WOYWW 201

ZIP A DEE DOO DAH
ZIP A DEE AY,
MY, OH MY, WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY!
PLENTY OF SUNSHINE COMIN' MY WAY,
ZIP A DEE DOO DAH. ZIP A DEE AY!

Short and sweet this week...

Featured on my desk is.......don't faint, Julia.......ZIPS!! 
Well, a zipped bag for Sue H to put her cable/circular needles in. It's only the second zip I've done, so don't look too closely! I certainly wouldn't get good marks on The Great British Sewing Bee.... I'm really enjoying that programme and want the big hairy bloke to win, because I like his Steampunk costume background :)
You can see the tutorial on my iPad. Thank you Jaki for posting this - it was really helpful and very straightforward for a zippy ignoramus like wot I is :)
The bag is to match a knitting needle roll for Sue...
I hope she likes them!

I bought some more fat quarters and material for lining stuff in Fabricland in Salisbury the other day...








Spotty dotty....and a real bargain! As were these...
It's like a mini William Morris willow leaf print and goes well with the chintzy roses. I shall be making more zipped bags with these beauties and filling them with toiletries, some beaded bracelets etc. They are going to go to the Salisbury Womens' Refuge, which is the WOYWW crop charity this time. If anyone would like to bring some items with them to the crop, they would be gratefully accepted. I've been buying BOGOFs and putting the second item aside for example. Hopefully they will bring a little luxury to the women who often have nothing.



And finally, our whole family has been enjoying the new woodburner but this sight made me laugh the other day....
They couldn't choose between the fire or the sunshine, so settled for a combination of the two. You can almost smell the singed fur!!

Have a great week!!

52 comments:

fairy thoughts said...

well done on the zip,the bags looks great.I saw a tutorial at the excel last week for the concealed type.... really easy.
love the spotty fabric
have a great week
janet #25

BJ said...

You just can't resist lovely fabrics can you? Zips are cool, not done one is years though. Probably last one was making up a little purse with a zip which comes on some packaging. Yes I save all packaging zips - LOL BJ#20

BJ said...

Oh I tell a lie, I put one in my Altered Book last year, but there again that was glued in not sewn so probably doesn't count. BJ still #20

Belinda Basson said...

You are with fabric, like I am with pretty paper! Love the fur babies. #23

Twiglet said...

I love your little zippy purse. Keep at it - it gets easier the more you do - oh dear now that sounds a bit weird too - don't know what's wrong with me today!! Gorgeous fabrics. x Jo

sara j said...

The cats are happy...and really what else is there? Once again, lovely fabric and the zip bags are great!! Handy size too.
Have a great week!
Sara j #42

Elizabeth said...

Good morning, Jan, now don't scold, I really don't know how I didn't get round to visit you last week - call it a senior, very senior moment. To make up for my miserable performance last week, I'm here bright and early today and glad I am - love your zippy bag though can't imagine how you have managed to avoid zips until now - quite an accomplishment :) I'm thoroughly enjoying the Sewing Bee too and I'm impressed with the bearded guy too. Particularly, as he says he and his wife sew in their lounge whilst watching TV ... the couple that sews together stays together :) Happy WOYWW, hugs, Elizabeth x #41

Helen said...

I haven't caught up with the Sewing Bee from yesterday as I was out, but enjoyed ep 1. I like the steampunk bloke too, good for him.... Your material is gorgeous, (you would have had fun at the Stiching/Hobby Craft show!) I nearly bought some fat quarters,though why, I don't know!! In the end I left them (will regret it....) I wrote a blog post with a load of photos from it, it's a couple before today's desk if you're interested. Have a great day - oh, and I do pink sometimes...!! Helen 8

Annie said...

Thanks Jan ....I will now be singing that song all day :-)
Love the bag and your new fabrics. I'm trying really hard to use as much of my fabric stash before I buy new....so it's less to move of course....but I do love new fabrics so just might have to treat myself soon :-)
Hugs,
A x # 43

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Well done on conquering the zip. Not my forte. I think I over think it!! Could there be a more homely sight than two cats stretched out in front of the fire. So cosy xx
Fiona #61 (What happened there?!)

Eliza said...

I think you have a problem with fabric, yep am sure of it. Love the puddy tats enjoying the warmth, natural and/or created.

Happy WOYWW
Eliza 47

susibee said...

How weird, I was looking at tutorials for putting zips in yesterday as I haven't done one since I was about 18! In the end, I didn't use one in the bag I was making because when it came to it, I didn't have a zipper foot! Your bag looks great and I love all those fat quarters.

Have a great WOYWW. Susi #65

Jackie said...

I was singing along as I started to read
My four year old grandson lives song of the south and always watches it and sings the song!
Lovely fabric you bought
Jackie 3

Queenie Jeannie said...

Oh! What sweet, pretty kitties you have!! I don't blame them, what a toasty spot!

LOVE your new fabrics!!!! Those are just lush! Enjoy your sewing!

