IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES
I'LL BE ON YOUR SIDE FOR EVERMORE,
THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR..
The 2nd acronym is What's on Julia's Dining Table..and you know you've got a true mate when she answers your clarion call for help and a tutorial on inserting a zip!!!
Well, someone in band asked me if I could replicate her bag in fabric as the nylon was splitting...hmmmm....it has a zip that goes all the way around. The trouble was she'd already bought the fabric so how could I say no??? (I really do have M.U.G. tattooed on my forehead...)
The only trouble is, I haven't had any zip experience...in SEWING!!! Good grief, what are you lot like?? *grin*
So. who're you gonna call? Not Ghostbusters for sure.....Juuuuuullliaaaaaaaaa!
Now, herself is very modest about her sewing, but trust me, she is a very proficient seamstress. So I took myself and my sewing kit down for a morning's chat and instruction...
Setting up her machine - it has an angled needle, never seen that before!
She made me use pins!! Could have been worse, I suppose, she could have made me T.A.C.K...... *shivers* And the zip was inserted without too much ado and bloodshed! Between us we measured and worked out a rough order of construction....and then I took everything home to finish and procrastinated for a day :)
But I got to grips with it and a new bag was born....
My friend wanted me to reuse the webbing handles and zip..so I did!
Ta da! The internal straps and pockets are in there and the roll of paper was just to make sure it fitted before all the sewing commenced.... So there you go, not bad...now to do the second one my friend wanted. Aaaaaarrrrgggghhh. And after that, NEVER AGAIN....... :)
I had to go to Salisbury to get a long zip for t'second bag...it was a beautiful day. This is on the way up to Fisherton Street where there is a great sewing shop called Franklins.
Have a great week.......
59 comments:
Well done with that mammoth operation with the bag. I always hated zips, but what is even worse is trying to replace a zip in a pair of jeans. Definite yuck!! That shop looks amazing, though. I have no idea what to go round here to buy material, or even a decent selection of knitting wools. Have a great week. xx Maggie (no number yet)
ha zips, Lunch lady Jan!! the ban of sewers life..
I must admit it really does surprise me you had not done one before?
We were taught that at school plus me mum made me do it!!
.. so there.. but dont like 'em at all so can quite understand the need to visit Julia an' all!
And yup, penguin (an' rest) pretty cute and huggable. Can totally see a return trip coming on.. and thanks for showing us your conquest today.
happy WOYWW, Shaz in oz.x no number yet.
oops meant "bane of a sewer's life" but perhaps ban is appropriate!! :D
I never did learn how to put in a zip either! We all have MUG on our foreheads somewhere I think! Well done to you for making not one but 2!!! #36
Well done you!! I hate zips! In fact I have a skirt on the landing, worn twice, needs taking in, has zip. Can I send it to you? Tee Hee! Better still I will bring it to The Crop!!
Those characters are good!
You know what I say, if you want something done, ask a busy crafter, as they got nowt else they WANT to do!! aka, they are mugs!!
Hugs
xx
ah llj you are fab, all that work to store wrapping paper! he he.it looks great
A new sewing shop in Salisbury... sounds like I might have to make a trip.... to checkout the competition you know or maybe just to see my fav wallace and gromit.
have a good week
janet
wow your just a sewing wizard i have one of those lovely bags for wrapping paper and yes know the feeling well.
so if you deceide your making them then put me on the list....lol
hope you get chance to go back have a mootch around the craftshop without men in tow..lol
have lovely week ahead and im sure it will be creative in many ways !
hugs judex 46
Zips!!! Flipping Heck i'm having enough trouble getting to grips with basic sewing, it's like double dutch to me, cut on the bias, salvedge!!! What is this foreign language. Give me paper and ink any day!!! How brilliant that you have Julia on hand, she looks very proficient with that machine, she kept that quiet.
It's always great when you find an old shop has been reborn isn't it. Love those characters.
