What I've been up to in May

Maybe it's the weather that doesn't feel like it's the end of May already. On the positive side, things are opening up again. I could meet friends in a beer garden, and it was lovely. I got my first dose of vaccine, and I'm getting tattoed later today. In this blog post, I'll tell you a bit about what I'm working on for Zebraspider and what other news happened or are coming up soon.

I'm in full production mode for the next Alternative Market. A round of belt bags in different colours and some exclusive fabric designs are finished. Maybe this is the last round of this kind of belt bags. While sewing them, I didn't feel connected to them anymore. I still use mine, but I also found it a bit too small for all the stuff one needs to carry around these days - more on that below.

What I've been up to in May - making new belt bags - Zebraspider Eco Anti-Fashion

I'm still working on shoulder bags made out of faux leather and sturdy cotton fabrics. I haven't made those in years. I discovered so many fabulous fabrics in a box that I almost forgot - be prepared for some wild combinations! At some point, I thought about having zippers as closure, but I already had sewn too far to add them. Maybe next time, and I will have some other bags with zippers soon.

What I've been up to in May - work in progress shoulder bags - Zebraspider Eco Anti-Fashion

There will be also brand new clothes on the market. I used some of the fabrics with my patterns that I showed you last week. Some will be available in custom sizes; some are one of a kind because the material is limited. But if you like them, I will certainly order more of the fabric designs. I'm happy to have found good options for printed organic stretch jersey now - my favourite material.

What I've been up to in May - organic clothes with exclusive goth patterns - Zebraspider Eco Anti-Fashion

All these clothes from stretchy jersey fabric need hems that are also stretchy. I always used a twin needle for this to get the typical T-shirt hem look. With a coverstich machine, these hems also look professional from the backside. My Singer combined machine wasn't usable as an overlocker anymore, but I never tested the coverstitch again. I did last week, but I couldn't get it to work.

What I've been up to in May - old broken Singer QuantumLock - Zebraspider Eco Anti-Fashion

I have used this machine for a few years, and it constantly caused trouble. I had it for repair after only two years and so many times after that, as already mentioned in the old blog post - and I'd never recommended buying a combined machine. On the same day last week, I (finally) ordered a coverstitch machine, and it arrived the next day! I am so happy and have already finished two pieces with it.

What I've been up to in May - my new Bernette B42 Funlock coverstitch machine - Zebraspider Eco Anti-Fashion

I've been developing a new belt bag style for a while now. It will only be made from organic fabrics, and the pattern will leave fewer scraps for waste. My - admittedly high aimed - goal now is to make it completely plastic-free. Not so easy, as thread, zippers and other extras are usually from polyester, even with organic pieces. Unfortunately, I'm waiting for my favourite canvas, but I'll look for prototype testers soon.

What I've been up to in May - new organic belt bag prototype - Zebraspider Eco Anti-Fashion

Yes, it has been a bit quiet on my Instagram lately, but there's much going on over here. Ensure to go to the Alternative Market if you don't want to miss the new ooak bags and clothes! The Etsy shop will only get what's left. ;)