If I could go back in time, this is what I would tell myself before I started sewing. I could have learned more and had more sewing success.
As the end of summer and the beginning of fall approaches, I am so excited! COOLER WEATHER! It makes me actually want to move around again. The coolness permeates the house through the open windows in the mornings. It is invigorating, and I think, 'What will I do today?' Now don't get me wrong. I'm not so full of spunk that I am going to clean all the rooms in the house today, or get that huge project finished, or anything funny as that. But I do see some progress in my work, which to me, is quite exciting! Sewing is one of my favorite pastimes. Collecting sewing notions is something that I just cannot stop doing! I decided to pull together some pretties and show them off this week. Below, packages of Silhouette trim were a recent find that are going in the 'keep' collection! I hope you are all having a lovely week! And that cool breezes and refreshing days are part of your future! Take care and thank you so much for visiting me! Blessings, Doni
So I’m knee deep in my costuming and fitting for the play. I have costumes worked out for two of my characters and hope to have both costumes finished by the end of the week. I’ve been engrossed in th
Today it’s all about fit techniques. Here are seven tutorials on fit techniques from our archives that are filled with lots of helpful information for you.
One of the most common pattern adjustments is to fix a gaping neckline. Luckily, it's easy to fix! Here are the simple steps to a great fit.
We're so excited to debut the highly requested Anthea Milkmaid Dress free sewing pattern, perfect for cottagecore sewing projects!
Sew directionally - This handy sewing tip helps you get both sides of the garment to stay the same length throughout the construction process.
The June small over on the 2012 Year of Smalls blog (Liberty Sewing Pouch by Stacy Nash) was selected and stitched by the lovely and talented Teresa Whisson. Every month we do an interview with the stitcher who selected the featured small. I know how I love listening to and reading stitch talk; so I thought I would post this month's interview for you all to see. ___________________________________ Q: What made you choose this month's design? A: Laura told me to pick it. (Editor's note: Really? Am I that bossy? Probably.) Q: Could you give us your "craft history?" For example; when did you start stitching? What other crafts do you enjoy? A: I started sewing when I was 8 and I just loved it. My dad would buy my fabric only after I finished the previous garment. I wish I still had that discipline! And I wish my dad would still buy my stash. LOL. I couldn't wait until I was 16 so I could work at the fabric store. I applied on my 16th birthday and was hired on the spot. I worked there through high school and college. I started cross stitching in about 1980 after I took a class with my sister. I cross-stitched off and on throughout the years but have been stitching non-stop since about 2000. I also picked up quilting along the way and have made over 100 quilts. Q: Would you tell us some of your favorite stitching designers? A: Blackbird Designs and Prairie schooler are my favorites. Q: Tell us about your idea of the perfect stitching day? A: I LOVE shopping with my stitching buddies. Road trips and retreats are the best. Stitching is great, but the friendships I have made are beyond measure. I adore my stitching buddies Q: Do you have a stash? And if so, how do you organize it? A: I have taken over the hall closet (walk-in) for my stash. I have the kits and charts organized alphabetically! I also have an Excel spreadsheet listing every chart and the fabric I have for it (if kitted). There are over 1000 entries on the chart so I guess I have a pretty nice stash! Q: What is your favorite part of being a stitcher? A: See #4 above! (Editor's note: ME TOO!!!)
Sleeve designs can be a little bit intimidating. Drafting them is kind of a science on its own, and it’s hard to imagine what shape you need to start with if
I had several people e-mail me and ask about pin stitching after reading my last journal entry , so I decided to create a tutorial and show...
Use this simple trick and your elastic waistbands will always turn out perfectly!
Pattern adjusting is the new trend, and tomorrow will be no different! If you’re tired of seeing the shoulders on your garment fit too tight or too loose,
I LOVE BIAS BINDING! There, I said it...I love bias binding and yes all caps that's how much I love it ;) Why am i in love with bias binding? It's an elegant finish suitable for a lot of projects and fabrics. After using the technique for a few years (on just about every project) I find it's actually a quick, clean and easy way to finish garments.
Gathering on a Serger To speed up gathering on a sewing project, I simply change the settings on my Janome 1100D Professional Serg...
Learn how to adjust the armscye to remove excess fabric and create a garment that fits you perfectly, including under and around your arms.
Ever since my first version of The Hibiscus Robe free sewing pattern, I've wanted to sew ten million more in every decadent fabric I can think of. Ombré charmeuse was dramatic and luxurious, but I can easily imagine cascading chiffon and billowing organza. Maybe even a voluminous faille to turn the robe into a dress? For this redux, I opted for one of my fabric faves: a stunning floral embroidered mesh. From boudoir to bourgeois, this all-lace version of The Hibiscus is sure to bring the drama.
Diagnose and solve poor sewing machine tension with this step-by-step checklist.