Have a great Wednesday and Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #54
well done i cant even sew anything straight sewing machines scare me but they are on my to combat list this year (once my mum is back from travelling round OZ) I love Sailsbury used to go lots when i used to visit my great great great Aunt Rose in Winterborne Kingston; must take the hubby one day.....any excuse for a child free trip ;) lol
Happy WOYWW Mrs.C #37
craftylittlemoos.blogspot.com
xx
Fantastic, recycling genius! I got kick out of he sewing class at school, but (meanies) I still had to return to do exams! but luckily I drew myself through them, remembering picture 'how to's' and I understood all that! although I think the angled needle I've seen might have been in a saddler's shop. Love the critters...Shawn The Sheep is calling to me...baa...baa
Happy WOYWW!
((Lyn))
#58
As usual a fun visit with you! Well, I didn't know that Julia was a sewing whiz! I wouldn't know how to start with puting a zipper. I like hand sewing because the sewing machine is too fast for me! Great job! patsy
Well you did a bang up job on the bag! Zip n all! :D Race back for the penguin. Always a fun visit with you. Oh, the little green bits on my desk last week...seam binding stained with distress stains in various greens. Happy WOYWW! Nan 28
Very well done. My sewing machine only comes out when I need something that can't be done any other way! You've done a great job on the bag. I'm sure your friend will be delighted.
Thank you so much for the crochet book. It arrived safely yesterday. I shall enjoy trying some of the pattern out.
Kate x #72
Well done you. My tip would be....I use zipping by the metre for jobs like that and you buy the runners to go with it. Just so you know...... cos I have a feeling you might get more jobs to do now you have done this one so well :-)
Hugs,
A x # 57
Great job Mrs. Can't help but laugh at Annie's comment..she doesn't know you like I do! And anyway, who wants to spend that sort of time just putting the &*(^%$£%$^%&*** zipper part and stops on!! It was definitely worth the deconstructing first, huh! And I should say..that was the easiest zip...two separate halfs, no need to hide...no tacking..are you shuddering yet?!!
Wow Jan! Well done on getting that zip in, not something I would like to tackle at all. Had a job doing my quilt and that was all straight sewing. Lovely feeling when it is all done though. You must go back for the penguin, he is so cute. I would have bought Wallace too though...... Happy WOYWW, Anne x #35
You and Julia are endlessly talented. Great to see you both hard at work!! Have a good day - and do go back for the penguin! Helen, 14
Well done you sounds like you enjoyed yourself too despite the pins! have a great time when you get back to visit the store..i think you just might! thanks for sharing your fab photos and hope you have a great week Andrea#77
Well done for going to all that effort and getting out of your comfort zone for your band mate. And bless Julia for helping you out too.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs
Sarn xxx
What a find - a new bigger improved shop - definitely a return visit needed there! Like you, I love penguins, he's so cute. Thanks for the lovely selection of goodies for the charities - I'll be delivering a huge bootload soon to them! Happy WOYWW! Karen 91 x
Zips terrify me too- I always get them wonky! Laughed at the pin & tack- I thought it was just me being too lazy to do them. :) I think I've found another Penguin fan here- I have dozens of them, irresistible aren't they? Have a great week, Hugs,xx Shaz #75
Wow the Jan and Julia team are unstoppable .... deconstructing, zippering and sewing all in a morning. If you make it look too easy you will have a queue forming before you sing your next song. Love the pic of Salisbury.
Sandra @ 81
How wonderful to have talented friends, hmmm??? You did a terrific job on the bag - bravo!!! Loved seeing the beautiful swans...what a photo! Try to stay out of trouble now, OK??
Happy Crafting!
Jeannie #4
what a fantastic bag and well done on doing a zip that long for your first zip. Everyone needs a gift wrap bag or box in my case because if it is not stored correctly it can get very messy. Thanks for sharing
Happy WOYWW #192
Ria #75
Wow Jan - I am seriously impressed with that fab bag. Annie's suggestion about zipping by the yard is a goodie. Follow our link to Caricrafts - they are fast and cheap. x Jo
Love that bag, you and J make it look easy, I like the fabric too. The shop sounds great, I'd have Shaun in a heartbeat, maybe Wendolene as that's one of my nicknames!!
Hugs
Brenda 115
The bag looks great LLJ. Think I'd hve been too scared of the long zip even with tuition!
