This may be an obvious post for some, but for the very beginning seamstress, this information will save you! I think most of us have come home with a knit fabric and ruined it by sending it through the sewing machine with a regular needle. Fabric determines the needle you should use. Get it right and sewing through anything will be a breeze! I have 4 kinds of needles in my collection. I always buy Schmetz if it is an option. I like the little cases they come in and I have found their quality is excellent.Universal- My normal needles, for normal ...Continue Reading
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sewing 101: alternate fabric sources
Alternative to the fabric store, that is.Fabric stores are great. But they are also dangerous places for us crafty women. Not to mention lines are sometimes ridiculous and fabric quality is not always top notch. You better believe I have a favorite + perfect + overpriced local fabric store. But...we need to eat. Sometimes. So today I am going to share with you some of my other favorite places to find fabric. These are cheaper and/or just better alternatives for some projects!go look in... Purging your closet might be on your to-do list ...Continue Reading
little button pouch tutorial
Button pouch. Can you see me/my arms in the background? Hi. If you were little me growing up, you could never have enough pouches. I always wondered at the irony of spending money on something to put my money in, like a wallet. But I still felt like I needed the wallet, bag or pouch. It would make me a better collector. I like bags. I also had lots of collections that needed storing. My strangest collection was a collection of bread clips. I always wanted one with my birthday on it. They were going to be some big art project eventually. I ...Continue Reading
vintage hexies: a hexagon tutorial!
I've been meaning to make a hexagon quilt forever. It's one of my lifelong dreams. All my sewing idols have done it. They are so pretty and would be such a neat keepsake. I really want a full size one to drape over my bed.But every time I think about making one I think about how stinkin' long it is going to take to cut out all those hexagons. Forever. Or maybe longer. go! baby to the rescue!! Accuquilt asked me if I wanted to review their Go Baby fabric cutting machine. Did you know such a thing existed? It cuts fabric into quilting shapes and ...Continue Reading
pleat week guest! – sabra from sew a straight line
Today we're playing with pintucks with Sabra from Sew a Straight Line! If there is one tutorial on my "gorgeous-project-even-better-photoshoot(oh-and-cute-shoes!)-I want-it" list this purse is it. Here is another super cute clutch. And check out this fun scientist party!................Hi, I’m Sabra from Sew a Straight Line. I was super excited when Kate invited me to play along with Pleat Week. I love a good challenge and I love using fun techniques to up the ante of basic sewing. Pleats are a great way to add interest and detail to just ...Continue Reading
pleat week guest! – sachiko from tea rose home
Today we have Sachiko from Tea Rose Home! I know you've seen that ruffle blouse (below) around. Her blog is full of lots of great stuff, including tons of tutorials. I think this is the cutest felt food I've ever seen. One of my favorite parts about Tea Rose Home is the quilted projects, like this five fat quarter scarf. I also want to try this sweater to jacket refashion! Lots to do! Today Sachiko is sharing a super cute pleated skirt tutorial. ............ Hi everyone! I am Sachiko from Tea Rose Home. On my blog I share sewing, clothes ...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
ironing tips
If you sew, you probably iron a lot too. So here are a few ironing tips. (I'm not an ironing pro. Husband irons his own shirts and I usually wear doesn't-need-to-be-ironed clothing. I also hang things up straight outta the dryer. However, I do iron a lot in the sewing room. So these tips, are more sewing project oriented.) 1. Press a lot! When you're sewing something, particularly a garment, press it after each step. After each seam you finish. After each pocket you sew on. After you stitch up the hem. After every single step. I promise your ...Continue Reading
300 clothing labels for $20
clothing labels for the masses tutorial My most frequently asked question is about my clothing labels. Where did you get them? Did you make them? I did make them. And it was really easy. And the price was right. You can't beat $20 for this many quality clothing labels and that's a fact! I've also made lots of promises that I was going to tell you my secret and make a tutorial. It's only taken a few months :) So here it is. If you are looking to brand your product to sell, or just for fun, this is a great way to start out at a low ...Continue Reading
ruffled nursing cover tutorial
{1 yard} + {1 hour} = {1 ruffled nursing cover} Materials: 1 yard quilter's cotton 2 d-rings 14" boning Cut fabric into these sizes: Piece #1: 38" by 28" Piece #2: 38" by 4" Piece #3: 38" by 4" Piece #4: 24" by 4" Piece #5: 10" by 4" 1. Ruffle Sew pieces 2 and 3 together on the short edge, right sides together so you have a approximately strip 4" by 72". Press seam open. Serge one long edge then fold that edge under 1/2" and press. Stitch in place. Fold under 1/2" on short edge and press. Fold under again and stitch in ...Continue Reading
flowerburst bangle
Flowerburst Bangle Tutorial Frayed edges and exposed stitching gives these cute bangles a deconstructed look. Layer them up or wear them alone. I love wearing "flowers" on my wrist, like a corsage. These bangles are made with sturdy fabric and just a little elastic to make them easy to get around your wrist. Materials: 2" by 8.5" rectangle of fabric, home decor weight works best, for the bangle 6" by 6" piece of quilting weight cotton for the flowers 1.5" of elastic 1. Press edges of bracelet fabric until they meet in the middle, ...Continue Reading
