I made this flower hair thing up for the handmade gift exchange. It's easy and a good use of scraps! I originally made a headband, but you can make a clip or pin, too! Way 1,200,583 to make a flower with fabric. But there are still never enough ways!........... If you like pretty things, there is still time to enter the just lovely things giveaway! ...Continue Reading
sewing 101: why you might not like sewing with patterns
I love love love patterns. I don't usually use them as they come, but I use them in one way or another all the time! However, they have also made me crazy in the past. So here's a little rant on patterns. (And how to make your experience better!) 1. The sizes are wacky!! I am not a size AMILLION thank you very much. But in pattern size, you have to size UP a few sizes, usually 2-3. Why? Because pattern companies went mainstream in the early 1900s and have not changed a thing. I think we should standardize them all, but I guess that would be ...Continue Reading
keyboard clutch tutorial
I had such a nice and unexpected response when I posted the geek chic clutch a little while ago. I never would have thought so many of you would like it! I guess you have a little inner nerd, too? I thought I'd show you how to make it today. In case you want one. It's a time consuming project, but flip on some Star Wars while you go and the time will fly by. (Is that too much? Do you guys like Star Wars, too? Only girl syndrome.) The basic construction is just a simple zipper pouch. I made it from an old suit and lace dress with a zipper ...Continue Reading
answers part 3: advice for the aspiring seamstress
I'm working writing out "my sewing story" because so many of you asked where I learned to sew. It's turning into a self-reflection on my creative life and is taking longer than expected. Gotta get it just right, you know! But it's coming. I've also had lots of questions about where to start if you want to learn to sew. So if you fit in that category, this post is for you! sewing 101:some advice for beginners 1. Start simple. The worst thing you can do to yourself is go out and buy a commercial pattern, materials and end with disaster. (Not ...Continue Reading
medical exam table paper: a patternmaking secret
Maybe this isn't a secret, but medical exam table paper (the kind you sit on at the doctor) makes the perfect patternmaking paper. There is no better tracing paper and it's pretty cheap, too! You can bet if I can find it on Amazon, that is where I will get it. Just last week I noticed I was running out of it. I panicked, naturally. Then I bought this case of 12. (After shipping it was like 3 bucks a roll.) It will last me a looong time! Instead of cutting straight into a commercial pattern, I usually trace out my size on exam paper and then ...Continue Reading
ruffles + cream couture frocks
My project post from the sytyc finale. Season wrap-up coming tomorrow! ........... ...with a bustle in back! Since I had free reign this week as far as the theme goes, I made myself a dress with my favorite things: ruffles and cream! I tea-tinted some stark white poplin for a slightly vintage white color. Underneath are layers of ruffled up lace. Layers of poplin bustle in the back, revealing a ruffled underlayer, creating a historic bustle with updated charm. Front and back darts make the bodice slightly fitted, with a big comfy skirt ...Continue Reading
sleeves: quick n’ dirty vs. "the right way"
set-in sleeves: flat vs. round There are two ways to set in sleeves, one is easier than the other. I thought I'd show you both for today's sewing 101 lesson. "the right way": in the round Setting sleeves in in the round, is harder for me than sewing them in flat. I always end up with little pleats that have to go and take out later. It is also hard to get your sleeve to match your sleeve hole because fabric stretches when you pull it! I'm calling this "the right way" because it will give your clothing higher quality. A sleeve sewn ...Continue Reading
how to print with contact paper
I love screenprinting and knew I wanted to incorporate it into at least one of my sytyc projects. But, since the hardware store doesn't sell screen printing ink, I had limited options. So I did this faux screenprinting method, that wouldn't mess up my screen (because you don't even need a screen!) I love birds so it was a good fit. Here is the printing method I used. You can do this on pretty much anything! how to print with contact paper I didn't want to use my real silkscreen for this since I was using home interior paint ...Continue Reading
crushed ruffle totes
Last week on sytyc:I made this crushed ruffle tote from all hardware store materials. (That was the theme: hardware store!) These are a new take on my smashed ruffle clutches. The ruffles on the front look a little different because of the thicker material. It was hard to sew through so many thick layers, but I'm happy to say I didn't break a needle!This week is the next seasons audition round. You can go vote and see who is participating. And next week will be the finale.........turquoise ruffle printed flock totes You may be thinking "You ...Continue Reading
bow pillow tutorial
In case you missed this last week, I'm reposting it here for you. Originally posted at Lolly Jane.bow pillow tutorialFor this project I used a:12 by 16 pillow form2 rectangles of white fabric 13" by 18" and 13" by 17"1 rectangle of fabric 40" by by 17"1 rectangle of fabric 4" by 4"one white zipperI'm on a bow kick. I don't think there are ever enough simple bows. So I wanted one on my bed, too. I used an extra sheet for this project. After I made my ruffled duvet cover, I found myself with a few extra fitted sheets, since I ...Continue Reading
In the market for a sewing machine?
I have two recommendations I had to share with you: I saw a Janome Helly Kitty sewing machine in aqua recently. I definitely don't need it. But if I ever have a little girl, that will be the first thing I buy her. Probably even before diapers. Isn't it gorgeous? It looks so play room appropriate. They have another one in pink, too! $18 sewing machine. Hah! hello kitty sewing machine P.S. I'm waiting it out to see if Blogger will restore my last two posts (including the Heather Bailey fabric giveaway). If they don't I'll have to ...Continue Reading