Happy WOYWW
Laura
99
I am self-taught when it comes to installing zippers--and it doesn't come easy for me, so I totally understand! I need a Julia I can go visit for a tutorial!! Your bag looks fabulous though--and I love seeing it because I am so in love with my patchy bag project (even though it's not perfect) that I've decided to make more patchy bags. (maybe after I procrastinate a day) I'm using old lanyards for the bag's strap, and I have sewn part of an old lanyard on the inside to be a keyring clip. I was so proud of myself over that--sat around for five minutes thinking how brilliant I was! Until I realized I'm running out of old lanyards. But you should feel brilliant too for this bag project!! Oh and I am still thinking about how close you live to Highclere Castle!!! I have a British soul sister who is practically Downton Abbey's neighbor!!! (I need that on a t-shirt) Crafty hugs dearest! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #104
When DH says "cn you fix this zip?" on something or another I always just say Nope. Maybe I should send them to you?
:)
Happy WOYWW
MA (3)
Sorry! I did gigglesnort at your lack of zip experience. The finished bag looks great and far too good for sticking in a cupboard filled with rolls of paper! Happy Wednesday. :o)
Sue x (MiniOwner@127)
Pfff! I'm not a fan of zips either. Hence my search for a perfect dress pattern that doesn't need one! I'm dying to go and visit that shop, in all its new found glory. My Mum went to Salisbury last Tuesday and was telling me all about it. Sounds fabulous :o)
Wendolene.... I have naturally curly hair which I usually wear quite short, collar length or above, and it's sort of a bob style I suppose. When I get it cut I have them take it all the way up to the hair line, the shortness combined with the curls makes it stick out in a kind of triangle way! Just like Wendolene's!! So I get called that for 3 or 4 weeks after every cut, until it grows a bit!
Bx
Looks like you did a great job between you Jan. I can see you making more of them for your Christmas stalls this year!
Happy Crafting!
Sue @ 88
x
Love it!! You did a great job.
Now practice with me - NO!!! Repeat - NO!!
LOL
Hope you get a chance to check out my blog and desk.
Have a great day.
Lori #110
Oh wow - that looks like a really tricky job. It has turned out great but I sure wouldn't want to have to make a second one! You must have the patience of a saint!
Bernice #63
What a fantastic friend she is! I wanted to say thank you for the lovely colouring book. Something to treasure and play with at leisure (asuming I get any!). Happy WOYWW! Thanks for sharing. Caro #72
Well done
What a good person you are taking on the making of that lovely bag for a friend even when you were not as experienced as you thought you needed to be
Jackie11
Scrapbangwallop
What an endeavor that bag was and how wonderfully you met the challenge! Great job! Happy WOYWW!
Carol N # 124
Wow, that is quite a project, it looks fabulous too, so much nicer in that fabric that the original! love the Wallace and Gromit characters!
Debxx
What a team, what a project! Great work, I'm loving the characters too. Your talents are always inspiring me, I may even buy myself a little machine to just use to take up trousers (not that I'd need that doing ;)! Or to add stitching onto my cards etc. Have a good week. Take care Zo xx 76
Angled needles - impressive...but have to say can't get "THAT" book title out of mind when ever zips, or zipless in particular, is mentioned,
I know, gutter brain,
your bag is fabulous,
and forehead tattoos can be adapted you know,
I find 'No' doesn't work
but
'Don't Ask' is particularly effective,
followed by
'If you beg nicely i might',
and reverting to
'Oh go on then'
in a rapid segue...back to
'Mug'
dxx 64 i think
Now why am I surprised that you have not put in a zip before? I see all this fabby sewn stuff and just presumed!! Great to have friends to call on though, isn't it? I think you have done a fabby job on the bag, maybe too fabby if you don't want to do another? ;) Oh and I have that exact same gift paper bag... and it would be so much nicer in material.... LOL Annette #18
Ooooh - I'll arm wrestle you for the penguin lol :-0 Sounds like 'Julia saves the day' - must be a Famous Five or Mallory Towers book with that title somewhere (aaaaargh - how old am I???!!)