Wavy Swiss hem treatment There are many things to love about the Rose Pascale dress featured on the cover of our March/April 2013 Whit...
Need I remind you that fabrics can either make or break your project. Read on for more info on our guide to different fabrics and their properties.
If you’re a beginner sewer or would like to learn another method of inserting an invisible zipper, then this is a tutorial just for YOU! NOTE: This tutorial is demonstrating a side invisible zipper (as used in our Chloe Pant and Libby A-line...
The Brya Pants free sewing pattern is chic and coziness rolled into one fabulous look. Made with Mood Fabrics yummy Stretch Bamboo Jersey, you'll be hooked at first touch! With a beautiful variety of colors to choose from, you'll be able to pair them nicely with any top. While fitted at the waist, these joggers have a stylish relaxed fit. You could definitely style them into a great athleisure look, or dress them up with a cute pair of heels. If you're looking for something with a little more warmth, try Mood Fabrics crushed velour or the fleece backed knit, both with 4-way stretch! There are tons of lovely Fall colors as well! Let's us know how you plan on wearing your Brya Pants!
What are the pressing rules you must NEVER break for a perfectly finished sewing project? Read all about it on the Sew some stuff blog.
If you've never picked up anything but a 12 inch ruler in your life, seeing the kind of rulers there are for pattern making can be jarring. There's a funny
Wondering How to Make Mini Tassels? Top US sewing blog, Flamingo Toes, features their Complete Tutorial. Click here now for all the info!!
How to make bust adjustments on your sewing patterns
Once again, the wonderful team of Artesane share the second part of the trousers adjustments with us! Thanks so much! ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Now that you can alter the legs of a…
On Friday I mentioned that sewing certain seams annoys me. I never wrote about it because I’m too picky but based on a vote (2 for, none opposed, that’s democracy for you), we’ll discus…
This free blouse sewing pattern features long tulip sleeves, an adorable peplum silhouette, and a tie at the waist to cinch it all together.
Every girl needs that special occasion dress and this next pattern is that and more! The Eurya Dress Free Sewing Pattern features beautiful design details like fluttering capelet sleeves and elegant lines. We've paid extremely good attention to detail and adorned this silhouette with carefully selected trim. Not only is the design stunning, the fabric absolutely steals the show!
Learn how to sew a narrow hem (easy even on chiffon) using a ban roll tape. You will like this video sewing tutorial on how to sew a rolled hem on chiffon without a special rolled hem foot.
Do you love a pretty inside garment? Putting your attention to the little details? Then you might enjoy sewing this type of neckband with a covered back seam allowance. I have here sewn a sweatshirt with my new pattern the Frankie sweatshirt. This tutorial is also featured in Frankie's sewing instructions. It's really helpful to have Aqua glue marker when doing this. I'm using the one from Prym, but there are other brands as well. If you don't have glue marker, use pins or clips. Let me show you how I do it! Attach the neckband So before you start you need to attach the neckband. I've got a separate tutorial for that here. After the neckband is sewn to the neckline it will look like this: 1. Prepare the neckline strip Cut a strip of fabric, this is the fabric that will cover the seam allowance. I recommend using a light weight fabric for less bulk, but you can use medium weight fabrics too (I'm using a medium weight french terry fabric here). (Go to my fabric weight guide). If you've got my Frankie pattern you've already got a pattern piece for the neckline strip, and you can cut your fabric with that. If not, use these measurements: LENGTH: The neckline strip should have the same length as the back neckline plus 2 cm - unless it is very stretchy with ≈80% stretch or more, then your neckline strip could be slightly shorter, say 80-90% or the back neckline, plus 2 cm. WIDTH: Make the neckline strip 2,5 cm (1
What was once a tedious and often frustrating technique of manually gathering and pleating fabric can now be achieved effortlessly with either a Gathering Foot or a Ruffler Foot. Both are great accessories to make your sewing life a little easier and faster. There are, however, a few differences between the two. The fa
Learn how to sew a narrow hem (easy even on chiffon) using a ban roll tape. You will like this video sewing tutorial on how to sew a rolled hem on chiffon without a special rolled hem foot.
