For a long time now, I've had this tutorial on my "to make" queue. When I read the Blogging Business Artisans (my etsy team) challenge for this month, make anything inspired by a back to school theme, I knew it would be the perfect time to finally crush this tutorial- modified it to a pencil case.
The only problem? I set out to make one thing, and my
The main reason why I wanted to try this style of pouch was because I got to work on two new skills:
#1: That clever little fold the fabric over the end of the zipper to make a neater zipper edge trick.
#2: Drawing out a pattern to cut fabric.
I've not done either of those yet, but #1 builds on my skills from mastering the coin purse and #2 is something I'm interested in figuring out so that I can someday write my own patterns.
I wouldn't say that this project was a total success, though, unfortunately.
#1- minor unfixable problem: Not sure what I did, I thought I conquered this demon, but the edge trick didn't work. It's all wonky and some weird part of the fabric got caught while I was sewing the pieces together, much like my first attempts at making coin purses.
#2- Major problem, but totally fixable: At the point in which I was supposed to create the squared corners, I found that there were 4 corners on the bottom and I wasn't quite sure which two to square. There was this weird rectangle extension bottom flap thingie that confused me and the tutorial didn't specify. (Man, what is it with evasive tutorials? Don't just ASSUME that the reader knows what you're talking about, sheesh! ) So I just picked a set and went with them. Come to find out, I picked the wrong ones. So, since I was making a pencil case anyway, I just trimmed off that bottom flap and made a shorter case. Easy fix, but still annoying.
So while I may not have "crushed" this tutorial, I at least worked through it. And what I came up with is OK- usable anyway. I'm still learning, and I'm still chugging along with Project Sewing 101, 8 MONTHS later...if you can believe it! I'm still only half way through the book, but I'll make it!
16 comments:
It's so great that you revisit the tricky stuff and push yourself to be challenged. Keep it up :)
Great job!! Sewing is too complicated for me, haha
You're doing great! Maybe once you're through with all of this you can write some great tutorials - your experiences & how you deal with your mistakes and problems as they come up seem like a good way to learn to write some helpful tips & tricks. :)
I love the colors here, too. Cyan & brown are so nice together.
lol to evasive tutorials! Been there too! I may also have been guilty of providing them ;) Those of us who have spent too much time behind a sewing machine sometimes assume something is clear- when man it is not! Shameless self plug- where featuring some getting started posts on our blog if you want to check it out www.onceuponasewingmachine.com
I had to read this post out loud to my husband, and we both laughed. Kudos to you for sticking things through, and still coming up with an attractive, utilitarian pencil case!
I am impressed that you've continued to push through some of these tough projects! I sympathize about the tutorials. One reason that I don't work through more beading tutorials is that most of them are vague, leave out important tips, don't have enough pictures, etc. It's hard to find one with everything that you need, especially when you're a beginner. I'm glad that you still ended up with a functional, pretty pencil case!
I'm in awe at what you've been able to create! I don't understand anything you said but I think it looks great! :)
Zippers are tricky, so good for you for hanging in there despite some frustrations with this project. Your pencil case is fun and functional! And the fabric is very teen friendly.
I love the roomy feel of your case. Great idea for pens and pencils! And I don't see anything wrong with the end on your zipper, though I don't know a thing about sewing! Good for you with trying something new! {:-D
Again, I like your fabric and color choices. Very snappy!
Hey - in spite of everything, your little project came out great! Congrats on completing another project!
Hi Nancy!
that must be a huge book - how many projects are there??? I admire your persistence and I'm positive you'll learn all the little tricks of the trade :) Weird, that they didn't tell you which corners to fold, but your pencil case looks fine to me!
Good work! The more practice you have, the easier it will be to do each project!
Ahhh, evasive tutorials are the worst! I have one of those right now and I'm slowly working through the problem areas. I think your case turned out fabulous!
I think it looks great, and the fact that you were able to make an adjustment to complete the project and complete it well show you are a good seamstress.
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
Good for you for sticking with it and adapting! I'd be throwing it out the window!! :p
Post a Comment