Madison Clutch Sewalong - Day 3

This one took me so long because my machine was in the shop, and I REALLY wanted my zipper foot.  All good now!  We should be starting today with Step 8.  We want to sew our accent to our main fabric.  I decided to add some piping (not a good idea).  It's pretty, but I kinda wish I would have added something flat like lace.  You'll see why in a few steps.

Remember we are using a 1/4" SA throughout.  Add your accent piece to the main pieces at the top.  When you are done, press them well and topstitch on the accent piece.  Your front and back should look identical.  Set them aside and grab your zipper.

I used a zipper roll and put my zipper pull on.  If you have a regular zipper hopefully it is a little long.  I think this step is easier if you can cut off that pesky zipper stop.

Your zipper should measure 9.75".  Next, take that skinny long zipper tab and sew it on one end, cut it, and sew it on the other end.  Then trim it to match your zipper tape.

Now grab your lining pieces, finger press the pieces to find the center.  Mark the center on your zipper as well.  I use chalk for this.

Now take the zipper and place it face up on the LINING piece, then place the inner accent piece FACEDOWN, so that the accent and the lining are right side together. USE YOUR CENTER MARKINGS TO LINE THIS UP.  Grab your zipper foot and stitch at a 1/4" SA.  Once you are done, press it and topstitch.  I hate topstitching with my zipper foot.

Now, you want to fold that piece so that it is out of the way.  You will now repeat the process with the other side.  Remember to match your centers.  Press and topstitch again.  It looks wonky at this point.

UNZIP THE ZIPPER.

Now take the outer layer and line up the top on one side.  It looks weird.  This part hurt my head.  Do what the directions say.  Then topstitch.  Then repeat for the otherside.  You should now have a big ol' floppy thing.  This takes us THROUGH step 14.  We'll finish it next time.  It won't be so long this time!

What am I reading?

Born in Fire by K. F. Breene - Escapism. I like it, but it's slow going for some reason.

Listening to: Making It: How Love, Kindness and Community Helped Me Repair My Life by Jay Blades - Non-fiction, I am really enjoying it

I want to tell you about a book I finished listening to a few days ago.  I read Asylum: A Memoir & Manifesto by Edafe Okporo.  It was beautiful and wonderful and so difficult.  I HIGHLY recommend this book.  I learned things I didn't know about the US immigration system, Nigera, and being a gay man in Nigeria AND the immigration system.

What am I listening to?  The playlist obvi.  This song isn't on it, but I love it, and I need it.