I nearly went crazy today. I’m working on a new pattern and it requires gathering a longer fabric into the shorter piece of fabric. Lots of it, lots of times in very long lengths. The end result is going to be very pretty I know, but I wasn’t sure I … Continue reading
Over the last few months, I’ve had several readers write and ask about how I design and produce my sewing patterns. I thought it might be interesting to see how a pattern is developed right from the early stages of first idea through to pattern development, testing, and the production … Continue reading
I was so inspired by some of the projects shared as part of the Seasonal Sewing Series back last November that I have been keen to try my hand at lots of non-clothing sewing projects. On my list for this month – sewing for the kitchen and I wanted to … Continue reading
A detachable collar is perhaps the easiest way to “bling” an outfit and make it more elegant without having to go and spend a whole bunch of money on jewelry. A removable collar is also a great alternative to the current trend of chokers that are in every jewelry … Continue reading
I love it when I master new sewing skills. Being able to do something well makes the difference in my finished sewing, from looking a bit home-made to looking pretty damn good. The Sewing with Knits course introduced me to how to use a twin needle, especially for hemming knit … Continue reading
You may have noticed that most sewing patterns include instructions along the way telling you to ‘Press’. It may be as simple as the word Press, or there may be further instruction – press seams open, press dart down, press to one side. Do you always press as you sew? … Continue reading
What is Staystitching? Staystitching is invisible in your finished project but is part of the hidden bones that give it shape and strength, and a neat symmetrical finish. It is a row of stitching within the seam allowance on curved or angled cut edges. It can typically be found on … Continue reading
I’ve been making a few throw pillows (cushions if you are British) just recently and been looking for ways to close the back so they are still easily accessible for removing the insert and washing the cover, but I don’t have any long zips right now (and I admit I’ve … Continue reading
Welcome to Episode 6 in the How to Sew A Skirt Sew-along series. The subject for today is: All about Zipper Feet What do those Zipper Feet do? If you plan to sew any kind of woven garment you will usually need to include a closure of some sort to … Continue reading
I know that for many of us, sewing on binding is our least favorite part of a project. It usually comes at the end after all the other hard work and investment, and is a very visible part of the end result. If it doesn’t look good, then it can … Continue reading
Did you see my earlier article and video on how to sew on a button with your machine? It wasn’t difficult at all, just a little bit of fiddling to make sure the needle lined up exactly with the buttonholes. But, I admitted, I’m scared silly of actually sewing the … Continue reading
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