Confronting my old nemesis...

Christmas seems like the perfect time to tackle my old nemesis: zips. I've documented previous bouts with my nemesis, this time, I had my trusty side-kick Janome to help.

I also had an instruction manual and a new zipper foot to help too. The zipper foot on my old machine resembled a flimsy ski that skated along my zips without a care in the world, merrily allowing them to go horribly wrong without a second thought. My new zipper foot is weighty and substantial and not like a ski at all, showing the zip exactly who is the boss; me. Or maybe my machine, the jury is out.

For concealed zips (I don't know how to do any other) I always baste down the opening first - does anyone else do that? I was taught to at my pattern cutting course, it could be a bit of over-kill but it seems to work really well. And lo - the zip went in with no problems at all, not even any up-picking required, the cushion was finished in near record time.

These cushions are going to be a Christmas present for my nieces, they chose the fabric themselves - excellent taste I think. I used a feather cushion pad inside so they are satisfyingly plump and squishy.

This cushion is made from Fox Family and the next from Vintage Stamps; a long time favourite of mine.

And it's a relief to have 2 more handmade presents wrapped and under the tree, with only a week left I have more sewing to do.

In searching for my zipper foot I discovered a whole bag of feet that came with my machine. No idea what most of them are for, but I suspect some involve hems. I have another more substantial foot on the way too.

Happy feet

I hope your Christmas sewing is going well, still plenty of time, no need to panic at all.