This, ladies and gentlemen, is my last Zakka post. It's a pretty long one too, hope you don't get too bored... I've already written about my own version of the nesting boxes which are week 24's project, but I mentioned I'd also made a box the same as the instructions in the book, so I'm showing you that today. If you want to see the other boxes made for the sew along, the linky post is here, and this week's host can be found here.
Before I go further, I just wanted to say something about my last post. I think I was a bit vague with my comments on my photographs. What I was trying to say is that in general, my photos are a bit crap. I've mentioned a couple of times that I'm trying to improve them and what I was trying to say was that the photos in the last post were a big improvement, except the one of the materials which was appalling.
Here's a progress shot of my two pieces of patchwork, just to prove I really did make two boxes!
I struggled FMQing those flowers, mine are pretty rubbish. I also had no idea what to do with the ends. For my version it was easy, I tied them in pairs and the ends were hidden by the lining. For this version I had to sew each and every one in, and there were loads!
Here's a close up of my appliqué work. I like these leaves and the way they're constructed which makes them 3d.
The box above is my version with the far to big faux lining! Below is my box construction using the instructions in the book. Too much hand sewing for my liking!
Having said that, I much prefer the finish. Look how sturdy it looks... even without the quilted base.
I would have loved to have made a set of 3 nesting boxes as in the project, but I just didn't have time. The hand sewing alone took me two evenings (I don't slow THAT slowly, I just don't have very long evenings!). Thinking about it, I could have made my version smaller or bigger so I would have had a set of 2...
See the inner quilting?
And here they are side by side. Oh, I haven't mentioned the fabrics. I bought them from a little shop in Hay On Wye which we visited for our first wedding anniversary (and our honeymoon, thanks to that damn volcano!).
See how well they stack. Hmmm. And now for a little retrospective of the last 24 weeks. I joined in with 18 of the projects, of those only one was late, the elephant bookmarks. I don't think I've done bad, and I've certainly had my money's worth. Here's a little look back:
Overall, I've really enjoyed this sew along, there have been challenges and new techniques. I'm going to feel a bit lost without the weekly project!
13 comments:
You've done well with the projects Wendy... lovely seeing them all like that... they really are sweet projects aren't they...
Hugz
What a great collection ! Lots of work there.
Ends. Always a bind but much less so if you take a LARGE needle and some thick, smooth thread, pass both ends of the thread thru the eye of the needle, leaving a loop.Tie your machine stitching ends together and take a stitch parallel with the machining, going in right beside the knot, but don't pull the loop thru.Pull those tied tails thru the loop and then finish the stitch, the loop will pull the ends thru for you. Cut off the ends and you're ready for the next ones - infinitely quicker than keeping on threading a needle ! Hope this makes sense !
Nice! I haven't seen some of those projects you made. You done pretty good job.
Great tip Suzan!
I love your flowers Wendy, I think they're great just as they are.
Also I got the Zakka book and did NOTHING with it- you put me to shame! I'd like to make the potholders though, and the shoulder bag.
Congratulations on finishing all the projects! That was a lot of work. I love all of them, esp. the linen pouch!
Wendy your flowers are wonderful! I'd hate to see mine. You made a LOT, I didn't realize there were so many projects...but looking at them all at once I'm amazed. You did so well!!!
I definitely need to use that leaf embellishment technique - I bet it would work well on zipper bags too :) Your boxes look great - you did so well keeping up with the challenge - I dropped out after the first couple of weeks, lol! I find her construction techniques rather odd, to tell you the truth - I usually do my own thing when it comes to assembling!
I love your projects! Sandra "borrowed" my book for almost the whole thing... ;-)
I admire you both for sticking with it. I have yet to make a thing from the book. I found the instruction a big improvement over a previous book, however, they are somewhat challenging in spots!
Well done, Miss Wendy!
Congrats on seeing the SAL through to the bitter end, especially given all the problems with errors in the book!
Wow, look at all your projects! The nesting boxes are great, I also really like your itty bitty magnets and your potholder.
Your zakka projects are lovely! What a productive crafter you are :) Might have to think about purchasing the book now!
Jessie, xo
The leaves look fabulous!!!
I agree...there will be a hole where weekly zakka projects were. So nice to have found you from this sew along!
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