zip-a-dee-doo-dah

I thought that I wouldn't miss my sewing machine. I left it behind when we moved, figuring that I wouldn't have much need for sewing, and if I did, my serger could handle it. My sewing machine and I have been separated for five months now, and I've discovered that it's indispensible to me for putting in zippers! I'm making yet another sleepsack for Madeline (summer-weight, out of seersucker), and the whole business of the zipper is taking far too long.

First, I'm not using a pre-made zipper but a length of zipper tape (because I need one much longer than is available at my fabric shop) and slider that is installed separately. Popping the slider on the zipper tape just might be rocket science, I'd decided!  Very tricky, even with this relatively useful zipper website!

Second, it's a slow process sewing a forty inches of zipper in by hand. This is where I miss my Bernina with it's handy zipper foot. I've been spending my evenings on the sofa, stitching away with re-runs of House or Hell's Kitchen on tv in the background. I don't know when it's going to end!