Zipper Tab Tutorial

For a long time, I've been frustrated with making end tabs for zippers. They never stay put before sewing, I can't use pins without bloodshed, and there's always some stray thread or corner sticking out. One day I was reading a post about not-so-fiddly Sew Together bag tabs, and I had a revelation. I tried it out. I posted that I'd figured out a new way to do zipper tabs on Instagram. And I promised a tutorial. That was ...some time ago. But I've sent the tutorial to a few friends, and with their successes, it's time to share it with everyone!

Download the PDF

The PDF is more detailed and has some optional bits to follow, such as how to customize the size of the tab. For those of you who are experienced, here's the good parts version, for a simple tab:

Please share by pointing others to this blog post, and not distributing the PDF. This way I can continue to improve the tutorial! Thanks :)

Summer on the Beach Quilt

May is my second month ever leading a quilt for the Love circle for do. Good Stitches! I've been staring at this block forever in Illustrator, trying to figure out how to "color" it. I'm not entirely convinced yet on this particular one... but I'm warming to it and I don't have any better ideas coming, ha! So, without further ado...

This is my "Summer Sunset on the Beach" initial plan. I started with the idea of citrusy colors paired with navy blue, and went looking for some color palettes... which then inspired the working name. :)

There's two simple blocks, to be set on point. Both blocks are 8" (finished), so perfect for those 2.5" squares and strip scraps!



Block A is anchored by rich blues and creamy-sandy neutrals, with pops of warm colors in the corners. The corner colors should be a mix of pale to medium greys (1-2 squares) and warm colors. A really desaturated light purple could also sneak into the grays. Try to keep the contrast reasonably strong — don't let the grey fade too much into the neutral, if you choose to place it there.

Block B is a simple square of medium watery hues framed by crisp white, so they stand out from the others, so Kona snow should be about as off-white as it gets. White-on-white prints would work.

I'll post a sample block set here after I stitch it up!