Happy Crafting!
Jeannie #32

Cardarian said...

You have jinxed me with that song! Huh! I won't get rid of it all day!!! I am always struggling with zips - I have a pile of things on the side that need new zips but I just can't get up to it! I wish someone would invent an easy way to sew in zips! Your fabrics are amazing!
He, he what a tantrum for the cats - fire or sun, fire or sun????
Lots of hugs,
Cardarian

Karen said...

The fabric is absolutely beautiful Jan, but I think the purrfect kitties photo wins hands down with me!!! How cute are they, always finding the perfectly warm spot in the house. Happy WOYWW! Karen 72 x

Heathers Inspiration said...

Singing to self as I type :) Love that song x
Beautiful creations and having never sewed a zip in my life will be popping back to learn more and check out the links - thanks for info.
You have a great eye for fabrics and patterns, they are great.
Have a Lovely week, Happy WOYWW Heather #73

My name is Cindy said...

Morning Jan!! Well it's a beautiful day here too, and I just heard on the radio the cold spell is over - I'm sure on Monday they said it was going to get cold again so I'm not taking my vest off just yet. Love your idea for the refuge, will have a rummage, people are always getting me those little bottles of stuff at Christmas and they never get used. Lovely material - I am so surprised about the zip thing - but I don't blame you, they were always the worst bit back in the day when I used to make clothes. Closely followed by setting sleeves...... I always remember my mum showing me a technique to make cushion covers that don't need a zip (I'm sure you must know it). I've never put one in since!! Cindy #63

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hullo there Lunch lady Jan- well love the song at top and did wonder briefly why it was there - ah zips, love 'em and hate 'em! love the purple blue spotty dotty..!

I did wonder what BOGOF were and had me Googling them too:D

Happy WOYWW Shaz in oz.x #84

Ps love the closing pickie too ~ so cat like..

Angie said...

What a generous and wonderful gift for the ladies at the refuse.The heading song so made me smile xx71

Caz said...

Don't you just love zips?!?!?!?!?! Amazing work you're doing - love the fabrics.
Sad that the guy went from the Sewing Bee - he made me laugh!

Our pusscat is the same! More sewing on my update (paper has definitely taken 2nd place now)

Happy WOYWW
Caz
#102

Marit said...

OhOhOh.. what a happy way to welcome me on your blog with melody and cheering... and that dotted fabric is fan.tas.tic!! Happy woyww and a hug from Holland. Marit #82

famfa said...

Oh that fireside looks tempting. We have bucketfuls of rain at the moment but at last it is taking the snow away.
Material finds are gorgeous and well done you fr tackling the zip - would not know where to start x

famfa said...

Or 'for' not fr. And I'm Famfa at 97 - sorry

The Taming of the Glue said...

Beautiful fabric. The cats know when they are well off...wouldn't mind laying down in front of that fire myself! Happy WOYWW. Pam#23

Deb said...

Well done on cracking the zip technique! Gorgeous fabric! Love that pic of the cats! My little dog is just like that, I am sure she has been a cat in a former life!
Thanks once again for my needle holder, I love it! Put a pic on my post today!
Debxx

Julia Dunnit said...

Everytime I get up off the floor and look a the pictures, I faint again....look at you, mighty zip woman!!

Lisa-Jane said...

LOVING that wood burner Mrs! Makes me feel toasty just looking at it. Beautiful fats too - I especially like those William Morris style ones. Have a great week!

shazsilverwolf said...

Love the cats! Our Ambrose has two main sleeping spots. One is on the floor in front of the bookcase, because directly underneath is a radiator in the basement, and the second is on the floor in front of Beloved Hubbys fishtank! I think he sees light, so expects heat, silly animal. I also cannot do zips for the life of me. They end up wonky every time. ah well, natures way of telling me to use buttons, I suppose. Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz#127 xx

Caro said...

Well done you for the zip...I am sure that Sue will love her matching set. I love the cats in the sun in front of the wood burner...fantastic photo! Thanks for sharing. Caro #53

SandeeNC said...

The kitties look like they are in heaven, personally I think it would be hard to choose between the 2! Not playing in WOYWW today but wanted to stop in and check in on my favorites ( sssshhh, don't tell anyone ) lol waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥

Sarah said...

Love your bag and needle roll! Have to giggle at the cats ... ours used to love laying in the sun!! Happy woyww Sarah #125

Hettie said...

OOOO! Fat Quarters ey!! I will make a quilter of you yet! Love the spotty fabrics! Want them ALL! Mind you, some of the fabrics on the weekend were to die for!
Love the lickle cable needle bag. What a good idea as they do have a mind of their own!
Hugs
x

Unknown said...

