Anita Dean Sews: a few new things...

Anita Dean Sews: a few new things...: "too tired to write.. so some photos for you! a photo is worth a thousand words! "

a few new things...

too tired to write.. so some photos for you!  a photo is worth a thousand words! 

Anita Dean Sews: having fun sewing lined and zippered small purses!...

Anita Dean Sews: having fun sewing lined and zippered small purses!...: " I'm finally feeling well enough to have some fun sewing again! Spring hay fever took it's toll this year and left me a little under the we..."

Anita Dean Sews: been super busy with Summer Crafts!

Anita Dean Sews: been super busy with Summer Crafts!: " it's been a busy few weeks... sewing! and loving every minute of it... rather sew than work or clean any day of the week! back to my purs..."

been super busy with Summer Crafts!

 it's been a busy few weeks... sewing!  and loving every minute of it... rather sew than work or clean any day of the week!  back to my purses.. gearing up for the late summer and fall craft fair season...

my gift to you... instructions I've found and changed to suit me a bit better!

Lined, Zippered Change Purse

This pattern makes a change purse that's 4" x 3 1/4" (10 x 8 cm).  By increasing the size of the fabric pieces and the zipper, you could easily make pencil cases, makeup bags or whatever you need a zippered pouch for.

step 1You'll need:

4 pieces of fabric that are 5" x 4" (12.5 x 10 cm)
1 lightweight dress/pant zipper (generally they're 7", 18 cm, long)
matching thread
sewing machine
steam iron & ironing board

step 2Zipper to first side

Starting with the outer fabric facing up and the zipper facing down, line up the bottom of the zipper with the edge of the fabric.  Pin zipper carefully to the long edge of the fabric.  At the sewing  machine, position the needle as far left as it will go (or use a zipper foot, just avoid catching the zipper teeth with the needle).  Sew along the edge of the zipper teeth.  A 1/4" (0.6 cm) seam allowance is provided.

step 3Lining to first side

Place the lining piece, face down, on top of the  seam from the previous step.  You'll be sandwiching the zipper between the two layers of fabric.  Sew along the zipper edge again using the same seam allowance.  **you may not be able to see the zipper, but you'll feel it against the edge of the presser foot.**

step 4Zipper to second side

Repeat the last two steps with the other side of the zipper and the remaining two pieces of fabric.
**Note : It's easier to sew the second half of the zipper if you reset the needle position of your machine to the far right and line up the zipper teeth to the right of the presser foot.  This way, the feed dogs will feed the zipper and fabric through in exactly the same way as the first side and things will line up properly when you're done.**  Reset your machine to the original needle position.  Press seam allowances towards the lining.

step 5Create the pouch

 Fold and press 1/2" (1.2 cm) along the bottom edge of the lining pieces.  Open zipper half way.  With right sides facing and seam allowances pressed towards the lining, stitch around the change purse leaving the folded edge open.  It's a good idea to reinforce (backstitch 3 stitches then continue sewing forward at the zipper and corners.  Turn right side out being careful not to poke the corners too hard. 

I did not create the above listed instructions!  they were found online and copied!  spend some time reading them before starting your project..  after the first few, it will be easy as pie!

I found this lovely retro fabric and decided to make some childrenswear with it!  so much fun with mini skirts and a set of matching sundresses! 

But my problem is I can't sew at night during a movie!  so I dragged a table into the library and set up a card crafting station!  You can imagine how thrilled the happy honey was... LOL!!!  but he didn't say a word... just smiled and encouraged me!  I bought some lovely digital downloads... on ETSY! of course!  and made some cards for the upcoming "special occasions"  in my life! 

and then made some Thank You Cards ... because you never know when you need to send one!

thank you all for stopping by & spending some of your valuable time!  I do appreciate it... xoxo

please visit me on esty at ...

www.etsy.com/shop/AnitaDeanSews