Happy woyww
debs #155
Hi Jan, our B&M opened up in Redditch a few months ago. Its just a chain like Home Bargains, Wilkinsons and so on. Hugs, Shaz xx
Hi, Jan, just a quick visit to see what you are up to. Unfortunately, the EM is unwell and needs looking after so time for blog-hopping has been limited today. Now, that's something we didn't know about Julia. The finished bag is gorgeous - and so handy too - a bag to hold wrapping paper! Love the penguin too :) Hope your WOYWW has been happy. Elizabeth x #55
Well done you - thanks to Julia. Love that new bag!
As for the knitted characters, I would have had to have Sean the Sheep but then I would probably have wanted them all. so cute!
Hugs, Neet 17 xx
Queen Julia to the rescue, seriously you knew how to do it, you just wanted company and chat. LOL
Happy WOYWW
Eliza
Jan you do know you will get orders for these now don't you? I had one and it too fell apart. Great idea to make in material although I used it mainly for Christmas papers so that sort of material would be fab. I hate tacking too!
Hope you had a good Wednesday, running a little late as had to do Judo last night.
Hugs Erika.
I can't imagine why you'd need a bag to keep wrapping paper in... ours just gets thrown on top of t'wardrobe ;)
a fab job you did tho and now you've given me the idea... lol
sorry you didn't win the jewellery giveaway last week but there's always bargains to be had from me... i'm sure i could come up with an equally saucy name if necessary lol
xx
Lisa
#174
Love the bag, I think its a cool idea - its a shame it caused you so much hassle though! Have a fab week xx #125
Just think, when you run out of wrapping paper you can store rifles in it! How festive. I think it is a neat idea for wrapping paper storage but a bummer that it was such a hassle to make. I cannot believe that the fabulous sewing goddess, LLJ, had zip zipper experience. Definitely you'll need to give the shop's new location a thorough look through without men in tow!
Better late than never - Hi Jan!
I can't believe you've never put a zip in before - but you do LOADS of sewing and never with a zip?!?!?!?!? Well, that's a task and a half for a first attempt - brilliant bag (don't we all have the MUG tattoo.....I'm doing step son's wedding stationery at moment - NEVER AGAIN!!!!)
Thanks for the shop info - we have friends that we stay with at Market Lavington and us girls do Salisbury now and again for a bit of retail therapy so guess where I'll be asking to go next time we're down there!!!!
Have a great week
Caz
#98
Just catching up Jan ... been mad busy and also lucky to get, unexpectedly, to the big craft show today in Manchester. Met up with quite a few WOYWWers , SUPER!... photos to come!
LillyBo going so well and I'm so proud of the people involved. What a generous lovely lot you all are! Thanks for even thinking of making more! Can't tell you how thrilled they were at the handover. I don't think they expected what they saw! I just wish some of the makers could have joined me but maybe another time. You'll all be getting a letter when Eddie returns after his leave. (His wife is having an op) and we will also hear about who gets which quilt.
Your post about the zip is a hoot!!! I'd have done it in a wizz and I'm so amazed you were daunted with all your sewing skills!!
lots of love Jo x
That bag's a great idea! :-) the sewing etc shop sounds brilliant . Sorry I'm so late visiting lots happening this week. Anne x @ 89
Love the new website, LLJ! Not sure how you could pass up any of Grommet's fun Gang! Okay, so I've put the fabric I purchased in the post yesterday. Boy, that wasn't cheap! I'm sorry, I meant to send an email letting you know yesterday. Now, if you could get the webbing for me, I'll reimburse for that. You can choose ... wait, what? Not even for me?
Oh.
Seriously, you did a fantastic job on that bag! How lovely that you have Julia to help out with that zipper! Nothing like starting out small when you learn something!!
Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week! Darnell #47
I know that shop...... ;-D Fab place! They had some lovely examples in there at Christmas....sigh....
Awesome looking bag...are you taking orders? I don't think I would have the patience to sew a bag like that and with a zipper... Love the new web page and all the bright stuff! Have a great week. Vickie #17
Hi Jan, missed you blogging lately. Super work on that there zip - brave girlie.
Have you had your hair cut?
Hugs, Di xx
Clever lady. Great bag. Love the Wallace and grommet stuff
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