finally got it done, and here it is!

Erica with Executive CarryallLacy with Executive Carryall

I’ve used Soft and Stable with purses and placemats (A16219), too. I also made a smaller bag for my netbook, but more on that in another post!

placemat

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways! Now you can also follow us on Pinterest.

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the highlighted words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.

Stress-Free Zippers!

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Post by guest blogger Rebecca Adams.

Being an employee at Erica’s I am constantly challenged to do things outside my comfort zone.  During a Creative Sewing Club meeting, Erica and I discovered that many of our customers have a fear of zippers.  We agreed that it would be good to go over zipper insertion.  I was game until I discovered that I would be the one doing the explaining!  After trying the following patterns, I can honestly say that zippers are “no sweat!”

Terry at Atkinson Designs has really got zipper insertion down to a science. She breaks the process down into a few easy steps and the results are truly amazing!

First you measure and cut the zipper to the correct length needed. You achieve this by simply cutting the end of the zipper off, zipper stop and all. Then you take two 1” x 1.5” pieces of fabric and fold each wrong sides together.   You sew one to each end of the zipper creating new zipper stops. (The folded edge of the fabric goes toward the center of the zipper.)

Zipper

 

Next you simply sew on the pieces of the bag you are working with, one side at a time.  If you are using cotton, you need to sew the zipper and fabric right sides together using a zipper foot, then topstitch to create a finished look. If you’re using a laminate fabric, just fold under one 1/4” and  sew close to the zipper teeth using a Teflon presser foot.

zipper

To finish the bag, you fold it right sides together and sew the sides and bottom together. Quickly and easily you have inserted a zipper and finished a quick little bag! If I can do it, you can do it!

Start with one of these patterns to try stress-free zipper insertion for yourself, and have a great finished project at the same time:

Project patternsAtkinson Designs Cash & Carry (28033) $8.00
Atkinson Designs Lollipop Bags (A14624) $6.50
Sweetwater Pack & Go (A12091) $8.00

Be sure to “like” us on Facebook! You’ll see great projects from customers and Erica’s employees, new items just into the store and be eligible for great giveaways!

(To find an item or event on our web page after clicking on the underlined words, hold down the “Ctrl” key and touch F. Enter the item number in the box, press enter, and you’ll be taken to that item.)

You can see What’s New at Erica’s almost every day! Any page of our website has a column on the left that tells you where to find things, and all you have to do is look for “New Items” in purple, and click to find out.