You know, when I was little I had Disney albums, and I knew all the songs--including the Zippity Doo Dah song! You are doing some fine zipper work there, young lady. I am just now getting home for the day, from the office, and it has turned cold again...boo! I hope spring is showing up in your beautiful town. So I'm getting ready to experiment with my celery heart--I'll let you know how it goes. Oooh...I got so excited when you described that sewing bee show!! You can't imagine how much I would love that!! We had a show on here, for a while, called Craft Wars. It was similar--but included all kinds of crafting. I think I'd prefer just the sewing. Why are all your shows so much better! I think it's time I moved into my English cottage so that I can watch your TV shows, and go to your lovely craft fairs! Hugs dearest soul sister!

Unknown said...

I am loving the Sewing Bee, I thought I was quite good at most sewing but they have to work hard with all that pattern fitting.
Karen #73

The Scrapbook Lady UK said...

Very lovely cat picture! I am trying to visit everyone! jenx 129

505whimsygirl said...

Hi LLJ,

Nice zippered bag! I'm sure you are super critical of your sewing skills. They look great to me! Love the new fabrics, by the way.

Happy WOYWW
Kay (12)

Bernice said...

Lovely photo of the cats - think we might need a woodburner here tonight - its freezing!! Well done on working with the zips - I tried sewing one to oilcloth but it wasn't very successful - will have to try harder next time!
Bernice #148

scrappymo! said...

That show sounds like fun!!!
Your fabrics are lovely and I bet your sewing skills are much better than you give yourself credit for.
My eyes are so bad for fine work now that I haven't sewn for quite a while! I wouldn't be able to sew any flaws anyways!!!

Di said...

Hi Jan

Loved your post - but the cats stole the show! :))

Happy WOYWW, hugs, Di xx

Anonymous said...

Now why doesn't the Basingstoke FL have those dotty fabrics?? Grrr. So cute. But zips? Oh NO! I may faint as well. Just cannot do them to save my soul....

:)

Happy (late) WOYWW.

Mary Anne (10)

akilli melek said...

love the dotty fabrics. also love that the cats got the best of both worlds.
caroline (akilli melek) #69

sandra de said...

Gorgeous fabrics and well done for conquering the Zip. Love the sunny toasting kitties.
Sandra @28

Anonymous said...

Those cats know a good deal when they see one, although they generally do! Love that floral fabric with the new liner you chose, greens, flowers and nature are my favourite combos so they float my boat every time. Not so keen on modern prints or large geometrics though! So.... Friday April 26th or Monday April 29th then? Works for us! I'll send you an email over the weekend.

Hugs
Brenda 96

Anna said...

Congratulations on conquering the art of zippers. Lovely little zipper pouches you have made! The combo of sunshine and a warm fire looks inviting. I would have a hard time choosing too.
Anna #150

Anna Karlsson Widmark said...

I really like your zipped bag! It looks great, don't worry about the zip. ;)

Happy WOYWW!
- Zildara #113

ANNETTE HUSBAND said...

G'day Jan
Oh wow nice to know another lover of the steam punk is out there. Most of my jewellery ends up with me attaching cogs and things to them...that's what will happen def to the puffed etched metal heart I had on my desk when you dropped by. Love the zip bag and needle roll you have made but mostly I love the warm feeling your fire evokes.
hugs
Annette In Oz #110

Darnell said...

Lovely zippers there, LLJ! I don't believe there is anything you can't sew!

I missed last week, so I just rolled down to see you in your axe-wielding wonder-woman best!! Hope cow, how well-rounded are you? Wait. What? You know what I mean: not a lot of women can be equally adept at small motor detail work using a needle and full-on large motor skills using a chain saw!! When the phone rings and I get word that the Acropolips is looming, I am winging my way to your side!!

Thanks for coming by to see me earlier! Have a wonderful week! Darnell #47

SueH said...

Thanks for stopping by this week Jan. I’m sorry it’s taken my so long to make a return visit but just not felt much like spending time on the computer up till now. But I’m on the mend now and ‘ready to party’.
Well I can now vouch for the fact that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the way you’ve put the zipper in my little bag, it’s perfect, as is the knitting needle case. Thanks so much for making them for me.
Loving the new fabrics you have on your table, especially the spotty ones, they are far too nice to be hidden away as linings.
Had to Lol at your two puddy cats. They love the warmth don’t they and don’t mind where they have to lay to enjoy it, even if it means you trip over them whenever you walk into the room………I have one just like that.
Happy Crafting!
Sue
x

Words and Pictures said...

What scrumptious fabrics, and congratulations on your zip!! I missed it again this week... too much going on just now, but I do love taking the odd peek. Love that picture of your cats - wise creatures... and the woodburner is beautiful too! Thank you so much for your lovely comment... yes, I bet the faeries are out in force round Avebury!
Alison xx

Tamika said...

Happy WOYWW Jan! You're like me like to start a blog with a tune! lovely zip totes!

Jaki Morris said...

Oh hello!! Here I am looking for your cot quilt post and I see you thanking me for something!
It's a pleasure.
Now I have to scroll and find cot quilt post
Jakix

WOYWW 769

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