Adding Real Pocket to Faux Zipper Pocket

I love pockets, for kleenex, keys whatever but most pants now don't have them.  So I bought a pair of pants with faux pockets that have working zippers and plan to transform them.

First thing to do is to zigzag stitch the fabric under the zipper to make sure they don't run when you slit the fabric.  I did one pocket before slitting the fabric and the other pocket after.  Before works better because the fabric is stretched out, afterwards, it rolls and hard to sew.  I used Fray Check


at the ends because a sewing machine can't reach the corners.  Here is it after slitting and stabilizing the edges.

I cut 2 pieces of fabric the width of the pocket welt 4.75" in my case and about 10" long.  First stitch the pocket fabric to the lower welt, see below.

The picture to the right is what the underside of the stitching looks like.  Now sew the other end of the pocket to the upper welt and around the edges to form the pocket.  I used a very stretchy knit and it's hard to adjust the pressure foot pressure on my sewing machine (new to me Bernina 820) which everyone says is great but I prefer my late Kenmore 70s machine. So the fabric is wavy, but no one sees it so I won't change it.

So now from the right side you can see the pocket pulled out.

 You can make one or two pockets, since they don't change the looks on the outside it's your choice.
And this is a foolproof method, no matter what happens you can always keep the pocket zipped close and no one is the wiser.

Making a portable foot rest/sling for the Plane

Update, it works! Actually it is better than a foot rest (I used my backpack for a footrest on the plane) because it supports the knee as well.  My right knee gets sore if I don't move it, old skiing injury.  I can still ski but riding a chair lift is painful because my knee has to hold the ski weight.  

I am short and sometimes my feet don't reach the floor on airplanes especially when I am reclining.  Most planes don't have footrests on economy so I decide to make my own.  I used belting material, a belt buckle that adjusts and the bottom of a shopping bag.  Tried it in the car and works great, can't wait to get on a plane and give it a go.