Pleated Pouch

If you follow us on Facebook or Twitter you would know that I was up to a challenging {in my mind} project yesterday! 

Ever since I first got my sewing machine {last Christmas} I've wanted to make this pleated pouch from Skip to My Lou; however, I was beyond intimidated to sew a zipper. I put this easy-to-make project on the back burner throughout 2010. Yesterday, as I finally got to do a few crafts before leaving for a work trip today I tackled the pleated pouch! I think I did a good job overall for sewing my first ever zipper, and ultimately I learned a lot! There is definitely quite a bit of room for improvement, but I wasn't expecting this to be perfect on my first try, either. What I'm sure would take most people a half hour took me a good two hours. See, I'm going to admit. I don't really read directions well... I find myself ALWAYS skimming through them. A bad flaw, but at least I can admit it. Because of this I had to seam rip once and the other time... well, my machine jammed (so it wasn't all my fault)! 

Here is what the finished product looks like! I love the colors and it reminds me of summer. I think this pouch would be perfect for a cruise! Holding the necessities--a point and shoot camera, lip balm, your cabin card, and ID! As soon as I showed Mr. Woodsy and I mentioned that to him--he just smirked (see we are kind of cruise buffs... and like to cruise at least once a year)! 

One side of the zipper came out thick and the other side skinny. I think it's because I was sewing on the wrong side of the zipper foot the first time around. I'd love some constructive criticism and any tips you have about sewing zippers. I found it very difficult once I would get to the zipper pull. Now thinking about it... when you sew a zipper do you move the zipper part down as you sew? That way you don't run into this problem? I'm a zipper novice and will greatly appreciate all the tips and tricks!

I decided to get fancy and take a scrap piece of fabric and add a pocket to the inside along with our logo. Next time I'll remember to finish the top part of the pocket off. I think I was overwhelmed in excitement that I had sewed a zipper on when I added this pocket! I added the pocket after I sewed on each side; that way I knew I was putting the pocket in correctly! *I had someone ask on twitter yesterday how we got our logo on the pocket. A few months ago I bought a package of Avery Light Fabric Transfers ( you print your logo onto the iron-on transfer). They seem to hold up well although I've heard after a few washes they come off. Ironing on this transfer on to the pleated pouch works fine since I'm not sure if this will ever get washed!

This tutorial and pattern can be found for free on Skip to My Lou 

{along with a ton of other great tutorials and patterns}!