You really can sew a zipper that is invisible! March Garment Gals Meeting

Zippers were the topic of discussion in March. We learned all about different zipper techniques from Joan Gadonniex, Judy Longacre and Danielle Rudi.
Joan began our program by instructing us on the several different types of invisible zipper feet and how to use those feet to sew a zipper that well, actually ended up being invisible!  One use for an invisible zipper, besides insertion  in a garment, and one that most of us had never considered, was to use it in pillow covers.  Joan showed us one she had made, and actually had difficulty in finding which side the zipper was on!
Judy showed us a Lapped Zipper Technique.  Her detailed instructions made it seem doable, even to those of us who are often reluctant to insert any kind of a zipper in a garment!
We finished with a presentation by Danielle on Fly Front Zippers.  Again, her step by step presentation, using jeans she was in the process of making, and ones that she had completed, helped those of us who thought we might never attempt making anything but an elastic waist pair of pants!
As an offshoot, she also made many of us consider sewing a pair of jeans which is a project that many of us have felt intimidated by. In fact, we have talked Danielle into doing a jeans making workshop sometime in the near future.

What's been happening at the Garment Gals?!

Garment Sewists,  lots has been going on at the Garment Gal meetings this year!
In February we had an interesting and informative program about Peggy Sagers' Patterns. The presenter was Bonny Carmicino who had recently attended a workshop/program with Peggy Sagers herself.
Did you know that if you are interested in sewing the most current styles, Peggy Sagers Patterns are the way to go? Peggy purchases the latest designer garments and dismantles them, figuring out how to present them as patterns we can use. Hard to find patterns that fit? These patterns have great lines, include separate bust sizes and are designed to fit "Misses" and "Women" sizes.
Peggy Sagers Patterns are all designed to be used with the newest fabrics that are available. For examples, her patterns for knits now incorporate the different characteristics of various knits.
There are a few things to be aware of with her patterns. Her pattern cover photos show the "hipness" of the design but not necessarily the details. Her "flats" are sometimes not very good, and there may be little errors, like her notches do not match.
But as Bonny said, If you think before cutting, "the potential for amazing pieces is there".

The finished product

Wednesday night's NG meeting was a productive one, with many members bringing along their machines to create a sewing needle organizer.  With some quilted fabric, binding and some vinyl strips, we sewed a roll-up organizer that has individual pockets to hold all those little packets of machine needles in one place.  Using the clear vinyl to make the pockets allows you to see all your needle packs at a time, making selection much easier.

We also welcomed Pat, a visitor (and we hope a new member!) who is returning to sewing after being away from it for a while.

Next month, Linda C. will share her knowledge and experience of fabric embellishment through fabric painting and stamping.

Bonnie Hunter's Workshop - It's Here!!

Cathedral Star workshop with Bonnie Hunter