Perhaps I shouldn't be, but I am proud of it. I am. Ever so. I did one hand-picked zipper about two decades ago. This is my second. I've done one on the machine. (Sort of. I got a lot of help from Marticia.) Is it perfect? Not even close.
I used Susan Khalje's tutorial from Threads. Most helpful.
I also stitched with vintage buttonhole twist. Pink may have looked prettier, but I liked the idea of old thread, obtained from a vintage pattern.
The inside is less than neat. Still. I don't think it looks so bad from the outside. What do you think?
Looks pretty darn good!
Posted by: Irene | February 17, 2012 at 05:12 PM
You should definitely be proud!
Posted by: Laura | February 17, 2012 at 08:20 PM
Pretty, but it is hard to me.
Posted by: hollister | February 17, 2012 at 09:32 PM
Excellent--especially on your second try!
Posted by: Lynn Mally | February 18, 2012 at 06:51 AM
It looks great!
Posted by: K-Line | February 19, 2012 at 06:03 PM
Your hand-picking looks perfect!
My approach to adding zippers (no matter what the method) 'tho is to machine baste the seam (using a gathering stitch that's easy to remove, then to machine sew the zip to the seam allowance created by the basting stitches. It doesn't matter to me if it's an invisible zipper, a side tabbed zip, or a hand-picked zip -- I've found that waiting until after I've doubly basted the zipper into the opening absolutely ensures that it goes in without gappeosis.
I know that this seems like twice the work for the same benefit, but, once I've removed the basting stitches, I find that the stitches in the seam allowance take some of the stress off the zipper on those few days when I eat more than a lady should, so that the garment never has to undergo the indignity of a replacement zipper!
Posted by: Karen | February 19, 2012 at 11:07 PM
It looks great! And since no one can actually see the inside when you're wearing it, that isn't really an issue. ;)
Posted by: Ellen | February 20, 2012 at 04:41 PM
Good job! So when do we get to see the finished dress?
Posted by: lsaspacey | February 22, 2012 at 07:42 AM
A great way to make your stitching more accurate is by using 1/2 inch wide clear tape and attaching it down the middle of the zipper on the right side. Then it becomes a guide and also helps stabilize the fabric in case it wants to shift.
Posted by: A Facebook User | March 16, 2012 at 11:47 AM
I think it's absolutely stunning, and I love obviously hand-worked detail. I used to sew occasionally, beginning when I was about 12, and have done so on and off over the years. I have a serious fabric fetish and have been meaning to really tuck into the task of making more of my own clothing in a style which pleases me, as I can't afford the type of quality and detail I'd prefer in bespoke clothing. I think your hand-picked zipper is stunning. Thank you for the inspiration!
Posted by: phlegmfatale | March 24, 2012 at 10:37 AM