Schnittmuster, Anleitungen für Schnittquelle-Schnittmuster, Garatisschnittmuster, Nähideen, Stoffe und mehr
Today I’ll be showing you how to use a twin needle or double needle on your sewing machine all in a video tutorial. There’s a photo tutorial as well along with some great close up examples to help you be as successful as possible with sewing with a twin needle. There’s something about sewing two […]
A year ago I discovered on the Internet Shingo Sato a Japanese designer and instructor, and was immediately fascinated by his approach in designing a pattern, which he calls “Transformational…
One of the many benefits of sewing your own wardrobe is that you can customize handmade projects however you like. Kaysie of KZJO'STUDIO shared this beautiful Shell Edge Finish Tutorial that is the perfect finishing touch for many different knit sewing projects. This lovely accent will transform any basic piece into a one-of-a-kind creation. Click here for the entire tutorial and happy sewing! In her example, Kaysie uses KZJO'STUDIO Ashlin Dress Sewing Pattern to add her shell edge finish, but you can use this technique on almost any knit sewing pattern. Order your Ashlin Dress along with many more Indie Sewing Patterns at Girl Charlee today! Kaysie's tutorial includes many sewing tips for readers like the suggestion of using a contrast thread to show off the shell edge. This is such a fun added touch, why not show it off? Don't forget to practice on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing your Ashlin to master the technique and see how your stitches will look. The Ashlin is designed to be sewn in a stable knit fabric including Cotton Lycra and Ponte De Roma. A few of my picks from the store: Follow Girl Charlee Fabrics's board Knit Fabric Sewing Tutorials on Pinterest. We hope you enjoy this tutorial! We love to see what you sew up so please send 1-2 images* of any project you make with Girl Charlee Fabrics to [email protected] and you might see your creation featured in our next Knit Picks! *Please note that all images submitted are subject for Girl Charlee promotional use. Happy Sewing! ~ Heather & The Girl Charlee Team SaveSave SaveSave SaveSave
It’s been requested I do a tutorial on this so here goes. This particular tutorial will show two versions. The first with a one piece facing and the second with a pieced facing with the pieci…
Thank you to everyone for all your fantastic comments. There certainly was widespread interest in seeing this jacket made up, lots of people said they had the pattern but were waiting to see a few reviews before taking the plunge. I used a stretch woven that was just the right weight for the jacket but a bit too light for my liking for the pants but I am not sure what would be better. When it comes to hems I am slightly obsessed with invisibility - and it is entirely possible with a few extra but easy steps. Nothing new here, this method is available in many sewing texts but I was taking photos all the way through this construction so here is the process. First step: decide on the sleeve length. Pin hem and then mark the edge with a thread trace, as in photo on the right. No need to press the hem, that comes later. Second step: apply a strip of fusible interfacing. For this lightweight fabric I used fusible knit interfacing, for a tailored wool jacket I would use a woven weft fusible. For both these steps a sleeve board is invaluable. A necessity (and often available at garage sales, the older ones are so sturdy). Next step: I hand sew the hem catching just a few threads of the fusible interfacing and not picking up any threads of the actual sleeve fabric. Nice and loose - there should be a tiny bit of play in the thread so that it doesn't pull. I think this is key in hem sewing, the actual hem should have a tiny bit of slack to prevent a stress line across the garment. . On the right, finished hem, slightly out of focus image but you get the idea. Next step: while the garment is on a hanger or dress form, cut the sleeve lining about 1/2" longer than the finished hem. Careful with the scissors here! Let's just say that scissors + finished garment edge can be a dangerous combo. Moving on... Next step: press under the cut edge of the sleeve lining about 1/4" or so. No need to be super exact. Then turn up sleeve and lining and pin lining to sleeve. By turning up the sleeve and lining this way you get that little bit of ease in the sleeve lining that allows for arm movement. Easier to show here in the photo below. Next step: stitch the lining to the jacket sleeve. See the photo below, I stitch the lining just below the crease, so it is hidden and retains that bit of ease we added with the folding and pinning. The lining for this jacket was well designed, I thought it fit perfectly which does not always seem to be the case. I actually sewed it in by machine as the pattern instructed (a rarity for me - I usually just hand sew in linings - I like that step) Although the bottom of the lining is hand stitched. The lining was a acetate satin that I had in my lining box - a lucky find of just the right color. Well not really, when I find a good lining on a super sale I buy 5 yards or so and stash it away. (grey, navy, black - always useful.) Is that a pocket you see on the lining front? Yes! Once I finished the jacket lining and pinned it in for a check I thought this jacket needed a pocket, for a bit of mad money or business cards. It had to be hand sewed in, usually I would machine sew this type of inner pocket into the lining before it was finished. If you do add this type of pocket - go around the outer edge with your hand stitching twice, with a few random knots. You will be glad you did if you put anything weighty in the pocket, such as the aforementioned phone. The front closure: This is another reason why I mentioned in the previous post that this jacket should be worn closed and belted. The pattern calls for snaps to close. Not the prettiest method. OK - this pattern is DONE! one last look at the finished jacket. Someone mentioned wearing it with other things, and now I am thinking a skirt but I will have to play around with proportions. Onward to other projects. I am just about finished with a garment refashion (a coat into something else). As I mentioned previously, I remade the Thurlow pants pattern and they are fantastic. Finished a new knit top (New Look 6150, a winner, both versions). And the holidays just around the corner. eeeeeek! Here is today's SunnyGal garden photo - a plant given to me by my pal Alice. She has a green thumb and end up with lots of giveaway plants. I need more of these, so pretty. Happy Fall Sewing, Beth
