First, this is my little drummer boy; I painted him about six years ago. I think he is one of my favorite little Christmas decorations because when I was young “The Little Drummer Boy” was my favorite Christmas song. Some years ago I did some tole painting and made quite a few holiday decorations. Looking back, I think of all the quilts I could have made during that time…but I also learned a lot about color and design from the experience that has helped me in fabric selection for my quilts.
I’ve been working on a little gift set for a friend who has a birthday this weekend (she doesn’t read my blog). I made her a little notepad keeper, and a “Clutter Bug” bag from patterns by “This and That.” Last night I also decided to add a “Little Glam Bag” to the set (pattern by Pink Sand Beach Designs). I was almost giddy with delight at the way the “Little Glam Bag” went together. I’ve been sewing and putting zippers in for over 30 years (I started pretty young)–and this bag has what I consider the most perfect zipper! For those of you who haven’t yet ventured into zippers…this is the pattern you should use first!
A Perfect Zipper
The “Little Glam Bag” is the bag in the lower portion of the photos. I took the bottom photo from above to try to show the difference in zippers. In the “Clutter Bug” bag the zipper went in fine, but I’m never happy with zipper bulk in the side seams or with the edge on the zipper pull side. The Glam bag pattern has you attach a fabric tab to both ends of the zipper before you sew it to the bag. It resulted in a perfect-looking top and no zipper bulk in the seams! In addition, the Glam bag is fully lined, which I love! I really like all of my other zipper bag patterns, but I’m going to try to adapt them all to use the Glam bag zipper installation method.
I’m hoping to finish all of my Christmas gifts by Saturday so that I can enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas without deadlines. I just might get side-tracked though…there are little trees that Nanette shared that I really want to make, free stitcheries to stitch, and so many cute bird ornament patterns that are calling to me. Also, I can think of about ten “Little Glam Bags” I might just need to make–I had better go buy some more zippers! Happy sewing!
Dionne says
Such fun projects!!
Stina says
Oh…that is something I definetly need a good pattern instuction for zippers… :o)
CLEVER!!! ;o)
Carrie P. says
The bags are very smart. You shouldn’t share other site with more crafts. Now I want to make more. Oh me!
Julie says
Thanks for commenting on my blog. I loved looking at your post. Those Christmas house are darling. Come back and visit anytime. Julie
~Michelle~ says
that drummer boy is so cute!
And I LOVE Pink Sand Beach Designs – I’ve actually taken a bag class from Nancy, and am really happy with how great the bags turn out using her construction methods! I had never done a zipper before that class, and now I’m not afraid to do a zipper! (all of the quilters in the class were scared of the zipper) The next time I make a bag with straps, I’m going to do a tutorial, so I can share how to make perfect, sturdy handles/straps…the secret is twill tape, as also learned from Nancy!
Stephanie says
Maybe this is just the zipper bag I need to get me confident putting in zippers! Love your bag set.
QuiltedSimple says
Love the little bags – how cute!
Kris
Simone de Klerk says
Love the bags and the colors (are black and white colors – my 17 year old daughter would ask) you used! You are a very very busy woman!
Eileen says
These are very nice little bags.. perfect gifts!
Sherry says
I love the gift set you made for your friend. I'm not sure about me & zippers – LOL – but I might check out that pattern you suggested for beginners. Your Little Drummer Boy is adorable.
jacquie says
i’m terrified of zippers…i think it’s all the bad zipper experiences i had sewing as a kid. i could use some success. i would love to learn again.
Peddlecar Quilts says
Hi Sherri! Those bags are so pretty and you did do such a great job on them!! I need to find that pattern!!
Kevin and Vicki says
Those look better than store bought for sure. Way to go girl…
Terriaw says
Oh, I love those glam bags! What a fabulous set!
belinda says
what darling little bags….and yes….’perfect zippers’!
Christine says
I love your Little Drummer Boy. You are very clever to paint him yourself. Thanks for the links.
Christine