Laptop Sleeve! My quick craft fix for the day.

Dear readers,
My new 11-inch Macbook Air, bought on a whim when I needed a laptop to take to an evening class.   We are a Macintosh house -- so everything is Apple so everything works together.

Now, one of the mandatory accessories for any laptop computer that belongs to someone who travels -- is a travel case to protect it. Apple provides a plethora of accessories -- even Coach and Michael Kors bags should you need it for your Macbook Air.  But, I thought -- I'd rather have my own DIY Tutorial Case.  Let's break out the internet.

I used this tutorial-- the Laptop Sleeve Tutorial Link..  Excellent.  By the way, the 11inch Macbook Air measures 14 1/4"Long by 15 3/4" Wide with 1/2" SA (Seam Allowances).

 The outer fabric is a canvas type of fabric (which I sprayed with Scotch Guard, available at your local grocery store).

   The inner fabric is minky.

The multi-color zipper is Ghee's -  Ghee's Link.  It was a 28 inch zipper -- and I saved the other multicolor portion.  Ghees sells the actual pull which can fit any other piece too.  So convenient that I can use the portion I didn't use for this project.

Also, did you know the mark of a good zipper is one when you pull the zipper tape apart and the pull doesn't move or slip down?  Well, it turns out that the more expensive zippers have locks in the zipper pull.  That's why in the 80's the zippers in our pants wouldn't zip all the way up and we were all constantly readjusting our zippers -- Cheap zipper pulls!! Who knew?  The things you learn at the ASG Sewing Conference.

 I was a little sloppy in the execution, but I can live with it.  It's a perfect fit for the Macbook Air!  And, this quick and easy project -- I needed a quick craft success fix.

Now, onto another cover for my Kindle.

XOXO, P.

Review of Free Craftsy Class on Mastering Zipper Techniques

Dear readers,

I'm stuck in bed (mostly) convalescing from minor foot surgery.  So, I cannot sew, or really do anything sitting yet - but what I can do:  finally watch my Craftsy classes while I put off finishing knitting projects!

First one up - a class featuring Sunni from A Fashionable Stitch -  on Mastering Zipper Techniques.  I previously bought gorgeous sewing pressing hams from her and love them still.

The class was free at Craftsy Online Classes  - I wasn't totally sure what I would learn from the class at first.  I am already signed up for the zipper class at ASG in Arlington this summer.  But I was confounded at the amount of knowledge I gained.  And no, I am not on percocet.

The highlights:

1)  Sunni uses a extremely fine non-woven fusible to interface her all three zipper techniques. This interfacing is fusible and 1 1/4 inches wide (perfect for 5/8 seam zippers).  Here is where you can find it - Sunni's shop - or direct from the Emma Seabrooke (who lives in Islamorada in the Florida Keys).

2) The zipper instruction includes slot seam zippers, with and without lining, invisible zippers, with and without lining, and finally a lapped zipper insertion.

3) I learned I was putting on my waistband in an awkward way when using a lining of a skirt and inserting an invisible zipper.  I learned apparently from dastardly pattern instructions.  This is worth viewing alone.   She shows a fantastic technique (that will require that your pattern pieces and waistband be close to perfect, however) where the zipper and back waist is finished first all by machine rather than by hand.

4)  I never thought I would want to do a lapped zipper - but she makes it seem so easy and exquisite.

5)  For both zippers, lapped and slot seam, other than the invisible - she uses 1/4" Steam-a-Seam Tape (available everywhere) to effectively baste the zipper.  I'm going to have to invest in this.  I use wonder tape and it never does a good job.  Too gunky - I end up changing needles frequently.  Wonder tape out/Steam-a-Seam In.

6) I need to buy an invisible zipper foot - specifically Bernina #35.  I can't believe I don't have one - I'm a bit of a foot addict.

7)  I learned finally how to finish the back seam of the skirt flawlessly, with or without lining.  The tails of my zippers are always wonky and rarely are perfect - now that I see by video how she does it, while she provides tips.   I think my execution now will improve!

Highly recommended! And, I viewed all the lessons in one evening about 2 hours.  They are short but somewhat time consuming, nonetheless.

I'm already through lesson 3 on the Craftsy class - The Classic Tailored Shirt!

How did we ever recover from sickness or injury before the internet??

XOXO, P.