Exposed Zipper Tutorial

Do you guys remember my exposed metal zipper skirt that I made last month? Well, someone asked me if I could like give a tutorial or an idea on how to do it, so here is my photo tutorial (since I suck at video tutorial) and I hope this helps you. It really is easy to do.

First, have your materials ready-your fabric of choice and a metal zipper or a regular zipper and contrasting thread or the same color as your zipper.

The zipper that I used for my skirt was a 7-inch. brass jeans zipper. It is up to you though on what type you would use for your project.

If you have one long material for your skirt, you are going to stitch up both ends right side facing together, but make sure not to sew it all the way up because you need an opening for your zipper.

But if you happen to have separate fabrics, this is what you are going to do. Stitch both sides together all the way up because your zipper is going to be on the back or front of your skirt if you like it that way.

After stitching the side(s) together, it is now time to pin your zipper down on your fabric right side up and not under your fabric since we want the zipper exposed. The pinning is just to hold the zipper in place, but if you dislike pinning, then omit that.

Pin! Pin! Pin!

Once you are done pinning, you are ready to sew. You can either change your sewing machine foot into a zipper foot or just use the regular one. I just went ahead and used the regular foot.

Once you get to the bottom of the zipper, just sew across it and finish stitching the other side of the zipper. What I did with mine was I made sure to sew it twice over my first stitch for more reinforcement because you don't want to have an accident and flash people your behind. You know! Once your done with your zipper, finish the rest of your skirt and you're good to go.

Voila!
It's Sewtastic, Mama!

Cute Little Boot Shapers

Here's how:

Take an old sweater that you don't use anymore or are willing to give up. The sweater that I used is the one I got from a rummage sale. Well, I am a rummage sale gal!

Make sure you measure your boots first and figure out what the size/length of your boot shaper will be. Boots have different sizes like the circumference and the diameter, so make sure you know the measurement of your boots. Mine is about 9" to 10"W x 18" L. Once you cut your sweater into a long strip, then you start sewing the other end, the side and leave an opening on the other side for stuffing later on.

After sewing up the sides and one end, here comes the fun part- stuffing! For stuffing, you can use either the Poly-fil or use those little scraps you have from your previous project. In this way, nothing goes to waste. Another way to use scrap fabrics. 

When you're done with stuffing, it is time to sew it up. Then, you will end up with this. It looks like a little pillow or a sausage. LOL! Now, I can just leave it this way and use it as my boot shaper, but for me it looks plain. I went ahead and added two buttons as the eyes and tied ribbons around. Doesn't it look cute? I like it so much that I made more for my other boots. Let me know if you made some!

Clothes Pin Apron

I have been thinking about making a clothespin apron for a while now and I just now got around to making it today. Finally! My very first clothes pin apron is done. Thanks to Hannah of Chicken Willow for the inspiration because I copied the design of the Peg Apron that she made, but with mine I added some ruffles to make it look more fun and girly. It's a good thing I bought some new fabrics the other day and I thought it would be perfect for this project.

Excuse me if my sort of tutorial is really not precise since I am no good at this. I just want to share it to you guys and hopefully you will get the idea. I am sure for the sew pro's it is easy, but for the newbies, just ask me if you want to know more about how to make the apron. LOL!

*** I used two (2) fabrics for the front and back of the apron about 10" x 15", depending on what size you like. I am a little shorty so this is a small size apron. ***

*** I used this plate for the round corner and just traced around it. ***

*** The top part of the apron. ***

*** Strips for the ruffles. ***

Making the ruffles for the side of the apron. I didn't use the gathering effect to make the ruffles, but it is more like pleating. You fold it up as you sew along and it comes out like this one below.

Let me know if you made one! It's Sewtastic!