New things from old things ....and a whole lot of zips.

The Large Tote was one of the first patterns I developed for teaching bag-making, long before I had a pattern range.  I wanted a simple shape that would teach all the basics of bag-making and design variation. 

These are the latest versions, made to demonstrate different interfacing effects and a new bunch of zipper applications.  This one was made with a piece that I made to demonstrate simple embellishment methods at a teacher's conference last December.

Oh, I do like a little zip on the side.  The pocket is for easy-access to phone, train tickets etc, and for a bit of contrast that ties the colour of the embroidery into the overall bag design.

Inside the zippered top of the bag, I've added a zippered divider pocket and an exposed zipper in the facing seam (as in the bags in my book, for anyone who has made those). 

There have been a lot of crossover discoveries with zips and interfacings this week. I've been playing with a few little ideas that have been a-swimming about in my little brain for a while.  My little brain is a-POPPING with lots of new techniques to teach in my Interfacings and Zipper Workshops*.

This is the Large Tote in Joel Dewberry deco-weight fabric.  See that seam and dangling zipper pull?  Yep - another pocket. I also added a non-zippered pocket on the other side of this bag - thinking of a place to pop a book or water bottle.

And did I mention that I've discovered Great New Things with Ye Olde Zipper Gusset technique? Revolution, I tell you, Revolution.

This bag also has a zippered divider pocket (slightly different technique than the other one) and an exposed zipper in the middle of the lining (not visible in this pic).

 I also made a Day Bag (again, using Embellishments workshop leftovers).

 ...with some zippy bells and whistles.

This sewing week has provided lots of little inner-squeals-of-delight and a sense of achievement, but it's also been a necessary sort of think music for me.  In real life, there has been news of future upheaval and out-of-the-blue Complete Rethinking Of Everything.  There has also been news of a dear, dear friend with a huge battle ahead.  I'm reeling, but I'm keeping my focus firmly on where I'm going.  Sewing, designing and planning classes is keeping me upright and moving forward (....and I plan to move forward with a roll of 6mm Vliesofix tape in my hand.  I'm LOVING this stuff!).


Ok, back to sewing....

* The zipper workshop is currently fully booked and has a waiting list.  There interfacings class is headed that way, too. Don't dispair - I'll be looking at my calendar at the next available opportunity and will contact anyone on the waiting list before I advertise the next class.